The Pet Shop Boys once sang “Go West, life is peaceful there.” With that in mind, I can’t think of any more appropriate advice for anyone planning a quick break in the UK.

Forget package holidays and foreign climes, Cornwall is the destination.

With mild and pleasant temperatures all year round, a rugged coastline, quaint fishing ports, beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic attractions, the county really has something for everyone.

With a young family in tow, it’s so simple to pack everyone up and drive the few hours’ west from Dorset to a land of mystery and beauty. Influenced by the Celts and carved by the sea, Cornwall has a captivating feel which leaves a mark on all travellers.

We visited Cornwall out of season for a weekend in April, but I think a week is needed because there is so much to see. We based ourselves at the St.

Michael’s Hotel and Spa in Falmouth, a charming and very stylish hotel that I would urge readers to check out.

It’s a contemporary setting and ideally placed to provide a good jumping-off point from which to explore Cornwall. Situated in the heart of picturesque Falmouth, it has to have one of the finest views in the county.

Set in its own sub-tropical gardens, St Michael’s Hotel and Spa has stunning views out across the sandy beach and Falmouth Bay to the rugged Lizard peninsular and spectacular Cornish coastline.

Just two minutes from the South West Coast Path, the glorious Gyllyngvase beach is only 150 metres from the garden gate with its Blue Flag golden sands Visiting out of season means you’ll probably be sharing the beach with just the gulls, while the seaside town buzzes with laid-back locals and bohemian art students from the nearby Falmouth University.

Sat astride the beach is the chic and hipster-ish café, Gylly Beach. It’s lively and contemporary menu offers everything from fresh seafood, daily specials and a cracking kids menu.

Gyllyngvase beach itself is overlooked by the imposing Pendennis Castle. The castle has defended Cornwall against foreign invasion since Tudor times and is now open to the public as a museum.

With a hyperactive toddler to keep entertained, I did have concerns that Pendennis Castle wouldn’t be suitable. Thankfully, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Run by English Heritage, this beautifully maintained castle has a treasure trove of winding staircases, turrets and interactive features to explore. History really did come to life and culminated in the noon day firing of one of the original working guns out of the 37 on display at the castle.

Another family-friendly attraction is the nearby Ships and Castles leisure centre, which boasts an indoor swimming pool with flume ride, wave-machine and jacuzzi. It literally saved the day on a wet and windy morning, with the rapid river ride still enthusiastically mentioned months later in our household.

Though it’s a wonder we ever got out of the hotel to explore all these treasures.

At St Michael’s Hotel, the nautically attired staff provide an informal haven of perfect pampering with the very best of food and service.

All the bedrooms are en-suite and are carefully furnished in a contemporary coastal style. Some of these have balconies or patios that lead straight onto the sub- tropical gardens offering stunning views of the ocean and Cornish coastline.

There’s also St Michael’s Spa that features a large heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, sun deck, well equipped fitness suite and spa treatments.

St Michael’s Hotel has won many awards and is generally regarded as one of the finest hotels in the South West. Its jewel has to be the dining experience. The Flying Fish is an award-winning restaurant at the hotel with stylish cuisine for residents and discerning diners.

Seafood lovers will be in heaven as the menu regularly features delights from the local area.

The hotel is just a short walk from the quaint port of Falmouth, where other recommended activities include sampling the delicious cuisine at Rick Stein’s fish and chip shop.

Looking for somewhere child-friendly to settle down for a hearty dinner, we plumped for Mangia, an informal Italian bistro in the heart of Falmouth. Greeted by the chef and proprietor Valter and his family, we were quickly seated and our daughter was thoughtfully given a colouring book while we perused the mouthwatering dishes on the menu. The pizza and ice cream is a house speciality and well worth sampling.

There are many events to look out for in Falmouth, which would be worth coinciding with your trip.

With so many things to see in Falmouth and Cornwall it’s impossible to mention them all here, but there’s always something to keep families occupied.

Factfile

St Michael’s Hotel and Spa Gyllyngvase Beach Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4NB stmichaelshotel.co.uk 01326 312707

Pendennis Castle Castle Close Falmouth TR11 4LP 0870 333 1181

Mangia Restaurant The Moor Falmouth TR11 3PN mangia.uk 01326 312320

Ships and Castles Leisure Centre Castle Drive Falmouth 01326 212129

Gylly Beach Café Cliff Road Falmouth TR11 4PA gyllybeach.com 01326 312884