Family Time in Cornwall

22nd January 2013

Cornwall is an amazing place to explore.  There is no danger that your children will ever be bored.  Happy, exhausted, and slightly dishevelled, yes.  But never bored!  With beaches and trails to investigate, good food and plenty of activities to enjoy, Cornwall is an impressive all rounder.

How lucky we are to have our recommended Cornwall accommodations in such fabulous areas, surrounded by excellent beaches and lovely family friendly activities.  Both Old Quay House and Pencalenick House are in the Fowey area in the south, whilst the St. Moritz Hotel occupies a superb spot in the north, close to Padstow.

Cornwall Beaches

The St. Moritz in North Cornwall is a luxury hotel which is perfectly located overlooking one of the best beaches in the area – Daymer Bay beach.  With a well sheltered sandy beach and plenty of rock pools, it is ideal for families.  Even at high tide, it is safe to walk out a good distance before reaching water of any depth.

Another incredibly popular beach close to the St Moritz is Bedruthen Steps.  Golden sands are scattered with granite rocks, which are stepping stones for the Giant Bedruthan, according to local legend.   Families activities such as trails and rock pooling are often available to be enjoyed.

Guests at the CrispWhiteSheets’ properties in the Fowey area can enjoy 3 delightful beaches in the immediate vicinity – Polridmouth Cove, Readmoney Cove and Polkerris, all of which are sheltered. Polkerris is most suitable for families watersports equipment and tuition available, plus useful facilities right by the beach.

Eating Out in Cornwall

Food at the St. Moritz Hotel is rather spectacular. A special children’s menu give the little ones food that they actually want to eat, as well as keeping mum and dad happy!

Padstow is temptingly close by with Rick Stein’s seafood empire offering St Petroc’s Bistro, The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein’s Cafe and Stein’s fish and chips.

If that isn’t enough, Jamie Oliver has a venture in the area too! Part of his global social enterprise, Fifteen has a charming address of ‘On the Beach’ in Watergate Bay, and an even more charming menu! If you like the sound of an Italian style family lunch on the beach, you are in luck!

For those in the South Cornwall area, you are rather spoilt for choice!  It goes without saying that we highly recommend The Waterfront Restaurant at the Old Quay House, with its terrace overlooking the estuary in Fowey, unpretentious service and yummy local food.

Pencalenick House is self catering – what a perfect excuse to try some of the nearby eateries!! Hansons Restaurant at Fowey Hall Hotel holds a coveted AA Rosette Award and a Head Chef who has had years of fine experience working alongside Raymond Blanc.

Spinnakers Restaurant at the Fowey Hotel has held AA Rosette recognition for its food since 1997 and remains an excellent family friendly venue.  The opportunities for fine dining in Cornwall have never been better!

Things to do in Cornwall

With an abundance of things to do in Cornwall, it may be hard to make a decision . Let the weather and the amazing landscape be your guide…

In North Cornwall, Harlyn Bay, one of the Top 5 family beaches in the UK is home to Cornwall’s premier surf school. All family members can get involved, with surf lessons, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Fowey in the south of the country boasts a number of companies who offer outdoor activities for families, such as canoeing and kayaking.  Both the Camel Trail and the Clay Trails are ideal for exploring Fowey and the surrounding area by foot, bike or on horse back!

Ideal for a rainy day, families will really enjoy the Sculpture Workshop in Wadebridge, North Cornwall, with the chance to make a sculpted clay head being a suitable fun activity for all ages.

South Cornwall is home to the famous Eden Project where children can learn about the possibility of a sustainable future in a fun way, exploring tropical plants and trees from all over the world. Excellent for the post holiday review back at school!

Animal Magic

No short break or holiday in Cornwall with little ones would be complete with the obligatory visit to inspect (or better, grab hold of) small creatures.  Wingz Bird & Animal Sanctuary in South Cornwall is ideal for explaining to children about rare species and rehabilitation work, due to the sanctuary’s links with the RSPCA.

Or feed your childrens’ thirst for knowledge at the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow in North Cornwall, with fascinating information about conservation and the chance to see baby lobsters growing up ready for their release into the big sea.

There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy quality family time in Cornwall!  You’ve seen some of our suggestions for what to do, now we’d like to hear about yours.  If you have stayed in any of CrispWhiteSheets’ luxury accommodation – the St Moritz, Pencalenick House or Old Quay House – we would love to find out what family fun you had during your break in Cornwall!