Surf’s up! Above Fistral Beach, the Armstrong family’s child- and dog-friendly hotel overlooks one of Cornwall’s surfing hotspots. Its Surf Sanctuary teaches kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and coasteering. The impressive Victorian building (with self-catering cottages) offers plenty of less adventurous diversions. Buckets and spades for the beach; games, books and DVDs for rainy days. Pampering treatments in the luxury spa team with breathtaking seascapes. Most of the modern bedrooms (ask for one with a balcony) have coastal hues and views. Taken on the laid-back ocean-front terrace or in sophisticated restaurant Samphire, chef Christopher Archambault’s menus highlight locally caught fish and Cornish produce. This hotel is also a member of Pride of Britain.