Children Friendly Hotels in the UK / South West

[Ems]

Please could anyone who has been to Fowey, recommend good family things to do in the area. Thanks.

[Alih]

Sue2 - I don't know whether you particularly want a hotel, but we have just come back from a great place in Nth Devon.

It's called Hill Farm, and is on the edge of Torrington (10 miles inland from Westward Ho/Barnstaple. It's a non-working farm, run specifically for children. My dd is 20mths old and had a great time. Sheep, a cow, a goat, rabbits, ponies, chickens, geese, ducks, donkeys, you name it they've got it. Animal feeding twice a day, tractor rides, indoor heated pool (very relaxing), indoor games room, outdoor playground, need I say more.

Accomodation is in self catering cottages, (clean and nicely furnished), fully equipped with microwave, Fridge freezer etc, highchairs, stairgates etc. The couple who run it also have two daughters who babysit if required (21 and 23 I think). I sound like an advert I know, but the place was so good that I think more people should know about it.

During our week there, we didn't leave the farm for three days because we didn't need to! Granted we had good weather, but there is indoor stuff if you don't. Hope this helps. Get back if you want a number.

[Knakered]

Last year we went to Treggenna Castle in St Ives...you can either stay in the hotel or in one of the many beautiful converted buildings in the grounds...we had a detached 3bed 2 bath cottage which was lovely. There is a creche, out door play area, indoor pool, out door pool, tennis golf, gym, spa, hair/beauty thing, restaurants and babysitters...the grounds are stunning sitting high above St Ives...it is not cheap in the school holidays...but out of season it is good value (We paid £450 for our house for week at the end of Sept)... you get all the facilities of a good hotel but you are not cooped up in a room with the toddlers getting their heads stuck in the trouser press. They also do a really cheap out of season "golf weekend"....3 nights DBB in the hotel + golf for £99/person....doubt that they would mind if you didnt play golf.

[Ailsa]

Ems,

MIL loves the Monkey Sanctuary, A friend of mine took her two boys to Dobwalls Family Adventure Park and they loved it, and, finally, hubby keeps ranting on about Mevagissey, and Charlestown, I've never been to this part of Cornwall so I'm not sure about hubby's options! I prefer the north coast.

I'll ask MIL if there's anything else, 'cos I think this is her favourite area of Cornwall.

[Qd]

We go to Polruan alot, just across the river. I would really recommend the Monkey Sanctuary. It's near Looe I think. You would have to get the car-ferry from Fowey to Boddinick. The monkeys get to roam around freely, accompanied by their keepers. Our son loves it there. We first went when he was 4 months and he really seemed to take it all in! The Eden Project is close by. I haven't been since it was finished but we had a great day when it was under construction. Boat trips up the river Fowey? We took our little boy when he was a baby. He was hungry and I had to whip out my boob, our spaniel got skittish thanks to a yappy yorkie and then my straw hat blew off and the skipper insisted on going back for it. I don't think our fellow passengers (average age 70) had ever had such an eventful journey. Walks up to the castle on the headland. Just scabbling along beaches? Also your hotel, B&B or self-catering should have an local information pack. Also I think they are pretty friendly at the tourist info at the post office at the end of Fore Street. If you're going in May I think it's the Fowey Festival. Lots of events and fun. I'm not sure when it is exactly. Have a great time.

[Ems]

Thanks Ailsa, I've found some good places, but I was after some personal recommendations too! What was interesting, fun and worked for other families. Anyone been?!

[Ailsa]

Ems,

Try doing a search using www.google.com, type in Fowey and you'll get quite a few links to that area.

Hope this helps