Where in Cornwall for Spring holiday?

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Looking to rent a holiday cottage for a week in May with DH and DD who will be 22mo. We would like a cottage near to restaurants, shops, pubs, beach/harbour etc so I'm looking at St Ives and Falmouth. I've been to both but years ago. Which is nicer and are there other places I should consider?

we prefer SE cornwall as it is less busy and less touristy. we do travel around when we go on holiday and have found the tourist board site, visitcornwall really useful in working out our days out. st Ives always struck me as a bit adulty but perhaps its because we had a not enjoyable day out there at the art gallery with moaning kids! avoid Padstow as it is just soooo busy. wherever you decide on make sure that there is really easy parking. quite a lot of the cottages in the towns in cornwall seem to have spaces miles away up a hill or you have to pay to park in a car park. when we come to cornwall we stay HERE we have looked at other places but the location and things to do are spot on for us even though the kids are now in their teens.

have a look also at the tripadvisor cornwall forum. that might help as well.

Have a look at mumsnet best places,court farm have some great offers on in the spring,always call the owners for the best deal.

St Ives has nicer beaches, Falmouth a slightly better town. Personally I would go inland a bit and head to Truro for the shops /restaurants and travel to the beach.

I would really recommend Bosinver. It's near St Austell. It is fantastic. The cottages are amazing, loads to do on site for children. It's really friendly but feels very exclusive.

Lovely indoor pool, pony rides. All the cottages are fully equipped for babies/children.

Anywhere in Cornwall is going to be busy in May. The least busy part is probably South East Cornwall (except Looe/Polperro). Maybe try and find somewhere off the beaten track in that part.

St Ives will be better than Falmouth with your 22 month old as the three main beaches round the town (Porthminster, Porthgwidden and Porthmeor) are all very toddler safe and buggy accessible and each have their own fabulous eatery overlooking the sand so you can enjoy grown up food and wine while having easy access to space for your toddler to play.

Falmouth does have the National Maritime Museum which is a great rainy day activity with a toddler but otherwise I'd say St Ives wins hands down.

I live in SE Cornwall and we visit St Ives for day trips many many times per year with our children. Happy to help with tips if you need any.

Padstow in May is lovely. Just avoid half term week. You could stay the other side of the water in Daymer Bay or Trebetherick and enjoy the water taxi in and out of Padstow. Your 22 month old would love it.

Maybe also look at Fowey. Lovely town, good river/boating action if that's your thing. Near to Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan and nice south coast beaches.

SE Cornwall is a bit quiet, which is why we love living here! But have a look at the Rame Peninsula, it might be your thing, might not. You can catch the Cremyll foot passenger ferry from Mount Edgcumbe over to Royal William Yard for good restaurants, or 'The Pig' from Cawsand over to Barbican for more restaurants and the National Marine Aquarium.

Thank you for all these top tips. Can't put this off any more now