A perfect winter holiday with children at Bosinver, Cornwall
Top of my wish list for Christmas was that we could relax. This time last year we were in the middle of a move from Hampshire to Devon. Part of this involved bed hopping for three weeks until we got the keys to our Dartmouth house. There were moments festive cheer was in short supply. Jump forward 12 months and we have just returned from the perfect winter holiday at Bosinver Farm Cottages in Cornwall. What a difference!
The best way to describe Bosinver is as a family-friendly, luxury farm resort. It manages to combine the muddiest of children’s activities with a host of top-notch facilities and immaculately decorated cottages near St Austell. I couldn’t have been more excited when we received an invitation to stay from the owners, Nanny Pat and Farmer Dave.
There’s a full review below, but for a taster of our stay check out this video of everything we got up to:
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Christmas at Bosinver Farm Cottages
We arrived two days before Christmas. A lot of our fellow holiday makers had been there since the beginning of the week thanks to a special 10 nights for the price of seven offer for Christmas guests. This meant the activities were already underway, so we quickly dropped our bags at our cottage and stomped across the field to the Wild Kids Club. This was where the girls’ outdoor clothes got their first coating of mud and they just kept adding the layers over the week!
We spent an hour making Christmas decorations for our cottage with ivy, wood and leaves, then supped hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows by the fire. It was a great way to start our break and threw us into the thick of what Bosinver is all about.
When we’d had our fill of woodland crafts it was time to head back to our cottage to take a good look around and plan our stay.
Luxury cottages perfect for families
Hydrangea is one of twenty properties at Bosinver, each with their own character. Bosinver used to be a diary farm and some of the cottages are converted barns and dairy buildings. Hydrangea is one of two bungalows overlooking a meadow where we saw rabbits hopping around early in the morning. Inside it has an open plan kitchen, dining and sitting area, with a conservatory through large sliding doors. There was a twin bedroom with an ensuite family bathroom for the girls and a double bedroom with ensuite shower room for us.
The lay out was ideal for us with two pre-schoolers. There was no need for stair gates. The doors to our bedrooms were opposite each other so the girls could find us if they needed us in the night. And there was plenty of room for them to play in the open plan living area while we prepared meals during the day.
Something you don’t necessarily expect when you book a family-friendly cottage is for it to have great decor. Little hands make easy work of trashing lovely places and things. So why bother to make them pretty in the first place? This is not how Bosinver rolls. Our cottage was vibrantly decorated with subtle green and red furnishings (except the amazing lime green SMEG fridge – there was nothing subtle about that, but I loved it). There were also stuffed animals for the girls to cuddle in their bedroom and coordinating nick-naks on the dresser. As it was Christmas, our cottage was decked with a tree and festive ornaments.
As well a great attention to detail with the decor, our cottage was well kitted out for young guests. We had requested a cot, bed guard and high chair before we arrived but plastic children’s cutlery and crockery, a toy box and plug covers come as standard in each cottage.
The kitchen was also remarkably well equipped. We put it to the ultimate test of cooking Christmas dinner and it didn’t come up short of anything we needed. By the way, our dinner was catered for by Bosinver which had ordered each cottage a turkey crown and all the trimmings from The Cornish Food Box Company. Delicious!
The only downside to our cottage was that it was very near to the farm entrance and we could hear the main road. However, this is me being picky as we only noticed it at night.
What to do with children at Bosinver Farm
Each day began feeding animals in the farm yard with Farmer Dave. We gathered with the other families just before 10am to sing ‘cock-a-doddle-doo’ with Marvin the cockerel. Then we were off around the yard with handfuls of seed to feed the ducks, chickens, goats and sheep. Once they had had their fill there were lumps of veg for the guinea pigs. The children’s final task of the morning was to collect a fresh egg each, which they could take away.
One morning feeding was followed by pony rides for the children. Tin Box Baby was very keen to have her first equine adventure and, despite her face, loved it.
Throughout the rest of our day we could use the toasty warm indoor pool and the brilliant soft play barn which was packed full of toys. There is also a small gym, games room and sauna for adults. Bosinver was full during our stay but we never came across more than one other family using the play barn or pool, and often had them all to ourselves.
We were really lucky with the weather during our Bosinver holiday so spent time exploring the grounds. There’s three woodland walks, including a Gruffalo Trail for which you can borrow the book from reception, and an adventure playground with a huge slide, child-friendly climbing walls and a zip wire. This is definitely a great place for older kids to explore and play.
