Cornish paradise for kids

a toddler and a sheep Lots of holidays promise to keep toddlers entertained but do they really live up to their billing? We sent Kirstin Watson off to Cornwall to investigate whether Baby-Friendly Boltholes have got the mix right

The moment we drove through the gates of Bosinver Farm Cottages I knew this was somewhere we were going the love. The place oozes warmth and charm.

The farm is made up of 19 stylish cottages all discreetly located around the 35-acre grounds, and each has its own beautifully crafted garden to ensure maximum privacy.

I wasn't the only one to fall in love with Bosinver. Our two-year-old daughter, Megan, was beside herself with excitement!

Morning feeding

And she had good reason to be; this place is a paradise for kids. Each morning kicks off with the daily animal feeding. All the children gather in the driveway and excitedly await the arrival of Farmer Dave. Once everyone (children and brave parents alike) have their hands filled with grain, Dave opens the doors of the hen house and the chickens and ducks have a cartoon-style race to the get to their grub! Next, it's the turn of the oh-so gentle Chalky the goat, and the sheep which poke their heads hopefully through the field fence.

egg Once feeding is done, the race reverses and the children all dive into the hen house to collect their free range egg for breakfast. The wide-eyed wonder and excitement is so much fun to watch and the rush and confusion inevitably leads to egg casualties.

Next, it's up to the top field to collect Secret the pony and everyone gets to hold his very long lead on the way back to the stable. On Tuesdays, Secret is joined by his pal Rupert and the pair give each eager youngster a ride up and down the driveway.

The morning feed takes around an hour, starting at a very reasonable 9.40am, and is a great opportunity for parents to take it in turns for a lie in!

Fun, rain or shine

The animals aren't the only hit on the farm. The beautiful sun-drenched play barn, complete with indoor soft play centre (treadmill and stepper for parents who can be bothered and a big squishy leather sofa for those that can't), is an inspired new addition to the facilities.

a boy playing on a slide Megan also loved the beautiful outdoor adventure playground and full-size trampoline. During summer months the farm's heated outdoor pool is open and there are tennis courts. But the beauty of Bosinver is that it doesn't have to be sunny for you to have a great time.

Indeed, it drizzled most of the week we were away but that didn't stop us going on the nature trail or fishing in the lake. But, if it really pours down, there's the play barn or another play room with table tennis and table football machines for older children and adults.

Mine of information

No stone has been left unturned by owner Pat Smith to ensure visitors have a great time. In reception you can borrow all those things that are so easy to forget: buckets and spades, fishing nets, boogie-boards for surfing. The local village store will deliver groceries to your doorstep on arrival and you can save yourself the hassle of lugging prams, sterilisers, high chairs and the like by hiring them from a locally recommended baby equipment hire company.

Pat is a fountain of knowledge on the local area and can recommend the perfect places to visit to meet every visitor's needs. Each cottage is also equipped with a detailed information pack and a copy of Kids Cornwall, a book written by local mums and packed with fun things to do.

Things to do

There is so much to do just a stones throw from the farm. The must-see Eden Project is less than 20 minutes drive and Jamie Oliver's restaurant, Fifteen Cornwall (book well in advance) and Rick Stein's restaurant empires are both about 30 minutes' drive away.

When our daughter wasn't begging us to stay at the farm (and by mid-week we actually gave in and decided to do just that) we also visited the beautiful fishing towns of Mevagissy and Fowey (pronounced Foy), went paddling on Pentewan beach (just three miles away) and rock pooling at Porthpean Beach.

Bosinver creates the childhood memories parents can only dream of for their children. If you're planning a break in Cornwall, it's a must.