UK holiday spot felt ‘too good to be true’ but we’re already planning next trip | Travel News | Travel

Bosinver Farm seemed almost too perfect to be real: a beautiful, family-run farm spread over 35 acres of wildflower meadow, nestled in a peaceful valley just 15 minutes from the seaside. Was this place even real?

Indeed it was and we had the pleasure of experiencing it first-hand for three delightful nights. Bosinver in St Austell, Cornwall, is a haven where the whole family can unwind, relax and have fun on holiday.

It’s designed like its own serene village, with 20 charming cottages to choose from. We visited as a family of five: myself, my partner David, our two children aged three and 18 months, and my mother.

My mum was so taken with Bosinver that she’s already planning our visit for next year and has extended the invitation to my brothers and their families too.

Choosing our favourite aspect of Bosinver is a tough call. Our cottage (Jack’s Barn) was roomy, cosy and felt just like home – the ideal spot for us all to unwind and settle our boys after an action-packed day.

It was equipped with everything we needed – the team ensures everyone is well catered for. We were provided with a pram, travel cot, a bed guard and a child carrier in the cottage upon our arrival, which meant we didn’t need to fret about everything fitting in the car.

And Bosinver offers so many delightful activities. Meeting Farmer Dave for the daily animal feeding was a highlight of our holiday at Bosinver. The owner, along with his wife Nanny Pat, is adored by all.

Every morning at 9.30am, Farmer Dave would open the barn doors to release chickens, cockerels, ducks and doves ready for breakfast.

The goats would follow shortly after, eager for their morning meal. Our boys were thrilled to be surrounded by these gentle creatures.

We also enjoyed collecting eggs, feeding sheep, and pony rides. Bosinver offers more than just farm life. There’s also a heated swimming pool available for guests – and you can book a slot for your family and even arrange swimming lessons.

There’s a soft play barn, a Wendy house, trampoline, and playground. These activities are included in the cost of your stay, too, so there are no hidden extras.

During our three-day stay, we found no need to leave Bosinver at all but, one sunny afternoon, we ventured out to do the Gruffalo walk. We greeted the horses grazing in the meadows and were captivated by a fragrant sensory garden.

We even participated in Wild Kids, an afternoon activity that included wood chopping, mud pie-making, water play and marshmallow toasting.

At Bosinver, it’s not just the children who enjoy the activities – adults do too, as we certainly did. However, there are ample opportunities for child-free relaxation.

The place is quite popular among couples, and dog owners are welcome too. The site boasts a gym and a splendid spa treatment room offering massages, facials and other soothing treatments ideal after a day spent hiking through the fields.

If you’re not in the mood to cook, you can purchase delectable home-cooked frozen meals from Hannah at Cornwall Private Chef, saving you the hassle of preparing dinner.

However, it was the small gestures that made this probably one of our most cherished family holidays. Whether it was Farmer Dave always finding time to greet our children, or the surprise of opening our front door to find a chicken waiting to bid us good afternoon.

Free tomato plants were available for guests to take home from the reception at Bosinver Farm. Paul, the eldest son of Farmer Dave and Nanny Pat, was always ready to assist and even recommended a serene beach for a morning paddle.

The holiday was filled with wonderful memories, and a return visit to Bosinver is highly anticipated.

To book the holiday

A three-night self-catering weekend stay for five people at Bosinver Farm, near St Austell, Cornwall, starts at £1,260 for arrival on September 27. Visit bosinver.co.uk for more details. For additional information, visit visitcornwall.com.