Review of Bosinver Farm Cottages in Cornwall

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an American expat living in England for the past year is that the English countryside seems to be very underappreciated. I adore London, but I sense that many Americans hop the pond on vacation and only see the city, without venturing into the scenic and equally charming parts of rural England. If you’re looking for coastal views that will rival any of those found in Ireland or Scotland, then Cornwall, at the southwestern tip of England, is a perfect place to head.

And if Cornwall is one of the jewels of the English countryside, then a stay at Bosinver Farm Cottages will make your vacation shine brightest. Set amid 30 acres of rolling hillside and farmland, you’ll discover 20 beautifully restored and/or newly developed cottages that have been customized with families in mind.

Review of Bosinver Farm Cottages

After traveling to Cornwall, you’ll be ready to put your feet up and admire the beautiful views that surround you, cup of tea in hand. Bosinver will put you at ease right from the start. Its various self-catering cottages all feature country-gone-modern décor, bright windows, and comfortable furniture. There will be a delicious, locally made cake tucked away in the fridge for you to enjoy and the table will be set for dinner. So unpack and settle in for your first night in English country luxury.

One of the best aspects of a stay at Bosinver is that you can likely find the perfect cottage for whatever needs you might have. Traveling with a big group? Look no further than The Farmhouse which can sleep up to 12 people in 6 bedrooms. Your gang will love the thatched roof!

Got a dog? Several of the cottages welcome pets. Baby’s first holiday? Bosinver has a long list of products it can supply and have ready to go in your cottage upon arrival, like blackout blinds, white noise machines, high chairs and cribs.

Higher Hill Cottage

My family spent three nights in the Higher Hill cottage. Set halfway up a hill, we greatly appreciated its “upside down” floor plan, with bedrooms at ground level and living space above, so that we could better enjoy the gorgeous farmland around us. The living area features an open floor plan, which allowed our multi-generational group to spread out but still enjoy each other’s company in one ample room.

Kids dug into the toy bin each night while the adults cooked dinner, then we gathered around the large farm table as a group for our meals. If only we had a break in the rain, we would have dined al fresco over the hillside on the patio balcony. Next time!

The three large bedrooms created the perfect environment for cozy nights and afternoon naps. But what really stunned us were the spacious bathrooms. Unheard of in historical properties like this, they were bright and big. Great for getting multiple kids, adults and grandparents all ready for a day of exploring Cornwall each morning.

Bosinver’s Amenities

Bosinver prides itself on providing not just luxurious self-catering cottages, but also creating the type of atmosphere where you can spend your vacation without ever really leaving the property itself. We found this to be the case… while we were very motivated to see as much of Cornwall as we could, it was hard to drive away from Bosinver each day.

For the kids, you’ll find an indoor play barn for under 8s, a games room perfect for teenagers who want their own space, several outdoor playgrounds, and a Gruffalo trail, based on the popular children’s book. Depending on the season, children might also get to participate in the Wild Kid’s Club, an afternoon of activities designed to get kids enjoying the natural environment that surrounds Bosinver.

A highlight for the whole family will be the daily animal feedings, led by Farmer Dave. Kids (and grown-ups!) wait anxiously with their hands full of feed, only to be tickled by ducks, goats, sheeps and ponies, equally as anxious to eat. Children can help gather eggs and maybe even take a pony ride around the farm.

Not to be missed is the new indoor pool. Heated by solar panels, the facility is exquisite and the water is so warm you’ll feel like you’re in the tropics. But unlike an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean, instead you’ll have a glass wall overlooking the green hills, horses grazing in the distance. It’s an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

Being situated among all this natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Bosinver is known for its eco conscience efforts. Guests will be expected to recycle and compost some of their waste. You’ll feed the electric meter in each cottage with a few pounds during your stay to make you better aware of your energy use.

Some of the buildings feature solar panels, and Lowen, one of the newest cottages on the property, takes things one step further. It is zero carbon and completely energy self-sufficient.

No detail was missed in making Bosinver more green. I even noticed that the changing rooms in the indoor pool were made from recycled plastic. No wonder Bosinver has achieved gold accreditation by the Green Business Tourist Scheme since 2008.

Booking Rooms at Bosinver Farm Cottages

We can help book cottages for our readers at Bosinver Farm Cottages. This is a free service we offer our readers! To request availability, click on the Check Availability button on the Bosinver Farm Cottages review in the CB! Hotel Collection — a request will go to the hotel for best available pricing and one of our Family Vacation Consultants will follow up with you.

Exploring Cornwall

Hard as it might be to tear yourself away from your cozy cottage and all the places to play and relax at Bosinver, Cornwall itself should not be missed. You’ll be ideally located to do lots of exploring, as Bosinver is just a 15 minute drive from the sandy and tranquil beaches of the south coast, and a 45-minute scenic drive to the rugged cliffs of the north coast, with lots of charming villages, farms, and museums all along the way and in between.

A highlight is a visit to the Eden Project, just a 10-minute drive from Bosinver. The Eden Project is a world-famous attraction, home to three biodomes built inside an old clay pit. You’ll find the largest indoor rainforest here, along with recreated Mediterranean climate and more natural plants and fauna than you can really see in one day. There are several play areas for kids and lots of special events.

You’ll also find delicious fish ‘n chips takeaway stands, impressive seafood restaurants (Bosinver can recommend a babysitter!), and even multiple places to take surfing lessons. Surfing in England, imagine that!

So while London offers the thrill of a double decker bus roaring by you on Regent Street, Bosinver Farm Cottages in Cornwall provides the joy of watching a flock of ducks waddle by you each afternoon. If you’re looking to experience the best of everything England has to offer, you owe it to yourself to do both.

Want More Information and Help Booking a Holiday at Cornwall’s Bosinver Farm Cottages?

We can help! Our kid-friendly hotel review of Cornwall’s Bosinver Farm Cottages has more information about why this property works so well for families. Use the Check Availability button to reach out for Best Available Rates and one of our Family Vacation Consultants will follow up with you to advise about any additional questions you may have regarding a stay here.

If you’d like comprehensive help planning a vacation in England, or anywhere in the world, request assistance on our Connect with a Travel Advisor page.

Relevant Links:

Bosinver Farm Cottages family-friendly hotel review 

Family Hotels and Things to Do in the UK with Kids

Top Holiday Destinations in the United Kingdom with Kids

Best London Family Hotels

London: Favorite Kid-Friendly Activities

A Taste of Rural England Just Outside of London at The Grove

Family-Friendly Review of the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

Editor’s Note: Nicole’s family was hosted by Bosinver Farm Cottages. As always, her opinions are her own. Photos by Nicole Wiltrout.