If it’s good enough for Prince William and his brood, it’s surely going to be good enough for the rest of us mere mortals. Tresco, off the coast of Cornwall on the staggeringly beautiful Isles of Scilly, offers everything a family look for on a staycation; sun, sand, indoor pools when the weather plays up, endless activities and reliable babysitters.
Tresco Sea Garden Cottages sit right on the water’s edge on the eastern side of Tresco. Built in 2012, these beautiful modern cottages have been rated Five Star Gold Award Self Catering Accommodation by Visit England and sleep between six and ten people. Each property boasts panoramic sea views, wood burning stoves, WIFI and Satellite TV.
Nearby you’ll find the Ruin Beach Café offering up Mediterranean inspired menus, the freshest Cornish fish and wood-fired pizzas. Activity-wise, guests can enjoy exclusive use of the tennis courts, indoor swimming pool and gym on site as well as access to Tresco Abbey Garden and golf on St Mary’s. Throughout the summer months, take to the water with kayaks, sailing dinghies and SUP boards with full RYA tuition with Sailing Scilly.
We often forget we have gems like this on our doorstep but the Isles of Scilly are not to be underestimated as a family getaway. Getting there is also relatively easy; you can take a short flight from Land’s End, Newquay or Exeter airports to St Mary’s before hopping on a 20-minute boat across to Tresco. Alternatively, take the train from Paddington to Penzance. Remember, the island is car-free so it’ll be mainly bicycles and foot that get you around although you can always flag down the golf buggies and tractors that roam the island!