Helpful extras for families
Bosinver is one of those places that has thought of everything you might need during your holiday. There are DVDs and board games to borrow, a launderette with free washing machines, and gourmet frozen meals to buy in reception. Knowing these things were there if we needed them made our stay that little more relaxing.
Days out close to Bosinver, Cornwall
We only spent three out of our seven days at Bosinver exploring the local area. The rest of the time we were just too busy relaxing and using the farm’s wonderful facilities. On any other holiday we would have been out and about a lot more.
We had plenty of inspiration for our adventures thanks to a pile of guide books in our cottage, including one written by Nanny Pat herself. This is also available online and is full of days out to do with kids, as tried and tested by Pat and her grandchildren. In fact, the Bosinver blog is a great resource if you are thinking of visiting Cornwall.
The places we chose to visit were no more than 40 minutes away from Bosinver. First up was Golitha Falls on the edge of Bodmin Moor where we had a muddy walk and picnic beside the roaring river. From here we drove a few minutes up the road to Minions – yes, it is a place. Here we walked onto the moor through a wandering herd of wooly cattle to the Bronze Age Hurler Stone Circle. The air was crisp and the views were amazing.
Another spot for a good walk was Trelissick – a National Trust house and estate on the River Fal. Even though we were there mid-winter there was still lots to explore in the gardens. Mr Tin Box took the Tot on a bit of a nature trail.
Something extra special that we did during our stay was a visit to The Eden Project. We took the girls at Easter but decided to go again to see the Festival of Light and Sound. From dusk, the biomes and quarry were illuminated with lasers. The laser and music show in the Mediterranean Biome was mesmerising. As were the shapes being busted by Tin Box Tot and Baby to the music. They’ve got serious moves!
Our verdict: a perfect winter holiday with children
Bosinver is one of those places that makes you think differently about self-catering cottage holidays. With a baby come toddler and an active pre-schooler, we love the freedom of being able to do things at our own pace. However, if we had stayed in a stand alone holiday cottage we wouldn’t have experienced the same wonderful family oriented activities. These really made a difference in the winter months. Add to that a touch of luxury and attention to detail, and this makes for a holiday the whole family can enjoy without leaving the UK. All of the other families we spoke to felt the same.
If we’ve whet your appetite for a Bosinver Farm Cottages staycation in 2017 we’d suggest checking out the availability on their website sharpish. Families who stayed at Christmas were booking the same properties for 2017 before they left. And school holidays are already looking busy. If, like us, you can still take term time holidays those are the dates at which to look.
Disclosure: we were invited to stay Bosinver Farm Cottages in exchange for an honest review of our holiday. All opinions are my own or those of my family. We also received free entry to Trelissick and The Eden Project courtesy of the Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions.
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We took 2 cottages for Christmas for us, our 2 married children and 3 grandchildren and had a marvelous time and can echo all the comments. It was all there, fab pool at 31C (!), loads for the children and even a walk area for the dog. When we returned home and told my cousin, she immediately booked a week in the summer for her family.
It was a wonderful Christmas, wasn’t it?! You must have spoken extremely highly of it. Good all on your cousin’s part. I know they are filling up fast for the holidays.
Oh wow! This looks perfect – my bro in law is planning a trip to Cornwall this summer with his clan. I’m going to send this to him. Looks like a fab hols xxx #kcacols
So glad it’s helpful. This is a lovely place to stay.
Ah Claire what a lovely place! It makes me want to go and visit too! I really like your video too! Your photos are also lovely, especially the pony one and the ones with the muddy hands! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS. It is really nice to see you back! 🙂 xx
A Moment With Franca recently posted…Trolls Hug Time Poppy Review
I’m so glad you liked it!
Wow looks like an amazing place to stay with a young family, when ere in a position to book another holiday I may need to check it out! #KCACOLS
Glad you like the look of it!
Oh Claire this looks the perfect place to spend Christmas! I love your video, although disappointed to not see you make an appearance! I’m sure Mr Tin Box loved the photo you included of him in the pool!! Great review. Marvin the cockrel sounds like a hoot!!
Lisa recently posted…Monday Escapes #51
I may have got told off for the pool shot 🙂 I was in the video originally but it was a bit of a terrible effort. I’ll try harder next time!
Oh wow this place looks idyllic! I love how they thought of everything to make your stay as relaxing as possible for all. Those little extras really make the difference don’t they! brilliant review, it’s seriously making me consider checking prices despite already having booked our holiday for this year! #kcacols
Tracey Bowden recently posted…Home Bargains Cinema Light Box Review
You are right, little extras can really make a holiday. Maybe next year 😉
My girls would have done soft play all day if we’d let them 🙂
Gosh, this looks like it could be fab for our kids! Thanks so much! #mondayescapes
Such a fantastic video Claire I love it, looks like you had an amazing time at Bosniver, love all the days out you did too, they really helped me sort out mine.
