Hello everyone
As promised here are my impressions of Bedruthan steps based on a visit last week.
Disclaimer! I've only got a toddler, so my perceptions of what might be good for older children are mere speculation!
Kids' stuff
Facilities for children are excellent. For example, two indoor play areas ("Jungle Tumble" soft play area segregated for under and over fours, and also cars, trikes and many other wheelie objects for racing around on in the ballroom - not as big or grand as it sounds but plenty of room to tear about), and two playgrounds outside. Children's pools both indoors and out. Children's video channel in the rooms (although Titanic was one of the movies played, which is not suitable for young children IMO).
We formed a love/hate relationship with kids tea-time - an wide range of food available, including healthy options, e.g. organic or home made purees for babies, and fresh fruit, veg, wholemeal bread and butter, cheese cubes, yoghurt as well as the inevitable chicken nuggets/beans/chips combo. You could also get cartons of milk there. Loads of high chairs. There are also plastic cups, plates, and all utensils available. One of the playgrounds was just outside, so there was time for a play there before bath/story/bed etc.
I say love/hate relationship as it was utter mayhem! A multitude of excited, happy children and rather tight-lipped, ashen-faced parents. It's rather Butlins, but it works. One of the highlights of the holiday for me was the ability to walk away from the devastation of ds's meals there, knowing someone else would have to clear up the blast area of discarded food...
There are a number of children's clubs (based on age) with qualified staff. I thought the staff at ds's one were good, and there was a good range of toys there, and they also did creative work there too, painting, sticking etc. He wouldn't stay there after his first session, having cottoned on that we were going to leave him, but that is another story! TBH, there were so many things for him to do it was very relaxing just hanging out while he played.
For older children there is a games room, plus there are a number of activities such as pony trekking, swimming lessons, surf school, and many others. For younger ones, there are also strategically placed Brio trainsets and slot machine fire engines, helicopters and trains to ride on.
Everything is so well thought out for children - I couldn't fault it. We didn't miss the flexibility of self-catering at all, and we got a break from most of the chores.
Someone commented below that the baby-listening service wasn't up to scratch. From my observation, there was a member of staff dedicated to the baby-listening service, and we observed a number of parents over the week being called back to their rooms...
Beautiful Cornwall
The location is wonderful. There is a marvellous sandy beach a few minutes (for adults and older children, it's very steep) walk away. But within a half hour's drive there are at least six other beautiful beaches, including Porthcotan, Bedruthan Steps and Watergate Bay.
The cliff/sea-scape scenery is among the best in the country, with miles of beautiful walking along the coastal paths - best for older children or those with baby-carriers.
Padstow and Rock are not far away for the upmarket experience of designer boutiques, cafes and historic sightseeing. We also enjoyed the Lappa Valley Steam Railway and were only prevented from cycling a part of the Camel Trail by some iffy weather on our last day - cycle hire places aplenty including baby seats and tag-alongs. The Blue Reef Aquarium at Newquay (ugh - horrid place) is a good outing on a rainy day, a good collection and very well laid out. However, it is very small, and if you have a toddler, it would probably only hold their interest for a maximum of an hour.
We also visited The Eden Project. Shudder. A victim of its own success, much like IKEA, and only marginally more fun, with less to offer toddlers!
The Grown-Up Experience
It is in this respect that things do not meet the same high standards. For example, the building is like the misbegotten hybrid offspring of a 1970s Travelodge (or is it Student Hall of Residence?) and Whacky Warehouse. I was dismayed when we arrived, as I didn't think it boded well for the rest of the week, but TBH I didn't notice it after the first day, as the kids' stuff was so good.
There are wonderful sea-views from both bar and restaurant. The Bar is adults only and dinner time is adults and 7+ only. These seem to be the only restrictions on children in the whole set-up. Catering is top of the upper/middle range of hotel hosted wedding receptions. Service - consisting of local teens and surfers working to support their habit - is polite and well-meaning, but not polished.
By now some of you are undoubtedly thinking, "What a snob!". Well, yes, OK, but as a number of people have mentioned, this place isn't cheap, and I would have expected a bit more sophistication for the cash. However, having said that, IME it is much better value than, say, Woolley Grange or Babington House.
Following on from the theme of how do you recognise other mumsnetters, I did spend a lot of time wondering if there was anyone else from mumsnet last week! So if anyone was there, I was the slim, perfectly groomed, well dressed, young looking mother with the immaculately behaved toddler!
The clientele is very - um - Boden clad... And of course, nothing wrong with that, she said hurriedly, ducking...
Last Word
In short, we had a fantastic, relaxing time and it was a pleasure for us to see ds's pleasure in all the things he was able to do. Like any holiday in the UK, it will be much more fun if the weather is good. I wouldn't go without kids, but would go again with ds without doubt.
I hope this helps and if anyone has any specific queries, I will do my best to answer.
Good holidays everyone!
