Looking for somewhere fun, entertaining and practical to stay with the kids? Read on to find our edit of the best family-friendly hotels in the UK. From sprawling countryside estates with endless bike ride trails to sleeping amongst a pack of lions in the UK’s best safari lodges, these are the best places to stay with little ones and teens alike outside of London.
Coworth Park
Countryside exploring has never been easier thanks to Coworth Park and its endless family-friendly activities. Nestled within 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland, this 71-room luxury country house hotel is less than an hour from London, meaning it’s an easy escape from the hustle and bustle.
There are seven playrooms hidden within the hotel, including everything from role-play areas with giant kitchens and train sets to a quiet room bundled with books and dolls’ houses. There’s even a teen den hideout to keep the older ones entertained with movies and games.
Outside, you’ll find a range of on-site adventures waiting, from horseback riding through a wildflower meadow to tennis courts or croquet if you fancy challenging each other to a game. During the school holidays, the team curates a program of activities for little ones to enjoy.
Blacknest Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7SE
The Great House in Sonning
Slotted along a quiet stretch of the River Thames, this Berkshire hideaway is a prime escape. Part of the Coppa Club collection, the team welcomes families with open arms. It’s dog-friendly too so even the pooch will be catered for.
The Clock Tower Family Suite has been primed and perfected for little ones, with cosy cabin beds and beanbags in a dedicated kids’ corner to a spacious lounge perfect for relaxing in.
Over in the restaurant, you’ll find a kid’s menu filled with dishes they’ll actually enjoy – think garlic dough balls, Margherita pizzas, a mini kids burger and Jude’s iced lollies for pud.
Thames Street, Sonning-on-Thames, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6UT
Retreat East
Located in Suffolk, Retreat East is home to a series of barns and rooms that can be booked individually or as part of a bigger group, from weddings to corporate events. For family-friendly affairs, look to The Farmhouse. This timber-framed 16th-century Suffolk farmhouse sleeps up to eight guests and is child-friendly.
Home to its own private gardens, you’ll find three double bedrooms, one twin room and plenty of communal living space for a proper countryside get-together.
Brick Film Farm, Sandy Lane, Hemingstone, IP6 9QE
Chewton Glen
From swinging through the trees in one of their legendary treehouses to exploring the sprawling Hampshire countryside, Chewton Glen is a feast for little ones’ eyes.
Set within 130 acres of rolling land, this 18th-century country house hotel closely borders the New Forest and is just mere minutes from the sea. You and your little ones can have a relaxing escape here, reconnecting with nature and trying out all of the hotel’s vast family-friendly activities.
There are a host of family-friendly rooms and suites, but if you’re looking to score serious cool points with your kids, booking into one of the treehouses will guarantee this. Immersed in a wooded valley, you’ll have total privacy and will feel like you’re the king of the jungle. Plus, check out the Beehive Kids Club – even the adults will want to hang out here.
New Forest, Hampshire, BH25 6QS
Four Seasons Hampshire
From a family adventure pool complete with a four-metre slide, rotating umbrella foundation and bubble jets to horseback riding through the countryside, your kids won’t believe what’s in store for them at Four Seasons Hampshire.
Every ounce of this countryside estate is a family-filled adventure, with the whole team dedicated to making both you and your family smile from ear to ear. As well as a selection of stylish rooms designed with families in mind, you won’t even need to leave the estate as there’s an adventure waiting around every corner.
Head out in nature and try your hand at the hotel’s forest highwire adventure, discover the wonderful world of falconry with an introduction to birds, or let them let loose on the wooden playground. Plus, children under five can enjoy complimentary dining at the Wild Carrot restaurant for the duration of their stay – winner.
Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Hook, RG27 8TD
The Grove
If it’s a quick weekend getaway you’re after, The Grove is the perfect five-star paradise to explore. It might be located just 18 miles from London, but it feels like it’s a whole world away, with sprawling countryside, a luxe spa and a brilliant golf course on offer.
Choose one of the deluxe rooms with a soaring garden view, with the capacity to sleep up to two adults and two children. You’ll find everything you need, from a spacious room with great views and a balcony to a giant bathroom complete with a free-standing bath and walk-in shower.
The kids will be kept entertained, with an OFSTED-registered Kids’ Club available for children ages 2-9. Other family-friendly activities include bike rides through the 300 acres of parkland, laser clay pigeon shooting, woodland trails, archery, axe throwing and more.
Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG
Soho Farmhouse
Book yourself into one of the bunk cabins at Soho Farmhouse and all of your little ones’ dreams will be catered for. This spacious family-sized cabin comes complete with a bedroom and bathroom upstairs, and a kid’s bunk and bathroom downstairs. There’s also a roomy living room, kitchen and balcony area for lazy weekend mornings.
