With plenty of stand-out family-friendly hotels in the UK, knowing where to start can be tricky. These are some of Citizen Enfants’ favourites.
There are some truly wonderful family-friendly hotels dotted all over the UK. Including well-established favourites and some relatively new additions to the scene, these five-star properties cater superbly well for guests of all ages.
Whether your priorities for a family break include fun kids’ clubs, sporty activities, rooms big enough to fit everyone in, or simply some time to reconnect with your children – these are the hotels to add to your UK travel wish list.
Beaverbrook Close to London
Just 45 minutes from central London – but seemingly a world away – Beaverbrook is an enchanting country house hotel. Steeped in history (it was once the home of Lord Beaverbrook, newspaper magnet and friend to Winston Churchill), it’s now one of the UK’s best hotels – and the good news is, it’s completely geared up for families. The newly-opened Village cottages offer individual suites with super-cute bunk beds that are perfect for kids, while the huge, stunning rooms in the main house boast exquisitely-tasteful interiors courtesy of interior designer, Susie Atkinson. The to-do list here is extensive: check out the on-site cinema; explore the outdoor playground with treehouse and obstacle course; enjoy kids’ swim sessions in the outdoor pool; and visit the kids’ club, run by the talented team from Sharky and George. Parents will love the tranquil spa, relaxation room, plus paddle and tennis courts. The tasting menu in the award-winning Japanese restaurant, The Dining Room, is the stuff of dreams for families – kids will be presented with their very own little Bento Boxes. There’s also a fun pizzeria and the pretty Garden House restaurant.
The Tawny To Get Away From It All
Since opening in 2021, The Tawny has made a name for itself as a great family holiday destination. Set in 70 acres of stunning Staffordshire countryside, the estate dates back to the 13th century, and the current owners spent three years turning it into a five-star hotel. Unusual, memorable experiences are the order of the day here – try stargazing, bird watching, pottery classes or kombucha workshops – many of which can be enjoyed by kids too, just check on age suitability when booking. There’s no kids’ club, but you won’t miss it; youngsters can run free in the estate’s gardens and woodlands, swim in the pool, or hop on one of the hotel’s bikes (they have kids’ bikes too) and head off on an adventure – best enjoyed with a delicious picnic straight from The Tawny’s kitchen. At the heart of the sprawling hotel grounds, dramatic restaurant, The Plumicorn, serves a fabulous selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner for all ages. The large family rooms or luxury self catering options (such as Fledglings cottages) have private heated pools, welcome dogs, and are perfect for larger groups. A designated host delivers food hampers and helps plan a fun itinerary, making quality family-time easy to achieve.
Another Place Perfect For All Ages
Sister hotel to Cornwall’s Watergate Bay, Another Place is an excellent property set in 18 acres of scenic Lake District National Park. On the banks of magical Ullswater, this is a magnet for sporty families seeking a huge range of activities. Swim, kayak or sail on the beautiful lake with your kids, or take them into the hills for fell running, pony trekking or mountain biking. If you fancy some downtime – a visit to the Swim Club spa is ideal – make use of the excellent Ofsted registered kids’ club (for children aged six months and up) who run supervised sessions of up to two hours every weekend, increasing to daily during school holidays. While there is always tons to do, the hotel lay on an array of extra adventures during school holiday periods, including chemistry shows, interactive science workshops, and a petting zoo with the chance to encounter some very special animals – including a Giant African millipede, a tree frog and even a royal python snake! With four great restaurants and a ‘dog’s welcome’ policy, Another Place has all the boxes well and truly ticked. Family suites are a great option for larger groups, but there’s also treehouses or even shepherd huts – depending on the size of your brood.
Estelle Manor Ideal For Older Kids
As you meander along Estelle Manor’s sweeping driveway, and the sight of this grand hotel comes into view, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s not the sort of place to take the kids. But nothing could be further from the truth. While Estelle Manor is undoubtedly swish, this Grade II-listed house is designed to be fun for all ages; you’ll see kids playing cards in the drawing room; splashing happily in the pool; munching on burgers on the terrace; or playing chase on the picture-perfect rolling lawns. You may even spot them behind the wheel of a replica mini Land Rover. Younger kids will love all of the space to run around in; for children over eight, The Den, with foosball, pool tables and a variety of board games is sure to be a hit; and activities such as rifle shooting and falconry are also on offer (parents welcome too!). Opt for a chic woodland cottage or a stunning family suite – cots, high chairs and mini bars packed with sweet treats come as standard in all. Recently-opened Eynsham Baths, a Roman-inspired spa, is off-limits to children but a little slice of heaven for mums and dads, while the wonderful Glasshouse and Brasserie restaurants are great spots for a family lunch.
