Tuckenhay Mill - 2 Castle Cottage

Castle Cottage is a two-bedroom base within Tuckenhay Mill, a working leisure complex in the South Hams. You get the whole property to yourself: a ground-floor living and dining space with TV and DVD player, a kitchen with microwave and fridge, a bedroom with two single beds, and a bathroom with bath. Upstairs is a double bedroom with dressing area. Bed linen and Wi-Fi are included; heating, hot water and electricity are provided. One well-behaved dog can stay with you.

The real draw is what's on your doorstep. The grounds contain a 60-foot outdoor swimming pool open in summer, an all-weather tennis court, and barbecue areas. The leisure complex offers two heated indoor pools—one shallow for young swimmers—plus hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. A separate building houses slides, table tennis, snooker and pool tables for rainy days. There's a small children's play area outdoors with swings and climbing frames. Laundry facilities are available by coin meter. The site has ample parking for cars and boats.

This setup suits families wanting to combine self-catering with ready access to swimming, water play and sports. The stream running through the grounds is worth noting if you have very young children. No smoking throughout the property and facilities.