Family days out near Falmouth: the perfect base at Sand Dune

If you're planning a family holiday in Cornwall, Falmouth is hard to beat — and staying at Sand Dune, our three-bedroom dog-friendly cottage in the Pendra Loweth holiday village, puts you within easy reach of everything the area has to offer.

Beach days without the drive

The beauty of Pendra Loweth is that you don't need to get in the car to reach the sand. Maenporth Beach is just a mile's stroll from the cottage — a sheltered, gently sloping cove with soft golden sand, rock pools to explore at low tide, and shallow water that's ideal for younger children. There's a beach café for ice creams and light lunches, plus toilets and a car park if you'd rather drive down with buckets and spades in tow.

For a change of scenery, Swanpool Beach and Gyllyngvase Beach are both a short drive into Falmouth itself, each with their own café and calm, family-friendly waters. Between the three beaches, you could spend a full week without visiting the same stretch of sand twice.

Rainy day plans

Cornwall is famously changeable, so it's worth having a few indoor options up your sleeve. Falmouth's National Maritime Museum is a firm family favourite, with hands-on exhibits and boat-building workshops that keep kids entertained for hours. Pendennis Castle, the Tudor fortress guarding the harbour mouth, is another great wet-weather (or sunny-day) outing, with plenty of history brought to life for younger visitors.

Closer to home, our on-site facilities at Pendra Loweth include a plunge pool, jacuzzi, tennis and basketball courts, soft play, pool table and a children's play area — handy for filling an afternoon without leaving the village.

Gardens and gentle walks

The famous subtropical gardens around Falmouth are well worth a visit if you fancy a slower-paced day. Trebah Garden and Glendurgan Garden, both a short drive away, sit side by side on the Helford Passage and are full of jungle-like planting, giant rhubarb, and paths that lead right down to the water — a big hit with kids who like to explore.

Back at Pendra Loweth, the 16-acre shared gardens (originally designed by botanist David Bellamy) are perfect for a pre-dinner wander, and the South West Coast Path runs right along this stretch of coast if you fancy stretching your legs before heading back to the cottage for the evening.

Making the most of your stay

Sand Dune's open-plan kitchen and dining space make it easy to cook up a family feast after a day at the beach, and with three flexible bedrooms — including super-king rooms that convert to twins — it's a comfortable fit for two families travelling together or grandparents joining the trip.

Ready to book your family escape? [ Check availability at Sand Dune Falmouth](https://www.sanddunefalmouth.co.uk/bookings).