Dorset/Devon/Cornwall recommendations for places to stay please

[1dilemma]

OK I think we've decided to stay here (because we can't find anywhere else ) I would really appreciate some recommendations want somewhere fairly nice ideally not a stuffed holiday park (happy if it's small) can't camp because dc1 wanders so no tents must be close to fab beach and the really ideal place would have good access to a safe (ie fenced) swimming pool

Any one know where to find the impossible please?

Well, me and dh and dd are off to the Isles of Scilly in September. They are islands off Cornwall if you didn't aready know that. It's not over commercial, very mild climate and have some lovely beaches. There are quite a few self-catering options some maybe with swimming pools.

The island's are so small that you don't need to car hire, you can walk or bus. We're staying on St Mary's the largest island and self-catering.

Here's a link to the website on Scilly if this helps

bedruthan steps is lovely but ££££££

Depends on your budget and age of kids. We got a fantastic late availability for Court Farm Holidays near Bude. Google search under that name and you'll find them. I have written a review on Mumsnet Travel reviews for them It was fantastic but could only afford to get a late availability deal for October, which worked out fine as we had good sun, better than any of last summer. CFH cut their prices for any late availability and keep cutting them each week it gets nearer. It's a gamble but pays well if it works. CFH are Self catering set of cottages some trad and some contemporary, some with hot-tubs, with use of indoor/outdoor swimming pool, small garden/park area, quiet but lovely pub opposite and short drive to beaches and coastal paths and tourist places.

We have got a late availability again for this summer for a self-catering cottage near portsmouth, through babyfriendly boltholes (again google them). www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk/

Steviesgirl is right about Scillys being lovely but not been there with DD yet as getting there can be costly as islands. Great place though.

Recommend reading the Mumsnet travel reviews for UK. They are pretty helpful and list some great places and some people list ages of children taken which helps. Friends have also sung praises of Glyn Barton Cottages, North Hayne Farm Cottages and www.bosinver.co.uk/cornwall-toddler-holidays.php but all can be pricey peak season.

I am sure you'll find something. Happy Holidaying!

I would also say Bedruthan Steps - but v. expensive in school hols.

down2earth - we're off to Court Farm next week. Just off to have a look at your review now but might be back to ask a couple of questions, if you don't mind ??