Fowey Hall Hotel

Built in 1899 for a wealthy Cornishman, Fowey Hall is a fantastic location for mum, dad and excitable children, all ready to explore the rugged coastline, preferably with a dog or two in tow. Welcomed by an open hearth, gilded gold mirrors and lofty ceilings, the classically late-nineteenth-century style compliments the impressively comprehensive level of hospitality you will experience staying here with the family. Families are at the heart of this luxury set-up, and when your children get whisked off by friendly hotel nannies to collect eggs from the chickens, it’s a sure sign you’ve hit the weary parent’s hotel jackpot. Whether you choose to sink into a plump sofa with the newspaper, relax under the spell of a massage in the spa, take a dip in the pool, or loosen your purse strings in Fowey’s waterside boutiques, Fowey Hall Hotel is all about giving parents a chance to chill out.

All bedrooms in the main house are dog-friendly. The larger of these are like little apartments, allowing a bit more space to relax after a busy day wandering the idyllic seaside harbour. Recent renovations have maintained the hotel’s elegant feel, but now light-panelled walls, mustard and olive tones add a modern twist. Tweed dogs' heads mounted in the children’s rooms add a fun element to the crisp design. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to survey the greenery that surrounds. Gazing down at the estuary and harbour, the extensive hotel’s grounds are perfect for a good game of hide-and-seek. Or if you fancy a quiet coffee in the library, let the little ones get whisked away for the 90 minutes of complimentary childcare per day the hotel offers to anyone under the age of eight. Babysitting services are also available to allow the adults to indulge in the à la carte menu, curated courses and fine wines, once the littluns are spent.

The hotel’s favourite dog-friendly walk in the area is to Lantic Bay – South East Cornwall's best-kept secret. A quiet sheltered cove with white sands makes it feel more like the Mediterranean than Cornwall. An excellent beach albeit a bit of a steep climb on the way back up to the car park. Having once been a frequent haunt of author Kenneth Grahame, it’s believed Fowey Hall could be the inspiration behind Toad Hall in Wind in the Willows. Whether or not this is true, it's certainly a place for messing around in boats like Ratty, and will keep the entire family content, entertained and well-fed.