The most beautiful luxury family hotels in Cornwall

Last updated on January 12, 2024

Cornwall is the perfect destination for a UK family staycation, feeling just as special as further flung destinations, but without the cost and added bother of a flight. In fact, driving along the rugged Cornwall coast reminds me of Big Sur and our gorgeous California road trip.

For places to stay in Cornwall, there are excellent options for every budget and style, and in this post we’re focusing on the best luxury family hotels in Cornwall. It’s a niche that Cornwall does well with indulgent accommodation options that match luxury, comfort and ease for adults with plentiful fun and care for kids.

From free kids clubs offering creative and inspiring activities to locations on some of the UK’s best beaches, they have all the ingredients for a magical family stay.

I enlisted the help of other expert bloggers to add their recommendations alongside my own.

Also see our guide to the best things to do in Cornwall with kids. And if you’re looking for an Airbnb or glamping option, we also have guides to the best Cornwall Airbnbs, Cornwall lodges with hot tubs, and this review of a gorgeous yurt near Bude.

The Best Luxury Family Hotels in Cornwall

Watergate Bay Hotel

Our trip to Watergate Bay Hotel is one that has transformed my image of family travel in the UK. Combining style, comfort and ease, it’s all I wish for from a family hotel. I’ve written a dedicated post about why I think it’s the best family holiday in Cornwall, but in short, it has style to rival some of our favourite hip hotels, the views are dreamy, the food top notch and both children and adults are cared for in a way that ensures a memorable and refreshing break.

Highlights include an indoor infinity pool and outdoor hot tub with ocean views, a high-end spa, four dining options to suit every style, a free (and stylish!) kids club and a baby monitoring service, which means parents can have dinner while the kids sleep upstairs.

The family suites have an extra bedroom with bunks for children, but the most beautiful rooms of all are the suites with a freestanding bathtub with ocean views. Large self-catering apartments are also available.

We’ve also included it in our guide to the best UK family Christmas breaks.

Nare Hotel

The Nare Hotel offers an indulgent country house escape overlooking the beautiful Carne Beach, which reminds me of Italy’s Capri. It’s a hotel for all generations, so not family-specific, but children will be well entertained with the beach, two swimming pools, tennis, croquet, sailing, horse riding and more. The sheltered bay and sandy beach is particularly ideal for children, safe for swimming and with plenty of rock pools for exploration. And adults can indulge in the spa and sea-view hot tub.

The hotel has specially designed family suites, including ones with separate bedrooms for children or smaller suites with space for extra beds.

The restaurant has designated times for children’s, family and adult dining, so you can choose to eat together or take advantage of the hotel’s baby listening service and dine as just a couple. Babysitting can also be arranged.

St Michael’s Resort

Contributed by George at Oh my George.

When St Michael’s Resort comes to mind, I remember pure relaxation, enjoyment, and fulfillment. Situated in Falmouth, over-looking Gyllyngvase beach, it’s sat perfectly to watch the sun rise and fall each day.

With a boathouse chic décor, revamped in 2017, it’s open-plan space includes a brassiere on the bay, and a bar area overlooking the gardens. Unwind in the modern captain’s lounge, where you can keep the children occupied after dinner or sink into the sofas while sipping coffee. 

St Michael’s Resort has plenty of facilities, including a spa and health club with a healthy sized contemporary-style pool. The children can swim about during the designated children’s swim times, while you detox in the jacuzzi.

There are a variety of rooms to choose from, all taking inspiration from the Cornish coast. Family suites are available with separate living areas and bedrooms for the kids. And there are plenty of child-friendly activities in Falmouth and around the hotel, including paddleboarding, rockpooling, snorkelling, kayaking and more.

The restaurant has designated times for children’s, family and adult dining, so you can choose to eat together or take advantage of the hotel’s baby listening service and dine as just a couple. Babysitting can also be arranged.

Hotel Tresanton

Housed in a former yacht club and with sweeping views of the Roseland Peninsula, Hotel Tresanton is a chic and sophisticated boutique hotel in the pretty town of St Mawes. Despite its sophistication, the hotel is well suited to families and includes family suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate bedrooms for children. One is modelled on a ship’s cabin with built-in bunk beds. And all the rooms have sea views.

There’s also a children’s playroom with lots of toys, games, table football and a playstation, as well as a children’s garden with playhouse. And families can enjoy films on the hotel cinema, chosen from their extensive collection.

In the summer, there are extra activities for kids and the hotel also hosts a Sunday BBQ, perfect for a family get together. Only children over six are allowed in the hotel’s restaurant in the evening, and babysitting can be arranged.

Polurrian on The Lizard

Contributed by Jasmine at The Life of a Social Butterfly

The Polurrian on The Lizard boasts breathtaking views over the rugged Cornish coastline. A luxury hotel where you can enjoy the quiet haven across St Mount’s Bay, but still be within easy distance to explore the best of Cornwall – which must be the reason for the hotel’s famous clientele, including Winston Churchill and Clark Gable.

A huge benefit for families staying there (especially in the warmer weather) is the hotel’s close proximity to five blue-flag awarded beaches. It also has an outdoor children’s play area, an indoor and outdoor pool, a plentiful supply of children’s books and games, and a pool and table tennis table. In the school holidays, they run a children’s activity programme, including wood-fired cooking and sports, and also show family films in the hotel’s cinema room.

There are sea view/family rooms, the hotel also has a selection of three-bedroom villas, which are ideal for those looking for a longer stay in Cornwall. Pets are even welcome too.

Whether you are travelling as a family, a couple or just enjoying some well-needed “me-time”, there are adventures to be had, including paddle-boarding, surfing, horse riding and climbing The Lizard Lighthouse. And when you’re not sitting reading a book, with the wind in your hair and breathing in the cool sea breeze, the health club facilities, treatments and yoga classes offer the perfect way to unwind. Followed by a Cornish cream tea, of course! 

Bedruthan Hotel and Spa

Contributed by Angharad Paull at This Bristol Brood.

Bedruthan Hotel and Spa sits on a rugged cliff top in North Cornwall, overlooking the ocean, sandy beach and small village of Mawgan Porth. While not the most aesthetically-tantalising hotel from the outside, the interior is funky, cosy and scented with incense.

Bedruthan has managed to pull off the luxury/kid-friendly hotel combo that gives parents a genuine opportunity to relax, entertain the kids and connect as a family.

As well as two hours inclusive childcare per night you stay, there’s a babysitting and listening service, a ton of kids facilities (including an indoor soft play, surf lessons, cinema room, kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and outdoor play areas), plus a sensory spa, roaring fires, ‘tranquility room’, and some eye-poppingly beautiful Cornish views for adults to indulge in while the little ones are looked after.

There’s lots to explore in the area, but with so much on offer at the hotel, you may find it hard to leave! With stunning views, kid’s activities, an eco-friendly ethos, and boutique-y quirk, Bedruthan makes a really special weekend.

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