Budock Vean Hotel — Graham Custance Photography

We had explored most areas in Cornwall but we had always wanted to visit the Falmouth area which had so far eluded us, so we were really excited when the opportunity came up to visit the fabulous Budock Vean Hotel. Set in 65 acres on a quiet bend of the Helford River, this place just exudes tranquility with beautiful gardens and woodlands to stroll through as you walk down to the water’s edge. We arrived at the end of March, just prior to the Helford River Cruises commencing for the season. But we were going to explore the Helford scenery on dry land with the assistance of Paul, a local volunteer who kindly gave up his time on our arrival with his Dobermann rescue dog, Kai, to accompany myself, Sue, Matthew and Riley along the country lanes from the hotel to the small hamlet of Durgan four miles south of Falmouth. Just above Durgan you will find two beautiful landscaped gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan. You could just imagine this being the setting for a Secret Seven or Famous Five novel.

After walking across the cliff tops we routed back to the hotel where we met Nicky who was to show us our accommodation for the week - ‘The Old 19th’ - This cottage is graded 4* gold award by Visit England and is the largest cottage, with four double/twin bedrooms, comfortably sleeping eight people, which was perfect because we were having an extended family stay, which was a multi-generation group, so with a swimming pool, spa, sauna, hot tub, tennis, golf and a full sized snooker table on site, there was going to be plenty of activities to keep us entertained.

Old 19th Exterior — ‘The Old 19th’ cottage

The facilities at ‘The Old 19th’ cottage were plentiful, with parking for four cars, an enclosed garden (which was really handy for the two dogs), most bedrooms were en-suite, free Wi-Fi, flat screen tv in the lounge and every bedroom too, all bedding, towels and tea towels, bath robes and swimming towels, hairdryer and ironing board. The large kitchen, which has a separate utility room, was also well stocked including dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. The hotel also arranged a lovely welcome pack, containing biscuits, sweets and lotions in a travel bag.

The food was delicious, with the dinner menu changed daily, to ensure the hotel was using the best local seasonal produce. Dining at Budock Vean is something special with first class service. We had a four course meal with coffee served afterwards on two of our nights.

Golf is inclusive for guests staying at Budock Vean, both in the hotel and for those that are self catering. Originally designed in the 1920's by legendary Scottish golfer and five times Open Winner, James Braid, the challenging 9 hole/18 tee golf course is set in mature parkland with the first tee a few paces from the hotel's golf bag room. The seventh on this interesting course was until recently the longest Par 5 in the county and the ninth green, 'The Flower Bowl' is one of the finest short holes in Cornwall. We played a nice unhurried, leisurely nine holes in the spring sunshine.

Joanne opted for the Luxury Jessica Manicure that Included a hand soak, nail shaping, cuticle work, hard skin removal with scrub, application of oils and lotion with heated mitts or booties, finished with a beautiful application of a Jessica polish colour of your choice. This treatment also Included a free nail polish to take home.

There are so many beautiful places to visit in this area of Cornwall near the Helford River, quaint fishing villages, cosy cottages, golden sandy beaches and clifftop walks. Here are a few of my favourites.