Family-friendly resort that combines farm, spa and a little luxury

Trying to find a vacation that appeals to parents as much as kids can be difficult, especially when you’re looking to take the family pet along too. But in far north Cornwall, just a few miles from Bude and the rugged Cornish coast, is a luxury farm that does just that.

Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa is a collection of 24 cottages, converted barns 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 a historic farmhouse – a Grade II listed four bedroom house which has been recently renovated to include all the facilities you could need.

Rustic luxury

The wisteria-whitewashed dream property, which has private parking and is pet-friendly (we were provided with a crate and blanket for our dog), wasn’t pretty from the outside either. The farmhouse, with its original stone floors and exposed beams, has a fresh, contemporary feel.

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

On the ground floor there is a spacious living room with a huge fireplace; a cinema filled with bean bags (the kids loved these); a full-sized snooker table and adult bar (though you’ll need to bring your own booze); plus a trunk room; and a laundry room with a washing machine – very useful if you stay for a few days.

Upstairs are four characterful double bedrooms, two of which have en-suite bathrooms; a family bathroom; and a separate toilet. Each of the rooms has its own TV and towels are included. Beds can be reconfigured to become twins if required and a cot can be provided on request.

The farm is the ideal place to relax. It has its own hot tub in the garden – perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the surrounding coastal countryside – as well as a barbecue and outdoor seating.

Down at the farm

The resort itself is ideal for small 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. I attended one of the twice weekly feeding sessions with Sarah Lewis who runs the farm with Tage Jenkings.

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

In the summer months, animal feeding is followed by a tractor ride around the farm. The property’s 450 acres of farmland are leased to local farmers, and a significant amount of fresh produce is supplied to the resort’s on-site restaurant, The Weir.

We were led up to the highest point of the property with impressive views stretching across Widemouth Bay. There was even a chance to stop and climb inside the tractor. The trip went down a storm with the kids, who couldn’t wait to get into the driver’s seat.

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

Peak

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

The Weir has recently appointed a new chef – Kai Taylor – and launched a menu offering a mix of local cuisine and internationally inspired dishes. Dishes include seafood and Cornish pasta; Goan green eggplant curry tikka with lamb cooked at 12 houses; Cornish ham and St Ewe eggs; cornish fish battered with firebrand beer; and Long Slow Peking Chicken.

Taylor has a number of awards 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 lived 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 and “classic and unique” snacks.

Further

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

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

There’s also Sandymouth Bay, just a 15-minute drive north of the town (it has a National Trust car park), and the more secluded Northcott Mouth, with its dog-friendly rocky shore.

The verdict? If you’re looking for a holiday resort that you can enjoy as much as your children, Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa is definitely worth a visit. It makes vacationing with kids and pets a breeze—and that’s 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.