1/9 South Sands Hotel, Devon
Why go? There’s a New England feel to this gorgeously chic beachside Salcombe hotel, and a nautical theme running throughout. If you’re looking for style and luxe, this is the one for you.
Facilities: A choice of rooms including five two-bedroom beach suites offer great family living space, some with direct access to the beach. The area is also a watersport fanatics dream – surfing, sailing, power-boating, kayaking.
Cost: A beach suite, for two adults and two children, costs from £320 a night on B&B.
Visit: southsands.com
2/9 Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall
Why go? Tresanton is on the edge of St Mawes, one of the prettiest fishing villages in Cornwall, and has stunning views across the sea towards St Anthony’s lighthouse.
Facilities: The hotel has a number of new family rooms, a playroom and children’s garden, as well as Tavern Beach on the doorstep – the perfect spot for rock pooling, paddling and swimming. You can also charter the hotel’s private yacht.
Cost: Family suites are from £320 (sleep two adults and up to four children).
Visit: tresanton.com
3/9 The Gallivant, Camber
Why go? This small, 18-bedroom hotel is wonderfully endearing – there’s a real New England feel about the place with seashells, driftwood and whitewashed furniture scattered throughout its interior.
Facilities: Located opposite the dunes and famous golden Camber Sands, The Gallivant offers access to some pretty cool sand dunes and three miles of pristine beach – the perfect natural playground. For a good old-fashioned beach holiday in a pretty cool pad, look no further.
Cost: Double rooms start from £135 a night
Visit: thegallivanthotel.com
4/9 Fowey Hall, Cornwall
Why go? This impressive looking hotel overlooking the beautiful Fowey River estuary has an interior that is just as enchanting.
Facilities: Located close to The Eden Project, the aquarium in Newquay, and the estuary, there are some great days out. That said, with the indoor pool, playground, trampoline and extensive kids’ play zones – as well as a superb onsite spa – you may be reluctant to leave.
Cost: Double rooms start from £150 on B&B, children under 16 sharing their parent’s room stay free.
Visit: foweyhallhotel.co.uk
5/9 Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Why go? Contemporary chic beachside hotel, foodie heaven and watersports haven.
Facilities: A spa and infinity pool overlook the beach and there’s a choice of eateries on site, including Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen. There are masses of activities for children. But with two miles of sandy beach and one of the UK’s leading watersport academies on your doorstep, you’ll find the best entertainment outside.
Cost: Family suites (with bunkbeds) from £200 a night. There are discounts for children.
Visit: watergatebay.co.uk
6/9 Polurrian Bay Hotel, Cornwall
Why go? Set within 12 acres of gardens and with views out to the Atlantic, this cliff-top hotel has families in mind.
Facilities: There are themed areas for kids of differing ages: from the snug with its pre-schooler goodies to the Blue Room, with video games for older children. There’s also a cinema room, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and tennis courts.
Cost: Double rooms start from £99 a night, children under 16 sharing with parents stay for free.
Visit: polurrianhotel.com
7/9 The Cove, Cornwall
Why go? Offering all the benefits of hotel living (spa, outdoor pool, restaurant, terrace bar), The Cove is a small complex of contemporary self-catering apartments. Ideal for families looking for flexibility and a little extra space, plus those all-important home from home mod cons. With breathtaking views down to Lamorna Cove and out to sea, this is a little oasis of loveliness just west of Penzance and perfect for families wanting the best of both worlds.
Cost: Apartments start from £125 a night for 2-4 people.
Visit: thecovecornwall.com
8/9 Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall
Why go? Situated in an enviable position on the South Coast Path, the hotel is contemporary, light and bright with stunning views out to sea.
Facilities: With the beach on its doorstep, indoor and outdoor pools, an adventure playground and more childcare facilities and kids’ activities than you can shake a stick at, Bedruthan Steps is a firm favourite with families.
Cost: A sea view family room for four starts from £175 on B&B basis.
Visit: bedruthan.com
9/9 St. Mortiz Hotel, Cornwall
Why go? This art deco-inspired hotel offers sensational contemporary accommodation.
Facilities: As well as gym, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, Cowshed Spa and your very own beach hut, the kids’ Beach Club enables little dudes to learn to surf with professional instructors, while Surf Safaris keeps children busy, exploring rock pools and playing beach games. At the end of the day they can hit the kiddies bar, for kids’ cocktails.
Cost: A suite for a family of four (two children under 14) starts from £195 a night.