Best places to stay in Cornwall: kid-friendly properties in Fowey, Newquay, St Ives and beyond

If you're dreaming of surf, sand and seafood, this is the guide you've been looking for. We've pulled together a stunning line up of hotels, cottages and holiday parks to bring you the best family-friendly places to stay in Cornwall.

Blessed with beautiful beaches, quaint harbour towns and a full roster of attractions for kids of all ages, Cornwall has a little something for everyone to enjoy, which is why Mumsnetters rate the county as one of the best destinations for a UK family holiday.

We've scoured the forums for top tips so you can hotfoot it to the southwest safe in the knowledge that the recommendations below have been tried and tested by real parents.

Best family hotels in Cornwall at a glance

• Best for luxury: Fowey Hall Hotel, Fowey

• Best for kid-friendly facilities: Esplanade Hotel, Newquay

• Best for beach views: Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, Newquay

• Best for activities: Tregenna Castle Resort, St Ives

• Best cute cottage: Oaken Cottage, Mousehole

1. Fowey Hall Hotel, Fowey

Fowey Hall Hotel | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"I've stayed at Fowey Hall Hotel and can really recommend it. Fabulous views, amazing food, very comfortable rooms. I felt like I was staying in an Agatha Christie book." Mumsnet user Pubgarden

Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet Editor, Rachel Erdos: Read our full review of Fowey Hall Hotel

Overlooking the cute coastal town of Fowey, this former manor house offers contemporary good looks, child-friendly facilities and a thoroughly warm welcome. We love the fabulous rooms and luxurious lounges as well as the fun family activities on offer every day.

Rates include 90 minutes of childcare (for each night of your stay) at the Four Bears Den. Designed for kids aged between three months and eight, you can expect sessions packed with crafting, playing, singing and rabbit-feeding.

There's a playground and zipline in the grounds (it got a lot of use during our stay) and there's an indoor pool and a showstopper of an outdoor pool with stunning sea views. The on-site cinema and games room are handy for rainy days.

Start the day with pancakes in the elegant dining room and finish it with storytime served with milk and cookies in the lounge (and cocktails later on if you make use of the hotel's baby listening service).

Nearest train station: Par (4.5 miles)

2. The Esplanade Hotel, Newquay

Esplanade Hotel | Check availability

Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet writer, Lucy Cotterill: Read our full review of the Esplanade Hotel

The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay boasts an enviable location next to a Quicksilver surf school and steps from the beautiful Fistral Beach. Toddlers, young children (and well behaved dogs) are given a warm welcome at this hotel where you'll find spacious family rooms with bunk beds, a build-a-bear-style teddy on arrival and a huge range of family-friendly facilities to help entertain the kids - even when the weather isn't on your side. With a indoor soft play area in muted tones (just off the restaurant), a games room, a pirate-themed playground, outdoor tennis courts and an indoor pool, you’ll also find an extensive seasonal entertainment programme and an indoor cinema room showing family-friendly recent releases. After a fun-filled day at the beach, kids will love the milk, cookies and bedtime stories that are left out by the friendly staff each evening.

Nearest train station: Newquay (2 miles)

3. Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, Newquay

Bedruthan Hotel & Spa | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"Bedruthan near Newquay. It has a gorgeous spa, wellness stuff, the views are STUNNING and it’s very calm and relaxing." Mumsnet user Janeyem

Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet Editor, Poppy O'Neill: read our full review of Bedruthan Hotel & Spa

If you're looking for some well earned R&R, the Bedruthan Hotel & Spa offers luxury spa treatments, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, a thermal suite, and breathtaking views. It's completely geared up for families, too – with family suites, a creche, a kids' club, family spa sessions and an action-packed school holiday activity timetable. It manages to balance luxury with child-friendliness really well.

Perhaps the star of the show though is the setting - it's perched on the cliff above Mawgan Porth Beach in north Cornwall, with steps winding down to the sand. The layout takes full advantage of the views and is designed so that pretty much every window is pointed towards the stunning view of the sandy beach and rolling hills.

On our visit, the beach was clean, dog-friendly and there were shops, cafes and public toilets just across the road.

