We were thinking that perhaps we should stay in Cornwall during September or early October but are

We were thinking that perhaps we should stay in Cornwall during September or early October, but are worried about the weather Leonora Lowe via e-mail

A. Travelling with young children can be a concern, especially for first-time parents. But many tour operators have begun to acknowledge these anxieties. Holidays at such an early age can also be hugely rewarding – time spent together away from home, with somebody else doing the hard work, would give you both some well-earned rest. Taking your child into a different environment – such as the seaside – also offers immeasurable rewards.
Cornwall is a good option for young families not yet ready to venture abroad but who still want a seaside holiday. It is, of course, difficult to predict the weather, but September temperatures average at a comfortable 15C. Best of all, it has a stunning landscape to explore and delicious local produce – particularly the fresh seafood.Fowey Hall (01726 833866; www.luxuryfamilyhotels ) is particularly geared towards families.

A beautiful mansion set in a five-acre walled garden overlooking Fowey, it is within easy reach of many attractions including the Eden Project and the sandy cove at Readymoney. The hotel’s Four Bears Den cares for babies as young as four months and up to the age of eight between 10am and 4.45pm, leaving parents free to enjoy the hotel’s facilities, or explore the surrounding countryside. It provides activities such as face painting and cookery for older children and games for babies as well as cots and soft cushions. For adults there is a heated indoor pool, table tennis and in-room massages.September and October prices start at £185 per double room, half board, including the Four Bears Den facilities. The restaurant’s menu features local produce and fresh seafood, and the Palm Court is open for lunch and offers a more informal dinner menu.

There are more options in Fowey town itself, such as Q, a chic but relaxed restaurant in the Old Quay House hotel (01726 833302; www.theoldquayhouse ) with a menu that features local produce, from Fowey River mussels and oysters to local poultry. Contact the Fowey tourist information centre (01726 833616; www.fowey.co.uk) for further advice.Another option on the South Coast is the Combe House Hotel and Restaurant in Gittisham, Devon (01404 540400; www.thishotel ). The Grade I-listed Elizabethan building is set within 3,500 acres of parkland, where pheasants and Arabian horses roam. It is also an excellent spot for countryside and coastline exploration – Sidmouth and the pretty fishing villages of Branscombe and Beer are a short drive away.Combe House is child-friendly and will supply cots, warm milk and has local babysitters on hand. The restaurant has two AA Rosettes and Four RAC dining accolades, and makes considerable use of local produce, much of it organic Doubles start at £148 including breakfast. For stays of two nights the dinner, bed and breakfast rate is from £420; babies in cots stay free of charge.