Fowey Hall: A Luxury Family Hotel in Cornwall
by Take the Family
8 September 2008
We were familiar with the Luxury Family Hotels concept having already visited Moonfleet Manor in Dorset and The Elms in Worcestershire, so we were very excited about our trip to Fowey Hall. We looked forward to the luxury and the crèche!
The hotel is believed to be the inspiration behind ‘Toad Hall’ from The Wind and the Willows and stands overlooking the Fowey river estuary and the South Cornish coast. On arrival we found it slightly stiffer than it’s counter parts Moonfleet Manor (where you are met by a row of wellies) or The Elms (where there are kiddies pushchairs and scooters parked a plenty in the lobby). I almost felt the absence of a hotel dog was something to do with it, (all of the other hotels have one), but we soon found ourselves relaxing into the rather grand surroundings.
Our room was at the top of the hotel, (I think probably once was the servants’ quarters) and the children had their own adjoining room within one of the turrets, cmoplete with porthole windows. Surprisingly the children’s room had z-beds, although they didn't seem to mind one bit and slept perfectly well. I, on the other hand didn't, and unfortunately foud that the soft mattress on the huge wooden bed didn't agree with my back, so the following day we were effortlessly, (on our part at least), moved to the new Garden wing. Our new room was on the ground floor and although the children shared our room on z-beds (again), if available, interconnecting rooms could have been possible. The pièce de résistance was huge glass windows opening out onto the main lawn – a fantastic bonus for the kids who could play whilst we got ready for our day of activities.
Fowey itself is a beautiful upmarket harbour town, with small winding streets and lots of opportunity for ice creams, expensive nick knacks and Cornish pasties. The walk from the hotel is incredibly steep with a few steps here and there, so I would recommend a light push chair or a backpack child carrier. There is a minibus that operates up and down if you don’t fancy the walk back up. Our two and a half year old, who isn't a big fan of the pushchair, found it easier crabbing along on his hands and feet!
The OFSTED regulated Four Bears Den was well equipped for younger children (under 7s) and a games room existed for the older ones. There were trampolines and play areas around the grounds as well as other children eager to make friends. The children’s high tea was served early in one of the main restaurants and although I thought the food looked scrumptious, it was a little fancy for some of the children in residence. (Since our visit the menu has been revised and can be viewed here. )
Our evenings were taken up by fine dining whilst our room was plugged into the baby listening service from reception and we were dutifully notified if the children stirred, which they did on several occasions, (babysitters are also available for an additional fee). The food was exquisite; although I am not sure I could have coped with a week of such rich food and would have longed for a plate of plain steamed vegetables. That said, nothing was too much trouble, so had I made it known if that is what I had craved that is undoubtedly what I would have received!
A trip to the spa (due to open in October 2008) would have made this the perfect weekend of indulgence and one I would happily repeat again, and again, and probably again after that - (if only the bank balance would allow).
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