Located in one of the best places to stay in Cornwall for families, Bedruthan Hotel & Spa offers easy access to Newquay's beautiful beaches and both The Eden Project and Padstow are within 45 minutes' drive.

Nearest train station: Newquay (6 miles)

Read next: The best family-friendly hotels in Devon

4. Rick Stein's Cafe, Padstow

Rick Steins Cafe | Check availability

Our verdict

The quaint little harbour town of Padstow is heaven for foodies, and the famous Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant is its crowning jewel (honestly, you've never had fish and chips like it). Beyond the pretty boats and golden beaches, you'll find peaceful coves and beautiful walks, and plenty of outdoorsy activities for the more adventurous. Spend an afternoon learning to surf, taking the kids rockpooling, or – during the summer months – day-tripping in a local fisherman's boat.

Excitingly, you can also stay at Rick Stein's Café. The hotel welcomes children and pets, providing cots and children's beds on request. It's located right in the heart of Padstow too, and provides a 24-hour room drinks service, a 10% discount at all Rick Stein establishments, priority booking at his restaurants, and – of course – some of the best food Cornwall has to offer. Sweet added touches, like the homemade cookies and hamper you'll find in your room, make the experience extra special.

5. Shark Fin Cottage, Sennen

Shark Fin Cottage | Check availability

Our verdict

Located on headland at Mayon Cove in the village of Sennen in southwestern Cornwall, Shark Fin Cottage is a gorgeous property with stunning sea views. The modern cottage sleeps up to up to six and features a wood burning stove, floor-to-ceiling windows, a contemporary kitchen and a utility room. From the huge deck and landscaped gardens you can take in views of Sennen, Land's End and the Isles of Scilly. There are cots and highchairs for kids and you're within easy reach of a restaurant, cafe, local pub and tea rooms. The area is a popular spot for surfers and the Minack Theatre and Land's End are both nearby.

Nearest train station: Penzance (10 miles)

6. Daisy Cottage, Perranporth

Daisy Cottage | Check availability

Our verdict

Sleeping up to four in two bedrooms, Daisy Cottage is a converted farm building a few minutes from the seaside town of Perranporth where the family can enjoy three miles of golden sands backed by dunes. The cottage offers open-plan living with a kitchen and a laundry room and there's a patio area and a lawn with garden furniture for sunny alfresco meals.

Nearest train station: Newquay (9 miles)

7. Pedn Olva Hotel, St Ives

Pedn Olva Hotel | Check availability

Our verdict

Ah, St Ives. A maze of cobbled streets and fisherman's homes, it's been voted the best UK family holiday destination by Coast magazine. For good reason, too – there's lots to do and see, including the Tate Gallery, the award-winning Porthgwidden Beach, the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, and animal sanctuary Paradise Park, a 15-minute drive away. You can also whisk the family away on a boat ride to Seal Island, where you can see – you guessed it – seals.

If ocean views are what you're after, ocean views are what you'll get at the Pedn Olva Hotel. Perched on St Ives Harbour Beach, the hotel offers some of the most glorious vistas Cornwall has to offer, and is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Stylish and contemporary, Pedn Olva has family rooms available, as well as cots and highchairs on request. There's a children's menu too, and breakfast is included.

Nearest train station: St Ives (1 mile)

8. Tregenna Castle Resort, St Ives

Tregenna Castle Resort | Check availability

Our verdict

Why not stay in an actual castle? Overlooking St Ives, Tregenna Castle Resort is rated highly by families. Set in 72 acres of private grounds, the impressive hotel is surrounded by woodland walks and picture-perfect gardens, just waiting to be explored. All the food is made using local ingredients, and there are both indoor and outdoor pools on the premises, as well as an outdoor play area, family rooms, soundproof rooms if you have a baby in tow, and a babysitting service, too.

