It's always a gamble choosing somewhere to go on holiday when trawling through numerous brochures and web reviews, all claiming to be family friendly. Our search for a smaller, family orientated holiday village in the UK, which wouldn't break the bank and would suit grandparents, parents and a lively toddler took us to Wringworthy holiday cottages just outside Looe in Cornwall, where we really struck gold.

Apple Cottage felt like a home from home as soon as we arrived. We were welcomed with fresh Cornish scones, clotted cream and jam and shrieks of delight from our 3 year old when he noticed all the animals in the animal corner.

These converted farm buildings, set in a beautiful toddler safe four acre country setting, are run by a couple who have 3 young children of their own, so they know what families want and need. Each morning and evening our son loved joining other families to wander down and help feed the donkeys, rabbits, ducks and chickens and compare notes of his day with the owner's youngest son. He and Grandma would return to the cottage full of fantastic stories and bearing gifts of fresh eggs for tea. On one evening, he had the fortune of watching a chick hatch from its egg, the look of awe in his eyes was totally heart warming.

We found that one of the advantages of Wringworthy was that you can really get to know the other guests and owners, but at the same time if you want privacy you can also achieve this. All the home comforts you need are provided and if you forget anything, as we did (a stroller and highchair) then the owners are happy to lend you theirs.

The grounds include an outdoor fenced off heated swimming pool, sandpit, table tennis, table football, football pitch and play equipment. There is also a huge play barn which is fully stocked with games, videos and books for all ages.

The cottages are well placed to visit a number of great attractions in the area to suit all ages. During our week's stay we visited the Eden Project with its 2 gigantic bio domes set in a 50 metre deep crater, a must see when visiting the area. Being a train enthusiast, we treated our son to visits to Dobwalls, a great play park and railway built within woodland and to Lappa valley railway, another excellent day trip choice. On a stopover to Megavissey for lunch we also discovered the World of Model Railways which kept our son happy for an hour. On sunnier days there are numerous safe sandy beaches in the area, the nearest being a couple of miles away in Looe.

If you want to travel further afield, Newquay is only an hour's drive away with fantastic beaches and attractions. Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo are two of the main places worth visiting. The list of attractions just goes on and on and Cornwall is definitely a family friendly destination for all age groups. You really don't need to break the bank visiting every tourist attraction available. The real highlight of the trip for our toddler was crabbing at Looe harbour followed by fish and chips!

Wringworthy cottages are 4 star self catering cottages which are open all year with short off season breaks available. Prices start from £130 - £980 per week per cottage.

For further information check out their website here: http://www.wringworthy.co.uk/

Our holiday was taken in September 2005 in Apple Cottage which sleeps 6.

For further information about Cornwall visit http://www.cornwalltouristboard.co.uk/

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