We absolutely love our trips to Cornwall with kids and the Headland Hotel is one of our favourite hotels here. There’s something just so old-school about it but with all the modern luxuries and facilities. It’s somewhere to enjoy in every season. If you’re planning a trip to Cornwall and searching for a mix of luxury, location and convenience, The Headland Hotel in Newquay ticks every box – especially when staying in one of their self-catering cottages. We recently stayed as a family in one of the three-bedroom cottages, and it turned out to be a perfect base for exploring Cornwall whilst also feeling thoroughly spoiled. Whether you’re visiting for a beach holiday, a relaxing retreat or simply to enjoy Cornwall’s stunning coastal views, The Headland Hotel cottages offer an unbeatable combination of comfort and flexibility.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, LonelyPlanet Magazine and Wanderlust amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children find the best places for you to explore too.
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The location – perched on the edge of perfection
The Headland Hotel sits in a truly iconic position overlooking Fistral Beach, one of the UK’s most famous surf spots. The views are breathtaking – sweeping seascapes, dramatic cliffs, and the ever-changing sky and sea. The location offers easy access to Newquay town centre while still feeling tucked away from the hustle and bustle.
What’s particularly special is that it offers the best of both worlds. You’re within walking distance of Fistral Beach for sandcastle-building, rock pooling or surfing lessons, but also close enough to Newquay’s attractions, cafés and shops. It’s a great base for day trips to other Cornish gems like Padstow, St Ives and the Eden Project.
The accommodation at Headland Hotel cottages – a cosy and luxurious three-bedroom cottage
Our home for the week was one of The Headland’s three-bedroom self-catering cottages, and it couldn’t have been more ideal for a family stay. From the outside, these cottages blend in beautifully with the landscape. Like colourful little fisherman’s cottages on the hilltop. They add to the historic charm of the hotel, while inside they are modern, spacious and thoughtfully designed for comfort.
The cottage was spread across two floors with a generous open-plan living area, three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. The décor was coastal chic – soft blues, whites and greys, with lovely touches like wool throws, comfy sofas and huge windows letting in lots of natural light.
The kitchen was well-equipped with everything we needed, from a dishwasher to a Nespresso machine – perfect for leisurely breakfasts and family dinners.
We enjoyed the space to really relax as a family.
We especially loved the little details: fluffy bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, and a welcome pack with tea, coffee, milk and Cornish biscuits.
My favourite was the balcony off the lounge with beautiful views to the sparkling sea beyond. I loved taking my morning coffee out here to breath in that wonderful salty sea air and really enjoy the setting.
The facilities – hotel luxury meets cottage convenience
One of the real perks of staying in the cottages is that you get access to all the hotel’s five-star facilities. It really felt like the best of both worlds – the space and privacy of a holiday home, combined with the luxury of a boutique hotel.
We made full use of the stunning Aqua Club – a collection of indoor and outdoor pools, including a family-friendly pool with bubble jets, a hydrotherapy pool and a sun terrace. There’s even a heated outdoor pool that overlooks the ocean, which was a real treat.
The spa is a haven for grown-ups – with a range of treatments, steam rooms and a calming relaxation area. If you fancy some “me time”, you can book a babysitter through reception so you can enjoy the facilities without the little ones in tow.
We spent hours in the pools here, just relaxing in the warm waters on a wonderfully warm summer’s day.
Eating in – from beachside breakfast to fine dining dinner
Even though we had the option to cook in the cottage, we couldn’t resist sampling the hotel’s restaurants.
Breakfast at The Headland is a real occasion, served in the elegant RenMor restaurant with its panoramic views of the ocean. There’s a generous buffet with everything from fresh pastries and fruit to a full Cornish breakfast cooked to order. The children especially loved the pancakes.
For dinner, we had the chance to eat in RenMor again. Here the menu is seasonal, showcasing fresh Cornish produce. We enjoyed beautifully cooked fish, delicious and imaginative vegetarian dishes, and some wonderful puddings. There’s also a dedicated children’s menu with classics like fish goujons and chips, and the staff were fantastic at making little diners feel welcome.
Things to do near the Headland Hotel cottages
Staying at the Headland Hotel cottages puts you right at the heart of some of Cornwall’s best adventures. Whether you want to explore the town, take in the scenery on foot or head out to sea for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, there’s so much to do just moments from your door.
Explore Newquay town
Newquay itself is a classic British seaside town with a surfy, laid-back vibe and plenty to discover. From beach shops to cafés, ice cream stalls and bakeries, it’s a fun place to potter around. You’ll find independent boutiques, artisan coffee spots and friendly pubs alongside more traditional holiday shops and arcades – something for everyone. Don’t miss a wander through the town centre to pick up a few Cornish goodies or just soak up the holiday atmosphere.
Walk the beaches
The Headland is perched between several of Newquay’s most beautiful beaches – you can take a different walk each day. Fistral Beach, right on your doorstep, is world-renowned for its surfing scene but it’s also great for families, with soft sand, plenty of space and cafés nearby for snacks and coffees.
A short walk around the coast will take you to Towan Beach, where you’ll find the iconic house on the island and often calm waters for a paddle. Great Western Beach and Tolcarne are also nearby, with dramatic cliffs and long sandy stretches that are perfect for a sunset walk or early morning shell hunt.
A magical boat trip with “Atlantic Diver”
One of the absolute highlights of our stay – and honestly, one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had anywhere in the world – was our boat trip with Atlantic Diver.
We headed out from Newquay Harbour with Captain Chris Lowe, a man whose passion for marine conservation is as inspiring as it is infectious. Chris has been exploring these waters for years and is deeply involved in protecting the local marine environment. His knowledge of the sea, its wildlife and the area’s ecology added so much to the trip.
During our couple of hours out at sea, we were lucky enough to encounter a pod of around 40 bottlenose dolphins, swimming freely where they belong – in the wild. Watching them leap and play alongside the boat was genuinely breathtaking. There was a collective sense of awe on board as we all quietly observed them – it felt like a real privilege.
We also spotted several grey seals, which are among the most endangered species of seal in the world. The Cornish coast is one of their few remaining strongholds, and seeing them pop their heads above the water and relax on the rocks was another special moment.
We also saw huge barrel jellyfish, their ghostly shapes drifting just beneath the surface. The variety and beauty of marine life we encountered was astounding, and the trip was unforgettable.
Atlantic Diver offer a range of boat trips, including marine wildlife safaris, diving tours and eco-tours for all ages. The boat is safe, comfortable and suitable for children, and Chris and his team were brilliant at making sure everyone felt included and excited.
If you do one thing while staying at the Headland, make it this. It’s a chance to connect with nature in a way that feels meaningful, responsible and joyful – and you’ll come away with memories that will stay with you forever.
Find out more about Atlantic Diver and book here.
Final thoughts – a Cornish coastal dream
Our stay at The Headland Hotel cottages in Newquay was everything we hoped for and more. The setting is unbeatable, the accommodation feels luxurious yet homely, and having access to the hotel’s facilities made it feel like a proper treat.
Whether you’re visiting Cornwall for the first time or coming back for another seaside adventure, I can’t recommend these self-catering cottages highly enough. It’s a perfect option for families who want space to spread out, a safe and beautiful setting for children to play, and all the convenience of hotel dining and leisure on your doorstep.
We left feeling completely refreshed, full of memories and already planning our return.
Ready to book Headland Hotel cottages, Newquay Cornwall?
Find out more about the Headland Hotel Cottages here.