Nearest train station: St Ives (1 mile)

9. Bosinver Farm Cottages, St Austell

Bosinver Farm Cottages | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"We did two weeks at Bosinver Farm in Cornwall for our last holiday with DS before he started school. He was in heaven! It has everything a 4yo could want - feeding farm animals, a shallow indoor pool, a play barn, tons of outdoor play equipment, pony rides, preschooler-friendly bushcraft sessions and sandy beaches nearby. The cottages are really nice and well-equipped so we parents were happy too!" Mumsnet user NeverEnoughCake2

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet Editor, Laura Westerman: Read our full review of Bosinver Farm Cottages

This village-style farm retreat in St Austell on Cornwall's south coast is perfect for wholesome family breaks. There's a collection of self-catering cottages to stay in, sleeping between four and 12 people, and the grounds feature farm animals, woodland and wildlife. Small kids will love the soft play barn and the outdoor playground and there's a games room for older children. Families can enjoy feeding the animals, pony rides and forest school sessions and there's a pool, a sauna and a gym onsite. The pool can be hired out for exclusive use during your stay.

There's a strong connection with local businesses via Bosinver's Touch Stay app which allows you to order food and arrange activities and spa treatments via local providers.

Nearest train station: St Austell (3 miles)

10. Towan Valley Holiday Park, St Agnes

Towan Valley Holiday Park | Check availability

Our verdict

Hoping for more of a rural affair? Situated on Cornwall's north coast, St Agnes (or Aggie as it's otherwise known), is a picture-perfect village rich in history. There are plenty of family- and dog-friendly beaches to enjoy nearby, as well as spectacular coastal views, independent shops to dip in and out of, and mouthwatering, locally-sourced cuisine.

A holiday park is a good shout if the whole family is coming along, and Towan Valley – just a short walk from Porthtowan Beach – has everything you need. With a rustic, lodge-style exterior and relaxed country vibe inside, its timber cottages are spacious, bright, and built with families in mind. Most cottages are pet-friendly, and several include a hot tub to relax in after a day in the sand.

Nearest train station: Truro (8 miles)

11. Wrens Nook, St Agnes

Wrens Nook | Check availability

Our verdict

Wrens Nook is another cottage you'll want to consider. A Grade II-listed property just a mile from the beach, the village's shops, restaurants and bars are within easy reach. With access to your own garden, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the cottage's verdant surroundings.

12. The Loft House, Mousehole

The Loft House | Check availability

Our verdict

Famous the world over (we know it from The Mousehole Cat), Dylan Thomas called this village the loveliest in England. History and myth swirl around the port – telling tales of giants, hermits, a Spanish sacking, and a name no one knows the origins of. Huddled cottages and rocky coastal paths make up Mousehole, as do little shops, bright galleries, and a windy harbour. And before you go, don't forget to look up how to pronounce the place – not as easy as it might seem, as the Mumsnet Pedants can attest (FYI: it's 'mowzel').

Just 'moments from Mousehole's beautiful harbour', The Loft House is set over three floors, and is full of rustic features. We're talking exposed beams, stained glass and restored furniture begging to be posted on Instagram grids.

13. Oaken Cottage, Mousehole

Oaken Cottage | Check availability

Our verdict

Another lovely property just metres from the harbour and beach, Oaken Cottage is a former fisherman's cottage and comes with a cosy electric burner, a travel cot, a highchair, and all the mod-cons to make you feel right at home. It's a short walk from Mousehole so it's easy to explore the town's galleries, cafes, shops and restaurants. Penzance, Land's End and the Minack Theatre are all within easy reach.

Nearest train station: Penzance (3.5 miles)

14. The Sandy Duck, Falmouth

The Sandy Duck | Check availability

Our verdict

Did you know that Falmouth was one of the Sunday Times Great Places to Live in 2018? That tells you a lot about this pretty port town. Because it's a university town, there's plenty going on, and lots to see and do. Explore Pendennis Castle or the National Maritime Museum on a cloudy day, or head to the award-winning Gyllngvase beach when the sun's out.

With warm interiors and bright rooms, The Sandy Duck offers stunning sea views if you're angled the right way. Child-friendly, this bed and breakfast is just shy of two miles from the castle, and provides flat-screen TVs, free WiFi and parking, and an extremely tasty continental breakfast.

Nearest train station: Falmouth (0.6 miles)

15. Rachel's Lodge, Truro

Rachel's Lodge | Check availability

Our verdict

If cobbled streets and impressive cathedrals are your thing, Truro could be the Cornish destination for you. A real cultural hub, it's brimming with art galleries and live music. There's the Royal Cornwall Museum too, as well as sailing tours on the river Fal, plenty of walks and cycle routes, and the stunning Enys Gardens to explore.

