Looking for a luxe child friendly stay in Cornwall? We’ve just the place for you. ‘Child-friendly’ is so often a red flag for less-than-stylish things, but, luckily for us, Luxury Family Holidays have made it their mission to transform the family escape into something a whole lot more luxurious.

I mean check out Fowey Hall Hotel! Housed in a stunning Victorian mansion overlooking the Fowey Estuary. Following a landmark refurb in 2023, every detail in this fabulous hotel is designed to make you feel at home (if home is the set of a glam period drama). All the stylish and comfortable rooms and suites accommodate families of various sizes and even the spa staff won’t baulk at the presence of your bolshy mini-me – kids can swim in the indoor pool from 8am-8pm and treatments are available from 3+.

Clearly, seasoned parents had a hand in the family-friendly touches, because they are genius. Cots, highchairs, potties and more are available for your room. Throughout the hotel and grounds there are lots of things to keep your little people entertained; a big playroom, a cinema room, trampoline, pool, adventure playground with tire swings, zip wire and pirate ship, library with a host of storybooks and board games, table tennis, table football and consoles. There’s also an Ofsted registered kids club for children up to 8, with 90 mins of childcare per day even included in your room rate – plus in school holidays activities for the whole family.

The restaurant keeps up the Cornish tradition, with dishes starring quality local produce and caters really well for both family dining and fine dining. Evening meals start at 5.15pm, with small plates and half portions available, then when your children are settled for the night, switch on the listening service or book a sitter and enjoy proper grown-up dinner.

Once summer arrives, the heated sea view outdoor pool opens (May – October) and with buckets, spades and even crabbing lines all available to borrow, you hardly need pack. The safe family sandy beach of Readymoney Cove is just a short walk away and is a favourite spot for swimming and sandcastle making, and the newly refurbished 1920s children’s tidal pool on the rocks at Whitehouse is close by too. Further afield but still accessible are some of Cornwall’s best family friendly attractions including the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. In winter, the unique and charming outside Alpine Dining Domes serve cheese and chocolate fondues.

For anyone without children, Fowey Hall becomes a more tranquil place outside of school holidays, popular with walkers and friends looking for a peaceful place to catch up. Dogs are welcome all year, and your four-legged friends will not want to miss the glorious walking in this neck of the woods, practically straight onto the SW coast path, with a waggy tails afternoon tea available, plus bowls, beds and treats on arrival.

Local legend has it that Fowey Hall inspired ‘Toad Hall’ from Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows. The author was a frequent visitor but whatever the truth of the tale, it is a little like holidaying in a storybook here. And very fitting that years later, the Hall should welcome so many children and families to enjoy this charmed part of Cornwall.