IF you’re dreaming of the perfect family weekend break Fowey Hall on Cornwall’s stunning south coast can turn that dream into reality.

Perched high on a hill above the classic Cornish fishing and sailing port of Fowey, the Hall boasts spectacular views of the river estuary and the open sea beyond.

The hotel was the inspiration for Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame’s novel Wind in the Willows and the fastidious toad would have felt very much at home in such a sumptuous setting.

Arriving at this imposing example of Victorian splendour, with its walled gardens and manicured lawns, you immediately get a sense of the luxury that awaits.

But what sets this hotel apart from others is the careful planning that’s gone in to satisfying all the family’s needs.

I like to get my bearings when I arrive somewhere so I dropped the bags and the family in our gorgeous bedroom and popped off for a reconnoitre. I left my wife hooting with delight and planning a long hot soak in possibly the most luxurious bathroom we’d ever clapped eyes on.

It’s a short but steep descent to the harbour side from the Hall and I was surprised by the excellent selection of shops, delis and cafes. There’s a frequent ferry that shuttles visitors across the harbour – a trip the boys thoroughly enjoyed later in the weekend, while the women shopped. But if you’re looking for a more adventurous sea voyage there’s sight-seeing or fishing trips around the headland.

Fowey is very compact and the picturesque sandy cove at Readymoney and St Catherine's Castle, one of Henry VIII’s coastal defences, are just a few minutes walk from the hotel.

If you’ve packed your hiking boots there are miles of footpaths and hidden coves to explore along this dramatic coastline.

The romance of this Cornish landscape was immortalised by Daphne du Maurier in her classic novel Rebecca. And spending time in this setting it’s not difficult to see what inspired her. An arts and literary festival is held in Fowey every May in her honour.

There is nothing like a walk by the sea to give you an appetite and as a glorious sunset began to form in the Western sky it was time to head back to taste the culinary delights of the Hall.

My wife had already installed herself in a cosy sofa by a roaring log fire with a gin and tonic, awaiting the arrival of friends - my son had been whisked away for an hour-long magic show. What a Godsend - for a brief spell it was as if there were no children staying at the hotel.

You have lots of dining choices at Fowey Hall. If you want to eat en famille the ever-patient and courteous staff will serve you in the family room, where a wondrous breakfast is also served.

But for those wanting a more intimate and civilised dining experience there’s an adults only room. Your chances of enjoying those delights are helped enormously by the 7pm children’s movie, which kept my eight-year-old son and his friend fully occupied.

The food at Fowey is what you’d expect from a high-class hotel and the menus draw their inspiration from high-quality local produce.

Another great feature of the Hall is The Den, an Ofsted-registered free crèche, which has four qualified nannies and is open every day between 10am - 4.45pm. Guests are welcome to check in children for two-hour slots.

Little ones can enjoy non-stop fun at Fowey Hall, without stepping outside the grounds. Our children enjoyed a swimming gala, free face-painting, the magic show, the trampoline and ran wild in the gardens, while we watched on from the comfort of the sunny patio, outside our rooms.

With the youngsters taken care of, you can book yourself some ultimate relaxation at the Spa.

Or enjoy the wonderful views from the warmth of the outdoor hot tub, which is on the fabulous new sun deck.

Apart from some of Britain’s most inspiring coastline and beaches this part of Cornwall has so much more to explore.

The Eden Project, Mevagissey, Polperro and The Lost Gardens of Heligan in St Austell, Eddystone Lighthouse and many other attractions are all a short drive away.

Getting there

• Nick Rowe stayed at Fowey Hall Hotel and Spa, foweyhallhotel.co.uk

• Easter mini breaks available from £105pppn B&B – one child stays free

• May and June mini-breaks – 3 nights for the price of 2 throughout May and June mid-week. Luxurious 3 night spa mini-break from £70pppn

• Total package £420 inclusive of bed, and breakfast for first two nights, the third night is room only.

• Terms and conditions: One child free when they share a room with two adults, both breaks are based on two adults sharing a room, subject to availability and excluding May 27 – June 4.