Armed with borrowable wellies and bikes, across the farm there’s an assortment of possibilities. Spend your morning boating along the lake or horseback riding around the farm, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting or a round of tennis. There’s a dedicated kids and teen area, with an outdoor sand pit, a library, guinea pigs and an adventure playground with a zip line.
Great Tew, Chipping Norton, OX7 4JS
Barnett Hill
Set surrounded by the Surrey Hills, Barnett Hill is a luxe four-star hotel home to 5 boutique rooms, suites and residences.
Everyone will feel like a VIP, including the little guests. From the moment they arrive, they’ll be greeted with welcome rucksacks packed with craft kits and they’ll even have little robes for a proper hotel stay.
There is a range of airy family rooms and the children can even sleep inside their own cute teepee-style accommodations complete with fairy lights and teddies. Plus, the adults can sneak off for a date night in the restaurant thanks to the team’s sitting service.
West Midlands Safari Park
Fancy sleeping amongst the lions? How about a pack of rhinos? Well, your dreams can come true at West Midlands Safari Park and its cosy lodge accommodations.
Get that safari experience here in the UK and book in for a luxury break at West Midland Safari Park, where you’ll find an array of bespoke lodges and premium cottages, designed to give you an up-close wildlife experience. You can choose between all of the animals, from roaring tigers to playful elephants, speedy cheetahs to energetic red pandas.
Each stay includes dinner and breakfast, alongside admission to the park for the duration of the day and Theme Park wristbands during the summer season.
SPRING GROVE, BEWDLEY DY12 1LF
Gleneagles
Slip off to Scotland and rest easy knowing both you and the kids will have an adventure-packed time at Gleneagles. Set amongst sweeping Scottish countryside, you’ll want to don the wellies as you try your hand at everything from bug hunting and tree climbing to bike riding and den building.
Gleneagles boasts a beautiful selection of family-friendly suites, each complemented with country-chic interiors, Scottish landscape artworks and cribs and cots if needed. If yours are all grown up and need their own teen-fuelled space, opt for the Tower Suite. Set across two floors with the house’s former library, there are two spacious bedrooms, a chill-out zone, a roomy bathroom and a steam shower room.
Kid’s clubs are offered too, from the Little Glen Adventurers perfect for ages 3-7 years and packed with outdoor adventures to the Den Adventurers for ages 8-12 years, featuring orienteering, a giant game room, swimming and outdoor escapades.
Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland, PH3 1NF
Watergate Bay
Find everything from interconnecting rooms to beach lofts with soaring views over Cornish beaches when you book into Watergate Bay. This rural seaside hotel is great for longer family summer stays, and there’s a full program of activities available to ensure your little ones don’t get itchy feet.
The hotel’s Kids’ Zone runs daily for children aged between 6 months and 12 years, with Lego stations, craft workshops, music sessions, sports tournaments and beach activities.
When the weather is bright, you can enroll them in the beach school, where they’ll learn more about the coastal environment and have hoards of fun with the games and activities available. Kids ages 7+ can even try their hand at surfing with bookable private lessons
Watergate Bay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA
Another Place
Think soaring Lake District views, dreamy spa services and great food and drink options right on-site, Another Place is the best option for family weekends in the Lakes.
For the adventurous types, the whole family can book in for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding across the lakes, try their hand at archery with dedicated coaches who’ll help them hit the targets or let them fall in love with the wonders of stargazing – you might even spot the Milky Way.
Another Place is also home to a dedicated Kids’ Zone, featuring a range of indoor and outdoor activities, so no matter what the weather ends up being, they’ll have a day packed with imagination and fun.
Watermillock, Ullswater, Lake District, CA11 0LP
Great Fosters
Venture out of the city and head to Egham near Windsor for the ultimate family countryside escape. The regal estate offers so much for the little ones, from swims in their heated outdoor pool to tennis coaching for older kiddies.
All children receive a welcome rucksack packed with treats, as well as delicious (but healthy) dining options, little robes for their own ‘spa’ experiences and more. The younger kiddies can have a magical teepee laid out to sleep under or an extra bed, or even their own interconnecting room.
STROUDE ROAD, EGHAM, SURREY, TW20 9UR
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
If it’s a city break you’re after, look to Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester for a break bursting with possibilities. This giant Grade II-listed building dates back to 1890. Its brilliant architecture is complemented with modern luxuries and family-friendly services. The hotel is set right in the heart of Manchester, within walking distance of local attractions, museums and galleries.
Right now, if you book a family stay, the kids can enjoy free breakfast and ice cream, plus £50 to spend on food and drink at the hotel.
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