With Easter spent under lockdown, many families will be looking cautiously and hopefully ahead to the time when we can move around again, at least in the UK, not to mention make up for lost time with older relatives. If you’re getting ahead with planning, here are 50 fabulous options for a UK country house hotel stay with something for every generation.
As the Telegraph’s family travel editor, the question I’m most often asked is: What is the best holiday you’ve had? And I’m afraid I cannot reply; it would be a bit like choosing my favourite child.
But the second-most popular question I get is this: Which is the best hotel in the UK for families? And that is easy to answer. The quickest way you can re-boot your family is with a British weekend break: after a short drive, you replace the quotidien routine with time outside, perhaps a spa visit, glorious autumnal food and a reminder of what matters most: uninterrupted time together.
But what makes a hotel great for families? In my experience: entertainment, value, indulgence and location. You just need to set your own priorities. Below you’ll find our 50 favourite family hotels in the UK.
England
The south
This good-value small chain’s casual and convivial atmosphere belies its well-organised formula: comfort and style rule and, while the food is tasty, you can draw directly on the tables – so it’s a great place for children. The Odiham branch has excellent walking from the back door, and is set in a Grade II-listed 16th-century inn.
The Grove
Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, England
The Grove is just 20 minutes from Euston, and has stunning cycling and walking trails through its 300 acres. Despite the hum of the nearby motorway, this is an excellent place to get outside. If the fresh air grows tiring, there’s also a superb nursery and a spoiling spa; this is a full-on countryside resort, with the sort of glamour that makes it popular with footballers’ wives.
Lime Wood
New Forest, Hampshire, England
Set in 145 square miles of ancient heath and woodland where ponies, donkeys, pigs, cattle and deer still freely roam, Lime Wood is nonetheless a glamorous place: the spa is fantastic, the food top-notch, and attention to detail excellent. There’s no crèche, and the pool has specific hours for children; book a babysitter to take full advantage of the facilities.
The Pig
Brockenhurst, New Forest, England
The first of the group of rural-themed, shabby-chic Pig hotels, centred around an exceptional kitchen garden and sophisticated restaurant, is a treat for foodie families. With five branches, The Pig hotels have made it possible for people to stay in trendy country hotels at affordable prices. Look out for extras like breakfast, however.
Cliveden
Taplow, Berkshire, England
Overlooking a spectacular 19th-century parterre and surrounded by acres of ancient woodland running down to the Thames, Cliveden’s setting couldn’t be more perfect. With special children’s swimming hours and acres of National Trust woodland to explore, plus a fine children’s dining menu, this is a real treat.
Stoke Park
Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, England
Stoke Park doubles as a private country club, so hotel guests can make use of all facilities: spa, tennis and championship golf course. The on-site crèche, which takes children up to age five, costs £8 per hour; it expands the age range over school holidays.
On the edge of the New Forest, yet close enough to walk to the beach. Every element of this hotel — rooms, food, spa and grounds — is in harmony. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, a tennis centre, nine-hole golf course, archery, buggy riding and even duck herding. For the ultimate treat, book a treehouse stay.
At Four Seasons’ only British country hotel, it’s hard to believe that you are only an hour from London. There is a superb kids’ club, two wooden climbing frames, plus children’s meals and family swim times. You can even bring your horse on holiday – or try the hotel’s “own a pony” experience with a resident equine.
For a charmingly old-fashioned stay in an Elizabethan house in the heart of the South Downs, Ockenden offers high-calibre food, a beautiful indoor pool (with children’s swimming times), and the wonder of the rambling landscape around you. To use the pretty contemporary spa, parents will need babysitters – or to take turns.
Opulence from a bygone era oozes from every room in this newly renovated house, but it’s also a haven for children: bicycles, walking maps and iPads with Netflix are available. Britain’s premier children’s entertainers, Sharky & George, run the children’s club at weekends and bank holidays (£55 morning; £70 whole day).
This Twenties mock-medieval mansion set in gorgeous parkland is surrounded by cottage annexes, a chapel and barn-style spa. The effect is akin to an ancient Sussex hamlet – and there are special children’s pool times, football, quoits, croquet and giant Jenga. The sea is a 10-minute stroll away, and the hotel will organise picnics for the beach and separate children’s dining times. It’s pet-friendly too.
