Fowey Hall
Best for
Babies and children of all ages are warmly welcomed; those aged up to 12 are particularly well cared for.
Recommended rooms
There are 10 interconnecting rooms with space for up to six guests. The best is William Hanson, which has a private terrace and sea views. All rooms are large enough for at least a cot or extra bed. Suites have fridges, handy for storing milk.
Crèche
The Ofsted-approved Four Bears Den is geared towards under-eights (and quiet, slightly older children, by arrangement). There are lots of toys, and supervised hands-on play sessions, including painting and cooking (aprons are provided). Open daily, 10–11.45am and 12.30–4.45pm.
Activities
Romp around in the walled gardens, or play croquet or giant Jenga in the summer. Fowey's chickens (Hen-rietta, Mic-shell and Eggburt) are fed every day at 10am (take your kids to reception just beforehand and nannies will escort them to the coup). This exceedingly child-friendly hotel has an outdoor play area, with a large trampoline, and there are Didicars for youngsters in the den. Table football and Nintendo Wiis are available in the Blue Room. Family-friendly films are shown nightly in the Cooks Room during school holidays. Fowey always has its ear to the ground when it comes to local family-friendly events, for example a toy exhibition at the Royal Cornwall Museum, or National Science Week children's programmes at Newquay Zoo.
Swimming pool
There's an indoor heated pool within the hotel grounds. Armbands and rubber rings for all ages available. Swimming lessons can be arranged, too, from £10 for 30 minutes.
Meals
Children under 16 are not allowed in the main restaurant for dinner, but if you want to eat together after 6.45pm, you can do so in the Garden Room. There are 5pm and 5.30pm sittings for nursery tea (bookable with the restaurant by 11am). Breakfast is free for under-twos, £5 for two- to seven-year-olds, £7.50 for 8–11-year-olds and £10 for under-16s. The kitchen provides puréed food on request, but you'll need to bring your own bottles, formula and baby food. Fowey Hall will happily provide family picnics; order at reception by 6pm the evening before. During the summer, the hotel throws barbecue parties on Sunday evenings and shuts both restaurants.
Babysitting
This can be arranged for you and will cost around £10 an hour, at the babysitter's discretion, and generally needs to be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
No need to pack
If you're travelling with a baby, cots, nappy buckets, bath and changing mats and kettles will automatically be provided in your room. Sterilisers, high chairs, two pushchairs and a back carrier also available, but not pre-bookable.
Also
Readymoney, the nearest sandy beach, is a ten-minute walk away. There are can be borrowed on request. Ask about Fowey Hall's special children's events, too; they include some real gems, such as bedtime stories read by local authors, or seasonal activities such as making jewellery for Mother's Day and calendars at Christmas.
