The best places to eat, stay, shop and visit in the South West

Easter breaks

Rally the gang and hop away this spring
The Newt family Easter break

From coastal hotels to countryside cottages, these Easter breaks in the South West offer the perfect excuse for a leisurely spring escape

The Newt, Somerset

A spring escape that strikes a balance between family-friendly fun and grown-up indulgence, this three-Michelin-Key working farm with rooms really comes into its own over Easter.

Across the weekend, The Newt lays on a thoughtful programme of activities – from tractor tours and lamb spotting to tree climbing for little ones and generous Easter feasts. While younger guests are kept entertained, parents can slow the pace down and take in the gardens in full bloom or unwind in the indoor–outdoor pool. For a more restorative reset, there’s a spa menu of treatments, alongside yoga and wellbeing classes, plus a gym overlooking the kitchen garden.

Family stays are well catered for, with cots and roll-out beds to adjoining rooms for teenagers. There are also added perks including bikes for exploring, designated family pool time, babysitting services and free stays for under-eights.

Book now.

The Cornish Place

The Cornish Place, Cornwall

This luxury cottage retreat on a west Cornwall farm is a postcard-worthy escape for the whole family – including four-legged members.

Set within Gilly Vean Farm, a 26-acre Victorian dairy farm, it sits in what’s known as Cornwall’s ‘skinny bit’, meaning both the south and north coasts are within easy reach. Head south for calm waters ideal for paddleboarding and swimming, or north for surfing and bodyboarding along wilder shores. Back at the farm, guests can roam freely across wild meadows and pastureland – perfect for dog walks, laid-back picnics and letting little ones run wild.

The cottages sleep up to 16 and come equipped with hot tubs, fire pits, pizza ovens and barbecues – ideal for long, slow spring evenings.

Book now.

The Acorn Inn

The Acorn Inn, Dorset

Set near Thomas Hardy’s birthplace and referenced in Tess of the d’Urbervilles, The Acorn is a classic English coaching inn steeped in history.

Exposed beams, stone walls and log fires add to the authentic charm, while the award-winning, two AA rosette restaurant attracts diners looking to indulge in a seasonal menu full of Dorset’s finest produce. Expect upmarket dishes such as Dorset lamb, pork schnitzel and Lyme Bay scallops – best enjoyed with a local ale in the suntrap beer garden. For those keen to stay active, there’s a heated pool, gym and bicycles, alongside a croquet lawn and an all-weather tennis court set within the gardens. Beyond the grounds, the surrounding Dorset countryside offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing and golf.

Make the most of midweek perks, from burger and pint nights to Thursday happy hour, and settle in with a stay-and-dine from £125 per room.

Book now.

St Mortiz Hotel Easter break

St Moritz, Cornwall

This Easter, make the most of St Moritz’s kids-stay-free offer, with bed and breakfast included, full access to the spa and wellness facilities, and a complimentary Cornish concierge service – ideal for family days out.

As the only other hotel in the UK with a Cowshed spa outside London’s Soho House, you could easily stay put and still have a memorable stay thanks to the top-notch facilities. If you’re in the mood for adventure, however, the location is great for dipping your toe into a host of seaside attractions. Try surfing in Polzeath or stroll through the picturesque village of Rock – often dubbed the St Tropez of Cornwall.

Whether it’s downtime with pals or playtime with family, this Wadebridge hotel offers plenty of scope for an egg-cellent getaway.

Book now.

Cary Arms hotel and spa

Cary Arms & Spa, Devon

This inn on the beach offers a wonderful escape when spring sunshine makes the sea sparkle a brilliant shade of blue.

Nestled in south Devon’s Babacombe Bay, the hotel blends traditional charm with modern coastal style. Every room, cottage and beach hut come with a breathtaking sea views worth putting your phone down and your feet up for.

Make time for the sea-facing spa while you’re there. Take in panoramic views from the hydrotherapy pool, refresh in the exotic experience shower, unwind in the sauna and then soak up the spring sunshine on the terrace.

The Easter offer is uber-inviting: enjoy 20 per cent off inn rooms and beach huts for a two-night minimum stay over Easter weekend.

Book now.

Enjoyed our round-up of Easter breaks in the South West? Discover some fabulous family breaks in Cornwall.

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