Pipers

Staying at Pipers, you’re in pole position for beaches on both coasts: head south for the tidal swimming pool at Polperro (35 minutes' drive) or the sands at Looe (25 minutes), where you can go kayaking on sheltered waters. Turn north for famous surfing beaches like Perranporth (an hour) and Fistral (an hour) in Newquay, or have fun paddleboarding and boating on Siblyback Lake (20 minutes). Chances are you’ll want to visit the rare plantings and vibrant sculptures in the futuristic glass biomes at the Eden Project (35 minutes); other cultural attractions in these parts include the gorgeous gardens and woodland walks at the Victorian National Trust-owned Lanhydrock (half an hour). Kids behaving well? Reward them with a visit to the cuddly furry animals at Tamar Valley Donkey Park (20 minutes), and wear them out on the zipwires at Adrenalin Quarry Ltd (15 minutes). Take toddlers to the indoor fun park at Trethorne Leisure Park (half an hour), where they can also try their little hands at pony riding or bowling.