The Cotswolds has no shortage of nice hotels, so standing out from the crowd here can be difficult. Luckily, The Lygon Arms does so with ease, thanks in large part to its impressive history, with past patrons including King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell.
It would be easy to imagine that such a historic building, which has largely retained its original features like staircases, wooden floors and open fireplaces, might be unsuitable for families, but happily this is not the case, with The Lygon Arms welcoming parents and children (and dogs) with open arms. Located in the picturesque village of Broadway, with its pretty high street of independent shops and sprinkling of very high end restaurants, it’s a wonderful base from which to explore everything that this part of the country has to offer.
The Vibe
The Rooms
Upstairs in the rooms, one feels slightly as if you’ve stepped into a Tudor period drama, with high beam ceilings, sturdy wooden floors and antique furniture, with a rich colour palette complementing it all. Happily, the mod-cons are still in situ, with huge king-sized beds, flat screen TVs, his and hers sinks, waterfall showers and Noble Isle toiletries. Thoughtful additions that make every parent’s experience more plain-sailing include plugs by the wardrobe mirror, a fridge big enough for milk, and a tablet where you can ‘press for Champagne’ if all else fails. The aforementioned tablet can also be used to do things like order fresh milk in the morning for your tea, book spa treatments, research the local area or make reservations.
The Food + Drink
At the heart of the hotel’s culinary scene is its show-stopping restaurant, The Grill, overseen by celebrity chef James Martin. It’s the sort of place that draws devoted food lovers from far beyond the Cotswolds, yet somehow manages to feel reassuringly relaxed once you arrive. The menu champions modern British cooking with a strong sense of place, making the most of seasonal local ingredients in dishes that appeal across generations.
Families are warmly welcomed rather than merely tolerated: younger diners are quickly settled with colouring books and comforting favourites such as cheesy garlic bread, creamy carbonara and classic burgers. Meanwhile, grown-ups can linger over more refined plates – think meltingly tender braised lamb shank, roasted cauliflower or pillowy herb gnocchi paired with gently spiced squash. That said, the true rite of passage here is the steak, a confident signature that feels almost obligatory in a restaurant whose very name is The Grill, after all.
The atmosphere is convivial rather than showy, with a refreshing absence of culinary theatre or formality. It’s perfectly acceptable to arrive with a toddler in tow, indeed, the staff seem genuinely delighted when you do. Before or after dinner, it’s worth slipping into the bar for a cocktail; the Honey Bubble, a Champagne-laced concoction best enjoyed beside the fire, is particularly hard to resist.
Mornings are equally appealing. Breakfast unfolds as a leisurely affair, with a continental spread of pastries, fruit, cereals, cold cuts and cheeses alongside a selection of hot dishes. Whether you opt for Eggs Royale or a hearty full English, it’s the sort of start to the day that encourages you to slow down, and perhaps order just one more coffee.
The Child’s Play
Children are well catered to at The Lygon Arms, with rooms amply sized to fit in a travel cot if necessary, and suites offering sofa beds for families with older children. Kids under the age of five go free, with breakfast included, but anyone over the age of 6 incurs a fee. There are usually special packages for the school holidays too, making it even more appealing. There are giant lawn games for use in the hotel’s small gardens, while board games and puzzles are available to borrow in the lounges too. Everyone is extremely welcoming and your little one might not even come back with the muddiest feet as dogs are welcome too….
The Spa
One of a handful of modern additions that have brought the property into the 21st century, the new spa and 13-metre swimming pool, which were added in 2018. Open to both hotel guests and local members, the pool is particularly popular for its retractable roof, a real coup in the summer when it warrants it, and kids swim sessions can be booked at reception.
You can also book in for a gym, dance or yoga class, or better yet, a massage or facial. The spa also offers 25-minute treatments for children up to the age of 17, including manicures, pedicures and facials. As you have to accompany children, you may as well get your own mani/pedi/facial at the same time.
The To Do List
A potter down Broadway’s high street is a non-negotiable, and the Rikki Tikki Toy Shop will convince little ones to play ball too, with its collection of beautiful handmade toys and independent brands. The Deli is another must-see, and is good for brunch or a takeaway coffee too, or just for stocking up on Perello Olives. A little further up the street is Cotswolds Trading, which is a gem for gift-buying. The Gordon Russell Design Museum is practically in the hotel’s back garden – and there actually is a three-acre back garden for dog walks (or pram naps) too. A little further afield you’ll find Blenheim Palace, the GSWR Railway and Sudeley Castle, all excellent for slightly bigger kids and teenagers. Of course, this is walking country, and you can borrow boots if you’re all the gear, no idea, or a bike, if that appeals to you more.
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