Overview

Boconnoc is a perfect destination for families to have fun and relax in a private countryside setting. With acres of land to explore, kids can enjoy various activities that entertain them. The Boconnoc team dedicate their time to ensuring every guest enjoys their stay by taking care of practicalities and providing activities for families to enjoy.

Activities

Boconnoc is a beautiful place for children to make unforgettable memories by spending time outside, exploring the natural surroundings, and discovering hidden spots. The estate offers a wide range of activities that children can enjoy during their stay.

Kids can unleash their creativity at the craft space, where they will find crayons, paper, shells, ribbons, and pine cones. They can also spot the tadpoles in the lake during the springtime (with adult supervision) or do some leaf rubbing with a fallen leaf, some plain paper and a crayon. There is abundant wildlife around the estate to look out for, such as butterflies, bumblebees, and dragonflies, or pick fruits and veggies from the kitchen garden and collect eggs from the chickens. They can also enjoy playing giant Jenga, ping-pong, or table football in the Games Room or pack a picnic and embark on an adventure.

Older children and teenagers will love the freedom and the vast array of activities Boconnoc offers. The estate provides several activities that may pique their interest. They can be active, borrow paddleboards, cruise on the lake, bring their bikes, cycle on the endless trails, set up football goals for a quick match, play ping-pong, table football, or pool in the Games Room. Or they can hook up to the Wi-Fi and stream a movie on the projector in the main house, set up a game of tennis on the onsite court, and borrow the Ooni pizza oven to make homemade pizzas.

Food

Guests staying at the property can use the Kitchen Garden. The garden is open for visitors to pick produce, and you can also hire the Ooni pizza oven to cook your harvest. The outdoor kitchen next to a water-powered sawmill provides an excellent space for al fresco dining under the stars surrounded by nature. The host can also set up a BBQ in the outdoor kitchen if informed and provide seasonal produce from the Kitchen Garden.

As for dining out, there are several options nearby. The Duchy Nursery and Café in Lostwithiel, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, serves fantastic lunches and traditional Cornish cream teas. The café also has a gift shop and plant nursery, offering spectacular views of the Fowey Valley and Restormel Castle.

Fitzroy in Fowey is a sister restaurant of a London establishment, offering shared plates and minimalist design. North St Kitchen, affiliated with Fitzroy, is another excellent choice for lunch by the river.

For those who fancy fish and chips, there are takeaways in Lostwithiel at the Country Fryer and near Looe at the Coddy Shack. Sam’s On the Beach in Polkerris is a fantastic option for locally sourced produce in a unique setting. It’s an old lifeboat house on the water’s edge overlooking Polkerris Harbour and St Austell Bay.

Appleton’s is a restaurant and bar run by Andy Appleton and his wife, Lyndsey. They serve delicious dishes with an Italian influence, and their Sunday brunch and negronis come highly recommended.

The Longshore in Charlestown Harbour is a lively restaurant famous for its excellent steaks and seafood served in a modern space just off the historic port of Charlestown, renowned for Poldark and its shipping heritage. The Crown in Lanlivery is one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, serving traditional pub grub.

Accommodation

Nestled in a peaceful valley at the core of the Boconnoc Estate lies the Stewardry – an opulent 18th-century manor house that can comfortably accommodate up to 14 guests. The property boasts seven gorgeous bedrooms, each with a unique character. It features stunning interiors designed by Sarah Fortescue, inspired by the picturesque gardens at Boconnoc. Whether you’re looking for warm and welcoming reception rooms, tranquil nooks for relaxation, or breathtaking grounds, the Stewardry offers it all.

For those looking for a relaxing holiday while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Cornwall, the Dairy House is an excellent choice. This house is fully wheelchair-accessible and can accommodate up to eight people, with a bedroom and wet room on the ground floor. The playful decor, which includes furnishings sourced from around the world, adds to the comfort and ambience of the house. Local touches, such as the classic Boconnoc toile and the dining table made from a cross-section of oak sourced directly from the estate, add to the charm and character of the house.

The Groom’s House is an ideal option for a rural retreat in Cornwall. It is one of two renovated cottages that border the Stable Yard, featuring a traditional exterior with charming nooks and crannies. The recent refurbishment has made it spacious enough to accommodate up to six people, with an open-plan kitchen and sitting room that is bright and airy. It also boasts three en-suite bedrooms, including a double and two twin rooms.

The Head Groom’s House is a beautifully restored building in the Stable Yard at Boconnoc. The renowned architect Sir John Soane created the design, which can accommodate up to four guests. The cottage boasts two bedrooms, organic toiletries, vibrant fabrics, and a stunning interior design that adds to the warm and comfortable atmosphere of the house.

Nearby

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Pentewan is a renowned garden rediscovered and inspired by Tim Smit. It offers a stunning glimpse into the Victorian era, with the main house’s vegetable garden now cultivated all year round. The Jungle area, which boasts gigantic gunnera and ferns, is imposing and worth a visit.

Lanhydrock House is a stunning country house from the late Victorian era, featuring vast servant quarters, gardens, and woodland walks.

The Eden Project in Bodelva is an educational and memorable experience that appeals to everyone.

The Cornish coastline is a stunning 300-mile stretch that is worth exploring. Every corner of it offers breathtaking views. On calm and sunny days, you can discover vast beaches, secret coves, dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife, and a turquoise sea. The two closest beaches to Boconnoc on the South Coast are Lantivet and Lantic Bay. Each one of them is just a short walk from the car park.

Lantivet is a stunning location on the South Coast, featuring a small beach and scenic walks along the cliffs. Lantic Bay is located in Lanteglos and is near Lantivet. This beach offers breathtaking views from the cliff-top. Although it requires a walk down the cliff, it is worth it to reach this secluded beach. It is perfect for a refreshing swim before enjoying the sunset.

Some beaches near Boconnoc are perfect for children. These include Porthpean in St Austell, a small but stunning sandy beach that offers various water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and snorkelling. It also has a slipway that provides easy access to the water. Another beach is Polkerris, an idyllic sandy cove and coastline perfect for water sports, walking, rock pooling, and stand-up paddleboarding. Talland Bay has two small beaches, both offering beautiful natural tidal pools, rock pools at low tide, and little coves.

Adrenalin Quarry in Liskeard offers thrilling activities such as Britain’s longest, fastest, and highest zip wire, go-karting, an aqua park, a free fall cliff-top swing, and axe throwing. At Encounter Cornwall, you can rent canoes and paddle down the river, which inspired Kenneth Graham to write “Wind in the Willows.” A friendly riding school at Polmartin Farm is only a minute’s drive from Boconnoc.

Summary

Boconnoc Estate is an excellent place for families to have fun, and various indoor and outdoor activities are available during their stay.