Finding The Best Child Friendly Hotels Cornwall
The child friendly hotels in Cornwall are some of the most wonderful hidden gems the UK has to offer. As a result of spending most of my childhood living in the South West, we didn’t get to actually experience the hotels in the local area, so this is something I’m really looking forward to getting to do now that I have kids.
Given our little ones are still so young, holidaying at a Greek resort over the summer months isn’t feasible at the moment- we’d end up spending most of the time indoors due to the heat!
But now that we live in London, I’m really craving that constant access to the sea, fresh air, rugged landscape, and amazing food.
The memories of being at the beach with a bucket and spade, salty chips and sand in our toes remains so close to my heart, and I want my children to experience that too. Combined with the fact that much of Europe is becoming unbearably hot in the summer, and as a family we’re looking to be more sustainable when we travel- Cornwall tops my list for family staycations.
You may have stumbled upon this post because you’re already considering a family getaway to the picturesque coasts of Cornwall. Cornwall is after all one of the most popular destinations for families looking for a staycation. You may be wondering where is great to stay, and where’s going to provide you all the amenities to keep kids happy, but also give the parents a relaxing break.
I’ve done the hard work for you, and handpicked the best family hotels in Cornwall that guarantee cosy Cornish comfort, loads of fun by the sea, and unforgettable times for the family.
The best thing about these Cornwall stays is the incredible way of life there; stunning sea views, splashing in kid-friendly pools, and top-notch facilities designed with families in mind.
Sounds perfect, right? Get ready to turn that dream into reality as I unveil Cornwall’s top family-friendly hotels to book right now.
1. Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Mawgan Porth
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa is a Scandi inspired, retro chic, retreat for families. Situated above the golden sands of Mawgan Porth beach, this hotel may not win the prize for most beautiful on the outside, but the interior is colourful enough for kids to find it fun, and that translates to a contemporary style for grown-ups.
There are also incredible views and the Bedruthan offers a perfect blend of luxury for parents and excitement for kids. The hotel’s ethos revolves around creating a relaxing environment where families can spend quality time together while also enjoying some well-deserved downtime. With its stunning coastal location, exceptional facilities, air fragranced with incense, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Bedruthan Hotel and Spa provides an unforgettable and quirky Cornish experience.
Why families love it:
- Direct access to Mawgan Porth beach
- Age-specific kids’ clubs and activities
- The ‘spa-garden’ is an Adult-only spaces with hot and cold sensory experiences
- Eco-friendly ethos and activities
Top family amenities:
1. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
2. Children’s games room and playground
3. Family surf lessons and beach activities
4. Onsite restaurants serving locally-sourced food
5. The sea view family rooms include a king sized bed and two children’s beds, with incredible views out to sea
Prices from £175/night
2. Watergate Bay Hotel, Newquay
Watergate Bay Hotel redefines the concept of a beach vacation with its “ski resort on a beach” philosophy. Located on the north Cornwall coast, just outside Newquay, this contemporary hotel is a perfect combination of comfort, relaxation, and beautiful decor. That combined with the fact that it’s right on the edge of a two-mile stretch of golden sand, the views are heaven, and the food is 10/10 – means it’s pretty much everything we look for in a staycation hotel.
The hotel’s atmosphere is informal, and the facilities are exceptional. That makes it a perfect choice for active families who love the outdoors. Whether you’re into surfing, paddleboarding, or simply building sandcastles, Watergate Bay Hotel is the ideal base for a coastal adventure.
Why families love it:
- Beachfront location with stunning ocean views
- Extreme Academy for water sports lessons
- Free kids club, and dedicated children’s hours in the pool
- Four different dining options, so everyone is happy
- Impressive spa
- Baby monitoring service
Top family amenities:
1. Indoor infinity pool, and outdoor swimming pools and hot tub
2. Kids’ club during school holidays
3. Family surf lessons and beach activities
4. Multiple dining options, including casual beach-side eateries
5. Family suites with bunk-beds, and self-catering apartments available
Prices from £280/night
3. Fowey Hall Hotel, Fowey
Fowey Hall Hotel, the inspiration behind Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows,” is a luxurious yet family-friendly country house hotel. It’s also included in my top 11 family friendly hotels in the UK, and I’m really impressed by this hotel for a UK staycation.
Overlooking the charming town of Fowey (pronounced Foy) and its estuary, this elegant hotel blends Victorian grandeur with modern comforts. Fowey Hall understands that happy children make for happy parents, and they’ve thought of everything with their range of facilities to cater for all family members. From its Four Bears Den crèche with free childcare, to the outdoor adventure playground, to the bunny rabbits, the hotel guarantees that the younger guests always have the opportunities to be entertained, and parents can enjoy their own little slice of Cornish paradise.
Why families love it:
- Stunning estuary views and proximity to Fowey town
- Complimentary childcare at the Four Bears Den
- Family-friendly spa with children’s treatments
- Dog-friendly accommodation
Top family amenities:
1. Indoor swimming pool with dedicated children’s hours
2. Outdoor adventure playground and trampoline
3. Games room with pool table and video games
4. Wind in the Willows themed afternoon tea
5. Family suites with bunk-beds, and self-catering apartments available
Prices from £140/night
4. Polurrian on the Lizard, Mullion
Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula, the only way to describe the views from Polurrian is… breathtaking. This is a stylish and luxury hotel, complete with contemporary interiors and panoramic sea views. They give a really warm welcome to families with children who are looking to explore the beauty of South Cornwall.