Thank you and glad it helped!
Argh! Forgot to add #MondayEscapes before hitting submit!
Tania @ Larger Family Life recently posted…A Summer Road Trip Through the Iceland Ring Road
How much fun does that look for kids?! And one thing that I noticed and loved and just had to mention was the patchwork quilt on the bed – gorgeous!
Tania @ Larger Family Life recently posted…A Summer Road Trip Through the Iceland Ring Road
There were so many great details in the cottage! I loved this too
Looks like you had a great time in Cornwall! 🙂 #MondayEscapes
I just love the must hands picture! This have looks fabulous, what a wonderful set-up! I think I could live in the cottage, it’s gorgeous and Cornwall is such a beautiful place to visit all year round #mondayescapes
Andrea @Topsy Turvy Tribe recently posted…Pomegranate Sky
I feel the same about the cottage. It had lovely views across a field to some woods and everything we needed to make it a happy holiday
Sounds incredible! I love the attention to detail and that there is so much to do there and in the surrounding area. My daughter is getting more aware of the decor in our accommodation so I think it’s important for parents and little ones (and usually the brighter colours the better)! Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…City Tripping #60
Yes, the colours were bright but offset against light walls. I never get that combination right at home 🙂
I prefer to spend the holidays traveling or visiting a place. We make plans every single year. It is out way to make memories together. We come back home for New Year’s Eve. So, I like how you spent your time having fun with your kids. #MondayEscapes
I think we’re going to try to get away more between Christmas and New Year. It was so much more fun than sitting at home!
The light festival looks fab. I am so fussy about cottages they have to be stylish and I love this one, and perfect that you can take pets too x
Sarah Christie recently posted…Monday Escapes 16/01/2017
Yes, it’s not often that you find somewhere so lovely that welcomes pets and kids together.
How sweet – looks fun!
Lydia C. Lee recently posted…Sunday in my city – The Grounds, Alexandria (in pictures)
This place looks amazing – my kids would totally love it! And us parents would enjoy their good moods as a result. Thanks for sharing – I will most definitely be keeping this in mind.
#MondayEscapes
DaisLikeThese recently posted…Bruges at Christmas with Kids
Yes, when the kids are happy so are we!
How great to have the indoor activities like the pool as well as the outdoor more rustic fun, toasting marshmallows very christmassy! We’ve never been away at Christmas but you made it look easy what a great holiday
It was so easy. Apart from the car full of presents. That was like a massive game of Tetris! 🙂
The accommodation looks fantastic! So great to have a pool that you can use in the winter – makes a holiday! #mondayescapes
Yes, such a great activity to do with the kids when it was too cool to play outside. Otherwise, we were really lucky with the weather. It was good to know we had a back up plan though!
The cottage looks lovely, very cosy. Wild Kids Club is definitely something my boys would love. And how cute is that pine-cone hedgehog! #MondayEscapes
Such a sweet idea, isn’t it?! We took lots of wild/natural crafts back to the cottage that day!
Looks like a great all round place for a break. Great indoor facilities and outdoor nature
Yes, there was such a good combination of both.
looks like it was a great trip! I love the decor -my girls would love that cute twin room in the red! Everyone always has great things to say about Bosinver but I loved seeing all the photo’s too. Sounds like bliss to escape over Christmas too!
Coral-Way too much luggage recently posted…Top 5 Scottish Beach walks
It was so easy and relaxing. I’d definitely go away of Christmas again having experienced this!
I just want that fridge 🙂 Whilst I’m about it I’m also going to snaffle the pine cone hedgehog idea. Although my kids have grown out of crafts I run a nature RSPB group and I love the idea of adding clay to make the nose. Oh, (not an after thought, really) that’s a great place for a family holiday! #Mondayescapes
Christine recently posted…Crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wrexham
It really is. I love the hedgehog idea too. I’m really not very creative and it’s often the simplest ideas that are the best!
Bosinver looks like so much fun! It’s wonderful there were so many family activities that let everyone enjoy themselves and unwind. The craft activities, especially the pinecone, look like a great project for everyone in the family!
Brooke of Passport Couture recently posted…World Hat Styles
Wild Kids Club was great fun and we wish we’d been able to do more. I think outside of the Christmas holidays they would have had more sessions. It was a lovely way to start our holiday.
