Fowey Hall is a grand Cornish mansion with almost five acres of gardens, the perfect country retreat perfect for families. Ornate Victorian architecture and period furniture are pleasingly posh, though staff are far from snooty - kids and parents will feel right at home. From the hotel, admire the views of Fowey's ancient port, take a five minute stroll to Readymoney beach or visit the Eden Project - just a ten minute drive away.

The facilities

The hotel's a dream for children, with a heated indoor pool, wooden playground and Cornwall's great outdoors guaranteed to keep them happy. A complimentary crèche, The Four Bears Den, gives younger kids a space to play and get creative under nannies' watchful eyes, and over-8s can play pool, table football and ping pong in The Garage. Videogames and consoles are available in The Gun Room. With the young'uns occupied, parents can escape to Fowey Hall's spa for some well-earned relaxation.

Hansons restaurant serves classic Cornish cuisine, using the freshest local produce - try a seafood dish for a real taste of the area. In the daytime, take light lunches on the Palm Court, which opens onto the veranda's stunning sea views. Summertime barbeques held out here are legendary.

The rooms

The thirty-six guestrooms at Fowey Hall include twelve family-friendly suites and ten pairs of interconnecting rooms. All rooms have period furniture, but grab a room on the first floor of the main house for high ceilings and large windows. Second floor rooms are more compact, with the same generous floor space.

A sensitively designed extension to the main building houses contemporary Garden Rooms, if you crave modern furniture. Rooms in the mansion's former coach house are a short walk across the green, and some have private balconies. All rooms benefit from TVs with VHS or DVD players - kids' films are available at the front desk.