Our Honest Review of Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

Travel with my family is a conundrum. I want somewhere that welcomes my kids, but do I really want the joy of everybody else’s? The search term ‘family staycay near London’ is one that only a few of us type into ChatGPT with genuine excitement. We’re usually at the end of our tethers without leave or the energy for anything farther flung.

In these cases, I err towards luxury British weekend getaways that *claim* to be child-friendly – although in reality offer only basic concessions to family needs. So when I planned a weekend at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, I was sceptical. A grand Georgian manor doesn’t exactly scream “family fun.” I was wrong.

First impressions

The hotel’s sweeping drive and grand façade make quite an entrance, but it’s the welcome that really sets the tone. Adam, on concierge, handed our girls their own Four Seasons passports, promising a prize (which turned out to be a much coveted Squishmallow – IYKYK) for collecting stamps from around the estate — a small gesture that kept them busy while we checked in.

The dog was greeted with treats, our luggage whisked away, and the whole process felt refreshingly smooth. Within minutes, it was clear this wasn’t one of those “child-friendly” hotels that merely tolerate kids. Everyone — staff and guests alike — seemed genuinely comfortable with the mix of families and couples.

What sets it apart

The balance here is impressive. Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire manages to make children part of the experience without letting them dominate it. The atmosphere stays calm and grown-up, yet relaxed enough that no one’s shushing anyone. It helps that space is on its side — large bedrooms, high-ceilinged communal spaces, and 500 acres of countryside mean there’s plenty of breathing room. You’re more likely to bump into a cheerful member of staff than another guest.

However, despite its grand scale, the hotel feels inviting rather than formal. It’s still every inch the elegant country manor, but one where muddy boots and small voices don’t feel out of place.

‘Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire made me feel so at home with my family. Children are catered for in a way that ensures the experience is only ever relaxing – facilities are impeccable and there are over 25 activities to keep everyone happy, from horse riding to cycling and more. Budget allowing, I wouldn’t hesitate to book again and again.’
Robyn, Managing Director

The rooms

We stayed in an Executive Suite: a spacious master bedroom, marble bathroom, and a separate living room with a sofa bed for the girls. The best bit? A proper dividing door. Once they were asleep (dog included), we could enjoy a quiet glass of wine and a film.

We stayed in an Executive Suite: a spacious master bedroom, marble bathroom, and a separate living room with a sofa bed for the girls.

When the rain stopped play, the hotel had us covered — complimentary popcorn, soft drinks, and fluffy robes for a family movie afternoon snuggled in the enormous super king-sized bed. Even the dog was catered for with her own bed, squeaky ball, bowls and food. But the nicest touch of all? The handwritten note on the mirror welcoming us all — Bagel included. It summed up the tone of our stay perfectly.

Food & drink

The main dining spot is Wild Carrot, a wonderfully designed space with a multitude of sofa booths and discreet tables, giving the impression of relaxed dining in a very high-end environment. As well as an expansive and delicious breakfast buffet, come evening, the lights dim and there are culinary creations on offer to suit every taste, from Indian specialities to fresh seafood platters.

Little touches like a free kids buffet kept the smalls entertained whilst we adults focused on an extensive wine list and some truly impressive dishes, including braised beef cheek, followed by lime and banana sticky toffee pudding.

After dinner, we pottered around to The Library Bar, a cosy hideaway bar, to sip on elegant cocktails.

After dinner, we pottered around to The Library Bar, a cosy hideaway bar, to sip on elegant cocktails – where the girls were again welcomed without fuss and offered their own Shirley Temples.

On night two our friends joined us at the more relaxed La Terrazza conservatory restaurant for rustic wood-fired pizza and delicious antipasti all round.

Things to do

Over 500 acres of parkland means you barely need to leave the estate to ease into British countryside living. We woke to views of rolling hills before starting our day out in the fresh air. The girls enjoyed a leisurely hack out on horseback through the estate’s scenic bridleways, while we enjoyed a coffee in a stable yard that looked like it was fresh out of a Ralph Lauren ad campaign.

Over 500 acres of parkland means you barely need to leave the estate to ease into British countryside living.

After meeting all the ponies and changing into our walking boots, we took a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens down to the estate canal, walking a mile or two along to the local pub, The Queens Head in Dogmersfield, for a simple, hearty lunch.

Once back, our afternoon involved a cheeky dip in the adult conservatory-style infinity pool (family swim hours apply) before heading across to the Sharkie’s Reef splash pool for some more energetic playtime.

Once back, our afternoon involved a cheeky dip in the adult conservatory-style infinity pool.

There are plenty more activities on offer – including a complimentary ‘Kids for All Seasons’ children’s club, treatments at the tranquil luxury spa and outdoor adventures such as tennis, falconry and boat trips on the estate’s own 56ft canal boat.

The verdict

It may be expensive, but Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire makes luxury family travel feel easy. It’s elegant without being stiff, child-friendly without feeling chaotic. Whether you’re after a refined countryside escape, a bit of adventure, or just a staycay where family life is a focus rather than an afterthought, it ticks every box.

How to get there

A mere 90-minute drive or 1 hour train from central London to Winchfield, and you are on the glorious open Dogmersfield estate with nothing but trees on the horizon.