The family-friendly holiday resort in Cornwall combining farm, spa and a bit of luxury

Trying to find a holiday that appeals as much to parents as it does to children can be tricky, especially when looking to take the family pet, too. But in the far north of Cornwall, just a few miles from Bude and the rugged Cornish coastline, is a luxury farm resort that does just that.

Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa is a collection of 24 cottages, barn conversions and a renovated 14th-century farmhouse set in 450 acres of rolling countryside.

European holiday accommodation provider Landal GreenParks UK announced the addition of the resort to its portfolio earlier this year - and we went to see what it was all about. We were staying in the historic farmhouse - a Grade II-listed four-bedroom house, that has recently been renovated to include all the mod cons you could need.

Rustic luxury

The whitewashed wisteria-covered property of dreams, which has its own private parking and is pet friendly (we were supplied with a crate and blanket for our dog), wasn’t just beautiful from the outside, either. The farmhouse, with its original flagstone floors and exposed beams, has a fresh, contemporary vibe.

The expansive open-plan kitchen and conservatory, which open onto a secure garden (perfect for containing both toddler and bouncy black labrador), has an Aga as well as two ovens, a massive American-style fridge, and a dining table to comfortably seat eight.

Downstairs there is a spacious sitting room with a huge inglenook fireplace; a cinema snug filled with beanbags (the children loved these); a full-sized snooker table and bar for the adults (although you’ll need to bring your own booze); plus a boot room; and a laundry room with a washing machine - very useful if staying for a few days.

Upstairs are four characterful double bedrooms, two of which have ensuites; a family bathroom; and a separate toilet. Each of the rooms has its own television and towels are included, too. The beds can be reconfigured to become twins if needed and a cot can also be provided on request.

The farmhouse is the ideal place to kick back and relax. It has its own hot tub in the garden - perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the surrounding coastal countryside - as well as a bbq and outdoor seating to boot.

Down on the farm

The resort itself is ideal for young children, which was handy as we had a five-month-old, a 15-month-old and a four-year-old on the trip. The former family-owned farm still has plenty of resident animals including chickens, pigs, donkeys and alpacas. We took part in one of the twice-weekly feeding sessions with Sarah Lewis, who runs the farm with Tage Jenkings.

After booking with reception (it’s free for guests but is advisable, especially in high season), we met up with Sarah in the farmyard. She was brilliant with the children, and we had plenty of time learning about the animals. Meeting the farm’s newest residents - four baby bunnies - caused particular excitement as did collecting eggs from the chickens. We were even given a bag of eggs to take back to the farmhouse afterwards - a nice touch.

During the summer months, the animal feeding is followed by a tractor ride around the farm. The estate’s 450 acres of farmland is rented out to local farmers, with a significant amount of fresh produce supplied to the resort’s on-site restaurant, The Weir.

We were driven up to the highest point on the estate, with impressive views stretching over Widemouth Bay. There was even a chance to stop off and have a climb inside the tractor. The ride went down a storm with the children, who couldn’t wait to clamber into the driving seat.

Elsewhere, there is a soft play room for children under six; an outdoor play area and two swimming pools - an outdoor and indoor one. The pools are part of the resort’s spa and leisure facilities at the W Club. As well as swimming, grown ups can enjoy access to a Swedish sauna, aroma steam room, jacuzzi and gym. There are a range of treatments on offer at the in-house spa - from facials to full-body massages - too.

The Weir

The resort’s on-site eatery The Weir overlooks a fishing lake and has plenty of outdoor seating for those warmer days. Inside, the restaurant’s decor showcases the wildlife in and around the Cornish coast with floor-to-ceiling displays of information.

The Weir recently appointed a new chef - Kai Taylor - and launched a menu offering a mix of local cuisine and international-inspired dishes. Plates include seafood and cornish pasta; Goan green aubergine tikka curry with 12-house slow-cooked lamb; Cornish ham and St Ewe eggs; firebrand beer-battered Cornish fish; and long and slow Peking chicken.

Taylor has a number of accolades to his name including multiple AA Rosettes, Michelin Bib Gourmands and a Taste of the West gold award. The South West-born chef, who has been living in Cornwall with his family for four years, is looking to bring local knowledge and quintessential Cornish cooking to The Weir along with fresh seafood, street food dishes and “classic and unique” snacks.

Further afield

There is much to explore in and around Bude, but its beaches are a real highlight. Whether it’s surfing, swimming or dog walking you’re after, there’s something for everyone.

You can walk from Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa to Widemouth Bay - a dog-friendly beach (although you are restricted to visiting with your pooch before 10am and after 6pm from May 15 to September 30). At the south end of Widemouth is Black Rock Beach, which allows dogs all year round, however.

There is also Sandymouth Bay just 15 minutes north of the town by car (it has a National Trust car park) and the more secluded Northcott Mouth with its rocky shoreline, which allows dogs too.

The verdict? If you’re looking for a holiday resort that you’ll enjoy as much as your children, the Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa is definitely worth a visit. It makes holidaying with kids and pets relaxing - and that is no mean feat.

Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa, Cornwall

A four-night stay for up to eight people in the Whalesborough Farmhouse Spa costs from £839. For more information or to book, visit landal.co.uk or call 01603 367066.