We recently welcomed travel writer, Alice Tate, with her young family to Anterre, to enjoy spending time together as a new family of four. As the author of the book 'British Family Escapes' - a love letter to all that’s good and great on our British shores, Alice knows a thing or two about planning the perfect family holiday.
Winter by the sea is wildly underrated. We (that being myself, my husband, our 2 year-old son and then 6 week old little girl) spent the best part of a week in November at Anterre, with no grand plans besides wanting to soak up the sea air that does good things for your soul, and spend some special time together as a new family of four.
We’ve bopped around Cornwall quite a lot in the last few years, enjoying its different seasons, and always find ourselves coming back to Polzeath. Its caves, its sprawling sandy shores, and gentle waves make it such a pleasing spot - kids or no kids. We’ve had grown up days here where we’ve done nothing but sat and swam in the sun all day with beers and crisps from the local shop, but this time, on a grey November mid-week, enjoyed splashing in puddles, looking for bears (nil), and taking it in turns to have (quick) soul-resetting cold swims.
Anterre couldn’t have been a more idyllic base for our slow, sleepy days. Not only is its locality to Polzeath beach such a plus point (it’s a short albeit steep 15 minute walk back from the beach that you can easily manage sandy-footed) but it’s set back from the road, has access to Highcliffe’s gym and yoga studio (great for grabbing 30 minutes to yourself) and has the most incredible captivating views over the sea, that you’ll struggle to ever draw yourself away from. Self-catering always wins when it comes to taking the pressure off holidays with young kids, and for any other keen cooks, this beautiful, well-stocked kitchen is a joy to cook in, with a perfectly placed picture window that lets you look out to sea while you’re seasoning pasta or whipping up eggs. We loved how big and open-plan the communal space felt - perfect for keeping an eye on kids while you’re cooking or packing up - but equally cosy for watching TV on the sofa in the evening.
This is the sort of place where you don’t want to have many plans but leave full of memories. I think of our time there often — the sign of a good trip.
If you do want to venture further than the beach…
- Take the ferry from Rock to Padstow. It’s cheap, it’s fun and kids will love it (just make sure to check the times so you don’t miss the last boat back!)
- In Padstow, don’t miss the best of the best: Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips
- Take cover from bad weather with a leisurely lunch at The Mariners - Paul Ainsworth is at the helm and its best gastropub in the vicinity.
- If you don’t mind an hour or so in the car, head to the Eden Project or Lost Gardens of Heligan — both as much fun for adults and kids, and perfect places for kids to run around burning off steam.
Ready to book your family escape?
