We’re always on the lookout for amazing child-friendly hotels in the UK and Europe, so when Luxury Family Hotels asked if I’d have a look at their selection my immediate response was a very big YES please!
There are eight hotels in the Luxury Family Hotels stable, all set in very grand and marvellous historic buildings, all easily reachable from London (and other places too of course) – in beautiful countryside locations including Gloucestershire, The New Forest, Dorest, Wiltshire, Suffok and Cornwall.
What actually makes their hotels child-friendly? For starters they have Ofsted registered creches on-site where guests are able to leave their youngsters for up to two hours a day at no extra cost. Time for mum and dad to get some peace and quiet then – perhaps read the paper by the pool, or head to the Spa for a relaxing massage or facial. My personal pick would have to be lying by the pool, soaking in the incredible view at Polurrian Bay with the latest Elle Deco and a Singapore Sling.
Children’s tea time starts between 5 and 6pm so that’s another plus. No waiting for restaurants to open when the children should really be in the bath and getting ready for bed. After dinner it’s time for a nice cosy bed in an adjoining room, or a z-bed in mum and dad’s room, and a babysitter. Then mum and dad can head to the restaurant for dinner, afterwards sitting outside in the warm Summer breeze to watch the moon rise over the sea.
I had such fun looking at all the hotels, choosing some favourite photos. Here’s a quick overview of each.
One thing to note – when I went to check prices I had to wait until I’d confirmed the dates and rooms before I got the final price. The calendar initially showed me a lower price, possibly for a smaller family than ours.
The Ickworth
Set in 1,800 acres of National Trust parkland, The Ickworth is located in Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk. I can’t get enough of this bathroom.
Fowey Hall
Overlooking Fowey River estuary in Cornwall. Local must-sees include the magical Eden Project and The Hidden Gardens of Heligan. Scones? Yes please, say the girls.
Woolley Grange
With an emphasis on fresh, local food, Woolley Grange has its own walled medicinal and culinary garden. A very traditional setting eight miles out of Bath it looks very cosy and comforting.
Moonfleet Manor
Set on the magical Dorset coastline, Moonfleet has a splendid interior which does rather remind me of an eposide of Poirot. Nearby you’ll find Weymouth’s four mile Blue Flag beach with as Punch & Judy, donkey rides, funfairs and proper deckchairs. The kids would love that!
The Elms
Set in a Queen Anne mansion in Worcester, the gardens at The Elms are the perfect place to let the kids wear themselves out – on bikes and trikes, the adventure playground, on the trampoline or zooming around the fairy trail. Parents meanwhile, can keep a watchful eye from the patio, enjoying an alfresco lunch or refreshing drink. Hooray!
New Park Manor
Beautiful details including oak patterned doors and original furniture are a highlight of this New Forest country house hotel. I just love the bathroom detailing.
Polurrian Bay
This one wins the fun interior award for me! Our kids would be racing for the pink chairs every day – woe betide us if somebody else would be sitting in them. The Lizard Peninsula is an incredible, mysterious and wild part of the world. This looks like a wonderful and rather joyous hotel to stay in – especially that pool waiting for me with the Singapore Sling.
Thornbury Castle
Close to Bristol, this is a proper castle with knights and turrets, roaring fires and heavy oak doors. The interiors look fabulous. I love the bathroom and the rich heavy fabrics on the four poster beds. Note no creche at Thornbury.
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