Eco escapes: family comfort in Cornwall

Our Contributing Travel Editor, green girl and SPA.Kitchen founder, Daisy Finder, rounds up the world’s best ethical holidays. Next up is the beautiful Cornwall for some family fun.

Family comfort: The Park, Cornwall

The Park in Mawgan Porth has a lot going for it. Here you can hire a retrofit Airstream trailer, a yurt, a cosy cottage or, as we did, one of the newer eco lodges. Six and a half hours in a car (with a two- and five-year-old) takes it out of a person, but within 10 minutes of parking outside our beautiful woodclad lodge, the kids were bouncing on the beds while the other half inspected the outdoor barbecue and woodburner (having already ordered complimentary logs from reception).

We stayed in Karrek, which sleeps up to six people – the allnatural and sustainable materials, light and sea air tempering all tension. Solar panels tick the big eco box – and the heating and thermal recovery system provides hot water and cosiness. The staff are fantastic and patient with the kids; in school holidays, free activities are offered every day – from nature walks with the on-site conservation expert, to old-school fireside myths and shadow-making.

We foraged sea beets and greens for breakfast, then walked to the beach (10 minutes away) and, when tired legs and empty tummies took over, the on-site café, The Kitchen, served wholesome food, made with locally sourced ingredients. Then to the pools – one indoor, one outdoor, both heated by solar energy – followed by a session in the play yurt: great to get kids to wind down after a day’s stimulation. The Park provides a lovely way to dip one’s toes into coastal life, then get toasty sitting around the fire. Singsong essential. 

Prices range from £65 a night for a summer house, to £103 a night for a luxury lodge (both sleep four; off-peak). For more details, visit theparkcornwall.com