Best family-friendly hotels in Cornwall 2023

With its ravishing coastlines, picturesque harbours and wholesome seaside appeal, Cornwall has long been a favourite holiday destination for families. It’s a bucket-and-spade kind of place – with more than 300 beautiful beaches – but the attraction doesn’t end there. This corner of South West England is raising its game in terms of gastronomy, design and – music to any parent’s ears – accommodation that genuinely welcomes children, rather than simply tolerating them.

Whether you’re looking for a boutique bolthole with a babysitting service and rock pools nearby or you’re after a seafront pad with a full-blown children’s club, there’s no shortage of family-friendly hotels in Cornwall. From surf schools to beach bushcraft and even kid-friendly facials, hotels have been quick to find ever more creative ways to keep their younger guests entertained.

Active broods can burn off energy by sampling everything from sea kayaking to gentle cycling along disused railway lines. Meanwhile, frazzled parents seeking a relaxing spa escape can opt for somewhere that looks after their little ones while they indulge, or they can plump for a hotel that allows children in its spa.

Here’s our pick of Cornwall hotels that make it a delight to stay for the whole family.

Location: Mawgan Porth

Overlooking Mawgan Porth beach with its endless surfing and rock-pooling opportunities, this hotel is a firm favourite with families of all ages. For parents with toddlers, the hotel lends buggies and bottle warmers, and there’s a huge indoor soft play, free crafting sessions and a cinema room to keep little ones entertained on rainy days. The bright, sea-facing restaurant has plenty of high chairs and a children’s menu. The hotel runs a young family break (where under-threes go free) and a toddler break where children receive a free gift. Babysitting can be arranged, so grown-ups can hide away in the sea view spa and sensory garden.