I love the interior design in the cottage! What a lovely place to spend Christmas.
Also love your video, looks like you had a lovely time Claire. #MondayEscapes
This looks absolutely wonderful and just my sort of holiday! I love places like this where everything’s on site and so family friendly. The accommodation looks beautiful and doesn’t the likes of plastic cutlery just make life that much easier?! Thanks so much for hosting #MondayEscapes 🙂
Mrs Lighty recently posted…Seeing in the New Year through the Eyes of a Toddler
It really does, especially at the age mine are. They are always stabbing themselves or each other with over-sized knives and forks when we are eating out!
Mud + luxury + kids’ activities + lots of things to see and do: this indeed seems like the complete active young families’ holiday! Love the photo of the muddy hands, and can’t help but notice how mild the weather looks in Cornwall compared to the snow and ice-covered continental Europe (I love snow but wouldn’t mind a thaw right now…)
p.s. I’m glad that Santa found you there 😉 #MondayEscapes
Jonny (daisythebus) recently posted…The muZIEum
It was really mild but we’ve had a bit of a colder snap since. Yes, we had to pre-brief Santa and make sure he came in the conservatory door rather than down the tiny chimney 🙂
That looks like a perfect place to stay with children! My daughter (all grown up now) would have loved it! Loads of fun! #mondayescapes
Tracy McConnachie Collins recently posted…My friend in Cape Town – South Africa
It really is ideal for young children, but we found there as a lot of do for older kids in the local area. It is the perfect based for a multi-generational holiday.
Love this and love those muddy hands!
She was covered 🙂 There was no choice but to have a bath after this activity!
Bosinver Farms sounds like an incredible place. We love going to family farms whenever we get the chance. I know my kids would love this place.
Allison recently posted…Liebster Award Nomination
It was such a lovely holiday for us and we didn’t need to travel far from home for the break – ideal!
This looks like the best winter holiday destination! The indoor playground is fantastic for cold and rainy days! The fridge is indeed in-your-face lime green hihi but I think that kind of details are amazing too. #mondayescapes
Nanouk | Digital Nomad with Kids recently posted…Our 2017 travel plan: traveling indefinitely through Europe with baby and toddler
You are right – absolutely ideal for the winter, which isn’t want you might expect when someone says you’ll be staying on a farm. That’s the Bosinver magic!
I just love that kitchen and the sound of a luxury cottage. I think the sound of the main road would bother me for the first night but hopefully not too long. I’ve never been to Cornwall yet as it’s a good 6 hour drive for us and then I start thinking about places abroad that I could get to in the same time. I hope to get there one day though 🙂
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Worrying about the NHS and Brexit to come
That is a bit of a long drive, especially wth kids. But when you think about how long it might take to get abroad door-to-door it’s not too long for a week’s holiday. There’s plenty of time to chill.
I’m not surprised places here are going quickly for this year. It looks as though it has everything a family could want: great stuff in the area to visit, animals, nice accommodation….and mud! #MondayEscapes
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…Skiwear wishlist: on the piste and aprés-ski
Yes, the mud!! It was a big highlight and I think we’ve brought some home with us 🙂
This place looks amazing, our girls love being outside, playing in the mud and exploring! Will have to look into it 🙂 xx
It sounds like the ideal place for you. There’s so much opportunity to be outside and just enough indoor activities to keep young kids occupied if the weather is bad.
This place looks wonderful- my kids would love it here! Xx
I’m glad you had such a great visit Claire, you had some of our best Christmas weather too and some lovely times out exploring Cornwall. #MondayEscapes
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Farmer Nick goes back to his roots in Athens
Yes, it was so different to 2015. Our removal van had to be delayed because of the wind and rain. It was lovely to be able to get out and see some more of Cornwall during our break
What a fun trip! #MondayEscapes
Kate | http://www.petiteadventures.org/
Looks like a cozy place to stay with family! #MondayEscapes
Lolo recently posted…The 13 Fabulous Birthday Gifts for the Lady Traveler
It was toasty warm in the cottage when we arrived and I loved turning on the fire at night. Perfect for winter evenings!
Love the activities to keep little hands and bodies active and engaged. Looks like a lovely spot for a break any time of year! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Absolutely. There was so much to do in the winter so I can only imagine the possibilities during the spring and summer months.
What a lovely place to spend Christmas. It looks so fab. We haven’t explored Cornwall much but after reading this it’s a place we must visit in 2017.