Coworth Park
Ascot, Berkshire, England
Coworth Park is the only hotel in Britain to have its own polo club and fields; the equine theme dominates activities and décor, but there’s also biking and tennis to balance all the riding. Coworth Park Kids’ club is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday (£25 per day), and there’s a teen den with games room, and designated children’s hours at the pool.
This is a modern family hotel suiting babies to teens, with views over Mawgan Porth beach and plenty of adults-only spaces. There are two pools, two bars, and a lovely restaurant specialising in shellfish. Over school holidays, there’s a free programme of activities and two hours’ childcare per day included in the price of a room.
Watergate Bay
Newquay, Cornwall, England
Watergate Bay is the pre-eminent Cornish hotel for a contemporary family seaside holiday. It’s set on a spectacular surfing beach, and has an easy-going atmosphere, cool, breezy décor and fun places to eat nearby, including Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen. Guests can also spoil themselves in the Swim Club spa, while children will be entertained with watersports, organised games and crafts.
Tresanton has many imitators, but no other hotel achieves quite this successful a mix of seaside setting and sophisticated food. On arrival, children are given a fishing net to use on the tidal beach directly below the hotel with great rockpools and a floating swimming platform. The Eden Project and St Ives are easy day trips away.
Fowey Hall
Fowey, Cornwall, England
Top-notch facilities in this Victorian seaside mansion include two free hours per day at the crèche, a night-time baby listening service so parents can dine alone, and an indoor pool. There’s plenty for older children, including a zipwire and trampoline as well as watersports and the run of the beautiful grounds.
The original trendy country-house retreat, with indulgent bedrooms and hearty food. Young children can be left in the crèche for up to four hours a day; there’s a playroom and family films are screened in the cinema on Saturday mornings. But children can only use the swimming pools at certain times, and are not allowed in the library or billiards room at any time.
Bovey Castle
Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor, England
This stately pile in Dartmoor National Park caters every whim, from rugged outdoor pursuits to fine dining. But despite its smart décor, Bovey Castle is the least precious luxury hotel imaginable: muddy dogs and children are very welcome. During school holidays, activities including rock climbing, apple pressing, canoeing and golf, and a crèche is available.
Lyme Regis’ answer to a boutique coastal break with children is this luxury hotel with lovely views of the bay and the surrounding Jurassic coastline. Opt for a sea view Poulett or Gould room to make the most of it. Nearly all of the 24 rooms can accommodate children, plus there are two apartments that can host families of four or six.
This charming gastropub set dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Jurassic coast is also a boutique hideaway owned by a family with young children that cocoons guests of all ages amid the sound of rolling waves. Countryside walks from here are fantastic; trek 30-40 minutes up to Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast.
Woolley Grange
Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, England
Like its sister members in the Luxury Family Hotels range, Woolley Grange is ideal for young children: two hours at the on-site crèche are included in the price of a room, and the clever monitor service means parents can dine while children sleep upstairs. Kids will love the indoor pool – parents perhaps less so – but this is a hotel designed for young children.
Soho Farmhouse
Chipping Norton, Cotswolds, England
Set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, Soho Farmhouse offers a bucolic setting (no troublesome things like mud and farmyard smells here), spacious Nantucket-style accommodation, the facilities of a Center Parcs on steroids, including a great kids’ club, and indulgent food and drink. The result? The ultimate “country-lite” retreat.
Raymond Blanc’s passion for food translates well with children: this is the ultimate place to introduce young people to fine dining. Wander the glorious kitchen gardens to see what’s in season, and pop into the hotel’s busy kitchen after lunch for a bonus ice cream; everything here is precise and proper, but children are very warmly welcomed.
This stunningly set hotel has on-site stables (you can bring your own horse or borrow one), a cookery school, 500 acres to wander, and a beautiful spa with a pool that has children’s hours, plus bicycles, board games, and a spectacular play cottage filled with toys and activities (though children must be accompanied by an adult). The fine brasserie has a children’s menu, and the Michelin-starred restaurant is a treat and welcomes children over the age of five. A treat for adults and children alike.
