Higher Culloden Farm

The Cornwall coast is calling… the closest beach is Trebarwith Strand (10 minutes’ drive), a top spot for those toting surfboards. Polzeath, Daymer Bay, Widemouth Bay and Summerleaze beach are all within a half-hour drive too, with a spot for everyone – surfers, swimmers and sandcastle builders. Padstow’s a 35-minute drive away for fancy dinners and posh fish and chips. Setting your sights inland towards Bodmin Moor is a splendid idea too, especially if you’re up for a hike. Intrepid types can walk to Roughtor (Cornwall’s second-highest peak) directly from the farm in a couple of hours – or park nearby and make it even shorter, and then conquer Brown Willy in another hour for stunning views from Cornwall’s highest point. Prefer to travel on two wheels? Pick up the Camel Trail at Wenfordbridge four miles away and pedal all the way to Padstow in an hour, stopping in Wadebridge for picnic bits along the way. Family days out nearby might include a trip to Tintagel Castle (20 minutes’ drive) for knight-inspired antics with a sea view. Otherwise, see if the kids can help you escape the maze and puzzle house at Hidden Valley (20 minutes) or wander through rainforest at the Eden Project (40 minutes).