A 10-minute drive from Truro, Rachel's Lodge sleeps up to six in three bedrooms and sits within the Carnon Downs Caravan and Motorhome site where there are landscaped gardens, a children's play area and a cafe. It's within walking distance of the River Fal and you can explore the nearby hamlets of Penpol and Devoran. The Eden Project and St Austell are a short drive away.

Nearest train station: Truro (4 miles)

16. Moonrakers Cottage, Truro

Moonrakers cottage | Check availability

Our verdict

If you'd like an even more rural escape, Moonrakers cottage is situated in the quiet village of Ruan Lanihorne, which just happens to be an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the cottage is equipped with superfast broadband, a highchair (on request), and a decked terrace complete with garden furniture and a BBQ.

Nearest train station: Truro (10 miles)

17. Camelot Castle Hotel, Tintagel

Camelot Castle Hotel | Check availability

Our verdict

The air in Tintagel buzzes with myths and folklore of generations past. For King Arthur fans, Tintagel Castle is a must-see. Rumoured to be the place where the king was conceived (with Merlin's help), Tintagel's legendary associations drew the Earl of Cornwall to build the castle in the 1230s. Standing in ruins, it's accessible via a rather spectacular footbridge and provides some of the most incredible sea views Cornwall has to offer.

For the stay of a lifetime, it doesn't get much better than the famous Camelot Castle Hotel. You'll be transported straight to the mythical land with the help of plush, four-poster beds, grand fireplaces, and – of course – fantastic sea views.

Nearest train station: Bodmin Parkway (21 miles)

18. The Country Lodge, Tintagel

The Country Lodge | Check availability

Our verdict

For a more stripped-back experience, this Country Lodge offers plenty in the way of luxury. Featuring an outdoor hot tub and a flat-screen TV, there are also cots and highchairs available, and pets are welcome too. It sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms and sits in the Bossiney Bay holiday park, a small scenic site a short walk from Tintagel.

What's the best area to stay in Cornwall?

Wherever you stay as a family in Cornwall, you're likely to be within easy reach of a stunning beach, a cute rural village or a fun attraction. North Cornwall can feel a little rugged with cliffs and dunes (and fantastic beaches) and south Cornwall is blessed with sandy beaches and fishing villages. Surfers flock to Fistral Beach in Newquay and Widemouth Bay in Bude. St Ives is a favourite with Mumsnetters - it's home to Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden as well as fantastic cafes, restaurants and pubs. There are loads of family-friendly attractions in Newquay (a handy base if you're flying to Cornwall) including Newquay Zoo, the Blue Reef Aquarium and Dairyland Farmworld. According to Mumsnet user, PhannyMcNee Falmouth makes the perfect base: "It has a good train line, beaches, restaurants, sailing and a general buzz about the place".

What's the most beautiful place in Cornwall?

This is entirely subjective and every visitor will have their own favourite corner of Cornwall but Mumsnet users are huge fans of St Ives for its gorgeous beaches, cobbled streets and fisherman's cottages.

What's the best way to get to Cornwall?

It depends where you're travelling from and how much travelling you want to do when there. There are no motorways in Cornwall so if you're driving, your main route in will be via the A30. Cornwall's major train stations include Penzance, Truro, St Austell, Bodmin Parkway and Newquay (but do bear in mind that smaller villages aren't very well connected by public transport. Flights to Newquay Airport are available from across the UK. The town of Newquay is around a 15-minute drive from the airport.

What's the best family-friendly hotel in Cornwall?

The Bedruthan Hotel & Spa has something for all family members to enjoy. From its elevated position you can enjoy stunning views of Mawgan Porth beach and the hotel is totally geared up for little ones. Pack light as the hotel offers buggies and bottle warmers to borrow and there are a range of family rooms to choose from. The restaurants do a great job of catering to kids and there are babysitting services available (for when you want to make use of the spa).

How we chose our recommendations

Because we know that there's nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out what family hotels and destinations in Cornwall were being recommended.

We then did some research across the wider web, looking at which family hotels in Cornwall had won awards or had been featured in top publications as well as what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best family hotels in Cornwall at the moment.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.