The hotel’s ethos is all about creating a home-away-from-home feeling. With its private beach access and loads of activities for kids (including a children’s activity program in the holidays), there are so many adventures to experience at Polurrian.
Why families love it:
- Spectacular clifftop location with sea views
- close to five blue-flag beaches.
- Private path to secluded beach
- Indoor and outdoor pool
- Extensive indoor and outdoor play areas,
- Pets welcome
Top family amenities:
1. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
2. Cinema room with family movie screenings
3. Tennis courts and outdoor play area
4. Family-friendly spa treatments, and yoga classes
5. Selection of daily suites, and 3 bedroom villas
Prices from £75/night
5. Tregenna Castle Resort, St Ives
Tregenna Castle Resort in St Ives is a hidden gem in the truest form. Set in 72 acres of subtropical gardens overlooking St Ives Bay, this impressive resort provides you with a family staycation experience that combines the grandeur of an historic castle with all the amenities you’d expect from a modern luxury resort.
When it comes to catering for families, you have all the space you need to roam, play, and live the Cornish dream.
The resort has loads of accommodation options, from castle rooms to self-catering lodges, so theres an option for all sizes of family. There’s also an extensive list of onsite activities. Beyond that, the resort is very close to the beautiful beaches of St Ives.
Why families love it:
- Stunning views over St Ives Bay
- Variety of accommodation options, including sea view hotel rooms, and luxury family friendly self catered apartments
- Extensive grounds with subtropical gardens
- 5 minute drive to St Ives Harbour
- Close to beaches
Top family amenities:
1. Heated outdoor pool (seasonal) and indoor pool
2. 18-hole golf course and tennis courts
3. Children’s play area and giant chess set
4. Family-friendly dining options
Prices from £68/night
6. The Esplanade Hotel, Newquay
Escape to the Esplanade Hotel in Newquay, where family fun takes centre stage! Overlooking the iconic Fistral Beach (home of Boardmasters surf competition), this beachfront haven gives the perfect mix of seaside magic and cosy accommodation. The staff at The Esplanade go the extra mile to make sure little ones have a dreamy stay, and the hotel tailor their facilities and activities for families with children.
From a pirate-themed play area to surf-inspired family rooms, every detail is crafted to perfection.
Why families love it:
- Direct access to Fistral Beach
- Extensive children’s facilities and activities
- Family rooms with beach-inspired decor
- Relaxed, surf-friendly atmosphere
Top family amenities:
1. Indoor swimming pool with designated family swim times
2. Pirate-themed indoor play area
3. Kids’ club during school holidays
4. Family-friendly dining with kids’ menus
Price from £75/ night
7. St Enodoc Hotel, Rock, Cornwall
St Enodoc is a boutique hotel in Cornwall. It gets the coastal-chic vibe down to a T, with beautiful art, colours, and prints. There are two restaurants onside, and they focus on cooking with local produce. St Endoc Hotel is a great base to explore North Cornwall from.
The hotel is set on a hill overlooking Camel Estuary in the trendy town of Rock, and is a very short stroll away from the beautiful sandy beaches of Daymer and Polzeath, and of course St Enodoc Golf Course. When the tide comes in, you can even hop on a boat to Padstow. But I’d actually recommend not doing this in peak summer just because of how busy and overrun with tourists that Padstow becomes.
If you’re looking at how to get to St Enodoc. I’d suggest travelling by car. But if that is tricky, you can get a taxi from Bodmin Parkway train station.
Why families love it:
- Amazing breakfasts!
- Dogs are welcome
- Children’s playroom
- Close proximity to Daymer Bay, Polzeath beach, and the Rock Inn pub
Top family amenities:
1. Elemis day spa
2. Close to St Enodoc Golf Course
3. Outdoor pool open in the summer, and deckchairs in the garden
4. Family suites available to book
Prices from £180/night
Planning Your Family Staycation in Cornwall: Top Tips For Finding The Best Child Friendly Hotels In Cornwall
Now that you’ve got your list to work through of Cornwall’s best family friendly hotels, here are some tips from me, that should make your stay even better:
1. Book early: Goes without saying, but these hotels are popular, and can get booked up quickly, especially during school holidays.
2. Consider the season: While summer offers the best beach weather, shoulder seasons like late spring or early autumn can still be warm, but also give you more relaxed experience with lower rates than peak times.
3. Check for special offers: I’ve noticed that pretty much all of these hotels offer family packages or deals during certain periods. I particularly love the ‘stay 3 nights for the price of 2’, or offers that include meals, or spa treatments.
4. Pack wisely: Cornwall’s weather is definitely unpredictable. It might be bright sunshine one day and torrential rain and winds the next.. Bring layers, rain gear, and your beach essentials to be prepared for all conditions. This means you can still get outside no matter the weather.
5. Plan some activities: Each of the hotels offer plenty of onsite entertainment, and all have pools and child friendly amenities. Despite that, exploring the surrounding areas of Cornwall is part of the magic of the trip. It’s worth researching local attractions and taking a couple of day trips while you’re down there.
6. Consider half-board options: Many family hotels offer half-board rates, which can be great value and also mean you have some flexibility with meal times. I’m a huge fan of Cornish pubs (who isn’t?!). If you have half board, you can always have breakfast in the hotel, and a tasty pub lunch or dinner.
The child friendly hotels in Cornwall have thought of everything for you and your family. Get booking one of these locations and be ready for a fantastic adventure!