Calcot & Spa
Tetbury, Cotswolds, England
Calcot is a shining example of how luxury and family-friendliness need not be mutually exclusive. Consisting of a stone manor house and farm buildings, a gorgeous spa, an Ofsted-registered crèche, indoor and outdoor play spaces and two restaurants with special children’s menu, you’ll also find a listening service so parents can dine after the children’s bedtime.
Cowley Manor
Cowley, Cotswolds, England
An Italianate country house with contemporary-cool interior styling. Cowley Manor has dreamy and extensive grounds – ideal for family picnics – chic interiors, and a wacky bar where children can eat (they’re less welcome in the main restaurant). The icing on the cake is the exceptional spa with two swimming pools, which have special times for children.
The Fish Hotel
Worcestershire, Cotswolds, England
Affordable, cosy-chic and with a host of activities on its doorstep; this ticks lots of boxes for families. The buffet meals allow great scope for the differing demands of families but should adults want to dine alone, there’s a Wi-Fi baby monitoring system — or babysitting can be arranged. Alternatively, stay at higher-end nearby sister hotel, Dormy House, and sample its excellent restaurant.
Dormy House
Broadway, Cotswolds, England
Dormy House is a haven of wellbeing, with stylish décor, impeccable old-school service and terrific food. Its state-of-the-art spa has won armloads of awards. Activities on the Farncombe estate include clay pigeon shooting and quad biking. A child bed can be put up in many rooms, for £40 per night. The four Courtyard suites are best for families and can also accommodated dogs.
A prettily situated, riverside coaching inn turned family-friendly hotel with exuberantly coloured rooms, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. For children, there’s an adventure playground and nature trail plus indoor playroom with lilac pool table, games and toys. Packed lunches, secure bike storage and clothes-drying facilities are provided for the energetic. Little ones also benefit from welcome toys and books, children’s menus, and night-time milk and cookies.
Rockliffe Hall
Hurworth-on-Tees, Durham, England
Rockcliffe Hall is a five-star golf and spa resort that also welcomes children. There are generous dedicated times at the swimming pool for young people, plus cycling and falconry. Look out for the Alice in Wonderland-themed play cabins, adventure playground and seasonal nature trail.
Augill Castle
Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England
A wonderful folly castle, grand and romantic on the outside, informal and romantic on the inside, and welcoming to all, with great emphasis on keeping children amused. Within striking distance of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, there’s 20 acres of grounds, a relaxed atmosphere, eclectic bedrooms and a treehouse.
Swinton Park
Ripon, Yorkshire, England
The manorial Swinton Park, in Masham, stands in 200 acres of lake-filled grounds, offering cosy rooms, superb cooking, a lovely spa and charming nine-hole golf course. Come here for the charming service – not mod-cons – and be sure to check out the trail and quiz through the grounds for children, the games room and birds of prey centre.
Gilpin Hotel is a stylish gateway to the Lakes with a well-deserved reputation for being beautifully run. This is true relaxation, albeit in a convivial atmosphere. There’s an excellent choice of rooms, ranging from garden suites to those with their own mini spa. Dining at the hotel is also a delight. Children aged seven and older are welcomed.
This luxurious waterside retreat — with views to Bassenthwaite Lake, Skiddaw and the Lakeland fells — offers an award-winning spa, gym, luxurious pool and fine dining, all in the setting of a historic country house. Family rooms with bunkbeds are available (£25-50 per child, bed and breakfast), as is babysitting.
Originally converted from what had been a blacksmith’s shop, village shop and barn, The Pheasant now makes a spacious, countrified and stylish hotel, its 16 rooms set around a courtyard of fruit trees. There is also a heated indoor swimming pool, superb restaurant, four-poster beds and a lovely village location on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
Milsoms Hotel is a relaxed and informal place to stay and eat in the heart of Constable Country. A cool vibe and excellent service ensure this contemporary country house hotel really stands out. A bed can be added to larger rooms if families need, and a well thought-out kids’ menu is offered in the restaurant.
