Child-friendly places to stay in the South-West of England
Wide, blustery Atlantic beaches, rolling moorland, quiet coves for picnicking, clifftop walks, riverside cycle paths and tumbling surf: it's hardly surprising that south-west England is one of the most popular places in Britain for family holidays.This region has also led the way in offering appealing, good-quality holiday accommodation for families. Whether your taste and budget run to a five-star hotel with crèche and children's club, a friendly farm b & b or a Famous Five-style camping adventure, there are countless options. Here are some of my favourites.
South Sands Boutique Hotel
Salcombe, Devon, England
8Telegraph expert rating
This bright bolt-hole in the popular South Hams sailing village, decorated in marine pastels and grey-wash clapboard, offers friendly and relaxed service from staff dressed in chinos, flip-flops and Jack Wills. Most bedrooms face the sea and have French windows and balconies, while beach suites have a sitting room, dining area, kitchen, balcony, and two double bedrooms. There are no play areas apart from the beach, so this is better suited to families with older children who will enjoy Salcombe's teenage social buzz. Read expert review From £225 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Babington House
Somerset, England
8Telegraph expert rating
This lovely Georgian house and estate is the country outpost of Soho House private members' club in London – and the place to bring your children for some early-years media networking. Fourteen years after it opened, Babington remains undeniably cool, but it also manages to be friendly, buzzy and not too intimidating for ordinary families. Children from one year can be looked after in the Teeny House crèche, and there is a cinema, a good spa, great food in the conservatory restaurant, acres of grounds with a swimming pool, tennis court and croquet lawn. It's also just 12 miles from the sights and shopping of Bath. Read expert review From £220 per night
Knoll House
Studland, Dorset, England
7Telegraph expert rating
Coming here is a bit like staying with older relations – the sort who are particular about meal times, can't see the point of designer décor and have years of experience in keeping young children happy. The hotel grounds extend to Studland Bay, one of the loveliest beaches in Dorset, and there's an outdoor pool, as well as a pirate ship adventure playground, tennis courts and a golf course, with an indoor pool in the spa. Young children are expected to eat in the separate children's dining room and there is baby listening until 11pm. Read expert review From £89 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Bedruthan Hotel & Spa
Newquay, Cornwall, England
8Telegraph expert rating
Don't be put off by the hotel's uninspiring facade; inside it is light and comfortable with views across a green swathe of clifftop to the sea. Set above a classic north-Cornwall surfing beach, the hotel is really well set up for children, with an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, surf school, indoor and outdoor play areas, children's clubs and high tea. One restaurant is currently being refurbished but will reopen at the end of March. Read expert review From £120 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• An insider guide to Cornwall
Polurrian Bay Hotel
Cornwall, England
8Telegraph expert rating
A new parent's dream: a fully staffed crèche for children over three months, high tea and baby listening while you enjoy the excellent food from Charlie Mozley, who trained at Bocca di Lupo, the fashionable Soho restaurant. This clifftop mansion has been given a stylish modern makeover and sits in 12 acres of grounds containing a swimming pool, tennis court and sports field. There is also a playroom for older children, a spa and an indoor pool. Read expert review From £94 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