Cameron House For Adventures On The Water
Just an hour away from Edinburgh, Cameron House sits on 400 acres on the banks of Loch Lomond. This Highland retreat is a hit with international visitors who love the traditional Scottish hospitality, but also with a local crowd who travel from all over Scotland to enjoy the wonderful facilities and activities – and of course, the beautiful setting too. From the immaculate 18-hole golf course (kids are welcome to play too) to horse riding, falconry and archery, there is so much to do – but it’s the hotel’s positioning on the Loch that arguably offers the most fun. Sailing, jet skiing, paddle boarding and fishing, to name just a few. During school holidays there’s an adventure programme for children with a fun schedule including bubble football, forest art and treasure hunts; on rainy days pop into the plush private cinema or to the indoor family pool with water slide (there’s also a wonderful spa for adults to enjoy). Stay in one of the ultra convenient, private lodges which offer two, three and four bedroom options; you can opt to self cater but still tap into all that’s going on at the hotel, as well as dine in one of the eight restaurants, many of which are family-friendly and have kids’ menus. Cute touches make the stay for young guests, such as a kid’s passport to fill in, activity packs, mini robes and slippers, plus a teddy bear to take home.
Fowey Hall For A Beach Break, Minus The Flights
For a beach holiday with all the perks, minus the flights, Fowey Hall is the spot you need to know. Perched on the Cornish coast and with panoramic views, this newly-renovated hotel – an award-winning Luxury Family Hotel – offers fun and relaxation for all ages. There’s the heated outdoor pool (open to little ones at all times) and the acres of lawn to play on. Then there’s the two excellent restaurants – one that’s ideal for family suppers and one more suited to grown-up dining. And add to that the dreamy family suites complete with cots, bottle warmers and highchairs (check out the Baby’s First Stay package if you are travelling with a newborn), plus warm milk delivered at bedtime for toddlers. Qualified babysitters can be booked easily when you want some ‘you time’ (perhaps at the spa), and the overall child-care offering really makes Fowey Hall a winner for a family stay. The Four Bears Den kids’ club is an Ofsted-registered haven of fun for those aged three months to eight years; and with everything from treasure hunts to arts and crafts, little guests adore it. The sheer number of activities on the hotel’s doorstep only add to its family-friendly status: from crabbing on the beach to sailing and even zip lining, there’s plenty going on in the local area and the concierge team will happily plan an itinerary to help you explore the picture-perfect Cornish countryside.
Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park A Stylish City Stay
London is such an exciting city for children; make a family stay extra special by checking in to the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Combining five-star luxury with a child-friendly ethos, this chic property loves to spoil little guests. The adorable Little Rangers programme is a service dedicated to children who can become a Park Ranger for the day (exploring Hyde Park right on the hotel’s doorstep); a Sloane Ranger spending a day with a personal shopper at Harrods; or a Royal Ranger, visiting the Household Cavalry to feed the horses. When it’s time to head back to the hotel, the luxurious Knightsbridge family room has plenty of space and impressive views across the park. Kids will also love the spa’s new children’s-treatment menu in which mini massages, manicures, and pedicures, are offered for children from the age of five, when accompanying their parents. The Aubrey, a Japanese izakaya restaurant, offers a weekend brunch for families to enjoy while children learn the art of origami, or pop into The Rosebery for a delightful afternoon tea complete with plenty of treats for little ones.
Coworth Park The Picture Perfect Estate
Coworth Park, set in acres of rolling Berkshire countryside, is part of the Dorchester Collection, which includes London’s 45 Park Lane, Le Meurice in Paris, The Beverly Hills Hotel in LA and, most recently, The Lana in Dubai. Not that any of that will matter a jot to your children who will simply love exploring ‘Coworth Kids’, the hotel’s dedicated children’s programme offering a huge range of things to do, from tennis and pony rides to falconry and duck herding (yes, really!). The kids’ club is open to those aged two and over, and is made up of an impressive seven playrooms including a role-play area with a giant kitchen and train set; a quiet room with books and dolls’ houses; and a ‘messy’ room for baking, arts and crafts. Teens can hang out in the den, watching movies or playing air hockey and table football. Stay in a stunning suite in the mansion house, or in one of the beautiful estate cottages with gardens and spacious living areas that are ideal for families. Babysitting is available for children under two – make the most of it by heading to the pool for a swim or visiting the eco-spa for a treatment. Woven by Adam Smith is the hotel’s swish Michelin-starred restaurant (visit sans enfants), or head to The Barn with the kids in tow for a more rustic and relaxed atmosphere. The afternoon tea in the pretty Drawing Room is not to be missed, and little ones are catered for with their own menu.
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