I can highly recommend it. We visited Cornwall three times in 2016 and are going back again at least twice this year. We’re lucky to have it just down the road and there’s so much to keep us returning.
lovely cottage! #mondayescapes
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Discover Croatia: Ozalj Castle
What an amazing place to spend your Christmas holidays. It looks like so much fun! Great pictures & great memories 🙂 #MondayEscapes
Yes, we have some awesome memories to keep with us. It was such a special Christmas
Looks like a perfect holiday holiday cottage #mondayescapes
Love the pic of your daughter with the muddy hands
Wandermust Family recently posted…How we planned our round the world trip itinerary – the beginnings
It was so well set up for families and we loved the onsite facilities
Being away at Christmas is always a worry, but it looks as if this really worked for the whole family, how lovely
Gorgeous photos, looks like you had a wonderful time! We adore self catering holidays, they make so much sense with young children!
That’s exactly how I feel. It’s so much more relaxed when you can do things at your own pace!
Looks like an absolutely fantastic place to stay! I love the red cupboards and the green fridge–what a fun kitchen! Definitely looks like enough space for a family to stay and plenty to do to keep everyone occupied!
Rachel G recently posted…Island Hopping Tour in Trang, Thailand
The decor was wonderful. I wish I had the same sense of style!
Wow, what an incredible place! I can’t believe how much there is to do there and Cornwall is amazing for stuff to do anyway isn’t it? We’d definitely look at staying here with our two. Love your photos too.
Nat.x
Plutonium Sox recently posted…Hellohealthy on Shopmium review and competition news
Thanks Nat! It was an awesome place to spend Christmas
This looks a great place to take the kids for an outdoor holiday. Did you take Tin Box Dog too? Always great to find somewhere child and dog friendly!
Sam – Travelling With Our Kids recently posted…Boat or Plane – What We Prefer
Yes! Tin Box Dog has a lovely chilled out break with us with plenty of walks 🙂
I’m glad you had such a great time. Bosinver is just beautiful and Pat has done an amazing job on fitting the cottages out with all the beautiful quirky touches. If it wasn’t just ten minutes from my house, I would most definitely have stayed there before now!
Stevie x
Stevie recently posted…Ed Sheeran, bloggy friends and blankets #LittleLoves
They are so beautifully done, aren’t they. And I’ve seen on Twitter today that there’s some great new decors! It’s an interior design lovers dream!! 🙂
Looks like a great place to stay and perfect for the kiddies too. I like the look of the layout and furnishings of the accommodation nice and clean and practical.
Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday
Mainy
mainy – myrealfairy recently posted…How to time manage your way back to happiness
The cottages are beautiful, yet still so child friendly. We had a wonderful time relaxing there.
This place looks adorable! You make such a good point — sometimes you want to be around other folks and organised activities, especially with little ones. I agree with Cathy — love that kitchen and fridge! x
Jennifer Howze recently posted…7 places to go with kids in 2017
It was small but perfectly formed with absolutely everything we needed. I just loved the colours!
I’ve been looking forward to this, your trip was so lovely to follow on Instagram! What a find – I am definitely up for Christmas away seeing this. I love the crafts you did.
Penny Alexander recently posted…Santa’s Lapland Review: Day 2 – Search for Santa Day
Thanks Penny, that’s lovely of you to say. After this we will definitely be planning a Christmas/New Year getaway in 2017.
Oh wow! This looks perfect – my bro in law is planning a trip to Cornwall this summer with his clan. I’m going to send this to him. Looks like a fab hols xxx
Thanks for sharing this. There’s so much choice in Cornwall but Bosinver really has to be checked out!
What a great stay- I love the bright decor (and that fridge!) and how fun to have all the activities and facilities on the doorstep as well as the flexibility to do your own thing. That photo of TBT with the muddy hands just sums it all up!
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…Discovering Sesame Street at Beaches Turks and Caicos
It does, doesn’t it. The clean freak in me began to twitch a bit but she was in heaven 🙂
Lovely write up Claire – Bosinver sounds like the best place to spend Christmas! Glad you had such a good time.
Jo Addison recently posted…21 Baby And Toddler Friendly Places To Stay In The UK
It was lovely, I can highly recommend it. The kids had a ball.
A lovely account of what looks to be a wonderful location for a relaxing holiday any time of the year. So pleased you enjoyed yourselves.
We had a lovely time. It would definitely be great all year round. The beaches are somewhere we didn’t get to go this time, but they would be a must in the summer!
So glad you enjoyed it Clare, it’s such a special place isn’t it. X
Steph Oakes recently posted…Merry Christmas!
Absolutely! It was great reading about your experience before we went too. We knew we were going to have a lovely time!