Best Value Hotels in Cornwall

The Sands Resort Hotel & Spa is a large, mid-range, family-focused holiday resort located two-and-a-half miles from Newquay with views over the sea. Beyond the beaches (Porth Beach and Watergate Bay are within walking distance) there's not a great deal in the area, though a huge range of kid- and adult-friendly leisure facilities on-site means most people won't set foot outside the mid-range property anyway. Rooms, too, are particularly family-friendly -- most have two separate sleeping areas -- while the restaurant provides parents with some child-free time. Rates are very reasonable for the facilities, if not necessarily the rooms, but this probably isn't the place for those vacationing kid-free.

Perran Sands Holiday Park is a large, simple property near the beach with a variety of units, from domed tents and yurts to trailers with two, three, or four bedrooms. Despite lacking some of the recreational facilities typically offered at UK holiday parks, this property stands out: The decor is fresh and modern, both in rooms and in bars and restaurants, which include a fish-and-chips shop and a bar decorated with road trip memorabilia. There are also two pools, surfing lessons, and live entertainment, making it a great choice for families. 

The Esplanade Hotel is a mid-range, family-friendly hotel set overlooking Newquay's Fistral Beach -- one of the finest surfing beaches in Europe. The 90 rooms are clean and modern, decorated in peaceful earth tones and deep purple accents, and many have sea views. The indoor pool has a sauna and whirlpool, and there's a charming wood pirate ship playground outside for the kids. Guests receive discounts at the on-site Quiksilver Surf School, and can use the spa and fitness facilities at sister property Fistral Beach Hotel, a couple minutes' walk away. The ample daily breakfast wins raves, with a Full English option available (for a fee). Although the setting is beautiful, the location is a little out of town, so a car is recommended.

This holiday park has well-kept grounds and offers a full range of varied accommodations -- including caravans (trailer homes) for rent, wooden 'pods' for glamping, and pitch sites for privately owned caravans and tents. None are upscale, but most feature flat-screen TVs and kitchens, and tiny bathrooms. The park has its own recreation facilities (including water slides and an arcade-style facility), dining and bar options, and evening entertainment. The famous surfing beaches of Newquay are a few miles away, as are the zoo and golf course.