Our favourite of the Luxury Family Hotels collection. This family-focused hotel set in a wing of a National Trust property caters well to under-10s. Like all members of the group, two free hours of crèche care are included in your stay (allowing you to wander the grounds or book into the sadly small spa), and the listening service means adults can dine solo while children snooze upstairs.
A brick and clapboard mill house dating from 1775. This peaceful spot is a good base for exploring Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Ely and Cambridge. There are no particular child-focused activities, though cots and highchairs are provided, but this small inn still deserves mention for families because of its good on-site restaurant and friendly atmosphere.
Cley Windmill
Cley next the Sea, Norfolk, England
For a complete change of pace, stay in this 19th-century windmill turned cosy guesthouse, with superb views over the reed beds and saltmarshes towards Blakeney Harbour. Barley Bin and Long House are large enough for extra beds, and the restaurant serves a no-choice, three-course menu that changes daily for £32.50 per head at 7.30pm.
This 19th-century inn lies equidistant between North Norfolk’s most beautiful vast sandy beach and the parkland surrounding Holkham Hall, where you’ll find a vast adventure playground to delight, and acres of land to cycle round.
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Midlands
This late Victorian house overlooks Rutland Water, one of the Midlands’ most beautiful and evocative landscapes, and a centre for sporting activities from sailing to cycling. The pool will delight children, and the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant will offer the whole family a treat after a day outdoors.
Scotland
An icon updated in a deft recreation of jazz-age glamour, dripping in luxury with an added measure of fun for parents and children. With quietly classy bedrooms, masses of country pursuits, plus Scotland’s best spa and two Michelin-starred food, there’s a little bit of (expensive) heaven for everyone. Special menus and baby-sitting are available.
Glenapp Castle
Ballantrae, Ayrshire, Scotland
A fine example of 19th-century Scottish Baronial grandeur, set in extensive gardens and woodlands. It’s more of a country house than a fortress, and offers fine dining and country sporting pursuits. There are connecting rooms for families, a babysitting service, and books, games and DVDs for children. Early evening dinners are available for under-fives.
Lying at the foot of Ben Nevis, girdled by a ring of highland peaks (particularly lovely when coiffed with snow), this is a place of quiet beauty, with no indication that the bustling tourist town of Fort William is only a mile or two up the road. Everything is possible, with activities including skiing, boating on the loch, off-road driving, stalking and fishing.
This is where James Bond would stay in Scotland: a 19th-century mansion in Scottish baronial style on a private island accessible by a bridge, set amid glorious West Highland scenery. It boasts an award-winning spa and myriad activities spread across 350 acres of grounds. Children are welcome in all rooms except spa suites and hilltop reserves, and the main restaurant.
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Wales
This Italianate Victorian manor invites lazy days spent playing croquet in 33-acre grounds, taking afternoon tea on the terrace and fishing in the River Usk in the shadow of the Black Mountains. There’s a special children’s high tea at 6.30pm so parents can dine later in peace, and baby listening systems are available.
Vale Resort
Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Spread across 650 acres of castle grounds on the fringes of Cardiff, the Vale is a terrific getaway, with one of Wales’ top-ranking spas, two championship golf courses and country walks. The resort’s health club has a crèche for children aged three months to five years, and the kids’ club offers activities to entertain older children.
A Georgian manor on the shores of an estuary. Slebech Park is an enticing hideaway with beguiling views, stylishly understated rooms and a restaurant brimming with rustic romance and home-grown produce. It’s a unique retreat with woodland walks and a millennia of history to explore. Book early to get one of the two connecting family rooms.
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Northern Ireland
Old-world heritage meets new-world luxury, with a children’s playroom thrown in. The thickest of carpets, Regency-inspired fabrics, and mahogany furniture give contemporary country house pedigree with five-star punch. Enjoy a dram from the exclusive collection of 101 Irish whiskies at the Blaney Bar, or indulge in afternoon tea in the Garden Hall.
This hotel boasts an idyllic rural setting only seven miles from Belfast city centre, striking design, a spa, great food and a bouncy castle. For children, there are very popular afternoon teas Monday to Saturday and a Sunday club with visits by local hero Ken the Owl Man and animals from the nearby Streamvale Open Farm.
