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6 of the best family friendly hotels in the UK

The British Isles have been having the most glorious summer weather this year, and more and more people are choosing to escape to the green countryside with their clan, rather than going abroad. The British Isles are perfect for family holidays, whether you are looking for a short weekend break or long school holiday, there is simply so much to see and do; natural landscapes are just asking to be explored from the many fantastic family-orientated country hotels. London’s brilliant child-friendly museums and world-famous toy shop Hamleys, are perfect for rainy days. Here are our six favorite family friendly hotels. Coworth Park, Berkshire The beautifully established country retreat, set within 240 acres of private parkland, Coworth Park feels completely removed from the city, and is an ideal destination for families with children of all ages. Children can frolic in all the outdoor playing space they could dream of in the picturesque flower meadow, or let their imaginations run wild with exciting treasure hunts around the grounds. Horse riding, mountain biking, tennis and croquet are also a great way for them to burn energy, but can also be enjoyed by parents too. The Kids Park, a converted 4-bedroom house, is designed to keep everyone occupied for hours from the messy room where cookies and cakes are baked, to the teen den and quiet reading room. What’s more, the effortlessly cool spa, a glass structure that blends into a grassy bank, makes for a pampering heaven for parents. Coworth Park, Berkshire Four Seasons, Hampshire A beautiful Georgian Manor, set within the quintessential British countryside, the Four Seasons is the perfect hotel to practice traditional country pursuits. And whilst the rooms are exquisite, we can’t imagine you’ll be spending much time in them given all the activities which are available to all; enjoy clay pigeon shooting, fishing, horse riding, falconry, croquet on the lawn or boating on the Basingstoke Canal. For children, in true Four Seasons style, this hotel is brilliant. With their motto Kids for all Seasons, the young’uns can own a pony for the day, spending time with the equestrian staff, enjoy the DVD and video-game library or revel in the adult-free zone in the Rose Cottage, exclusively for children over 10. And of course, there is an indulgent spa for those weary parents yearning to put their feet up and enjoy some peace. Four Seasons, Hampshire Gleneagles, Perthshire Described as the Riveria of the Highlands, Gleneagles, set amidst 850 acres of stunning Perthshire countryside, is an ideal setting for families who are looking for adventure. With three 18-hole champion courses, it’s no wonder that Gleneagles is best known for its golf. But the outdoor pursuits don’t stop there, and the surrounding Scottish countryside makes for a glorious outdoor playground; horse riding, fishing, falconry, shooting, archery and off-road driving are available for the whole family to enjoy. With all this on their doorstep, the young ones are sure to work up an appetite and Gleneagles has a special children’s menu which can be eaten in any restaurant throughout the estate. We always think that dining together as a family is one of the great joys of going on holiday! Gleneagles, Perthshire Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, Oxford A wonderfully preserved 15th century Chiltern Manor House, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is the perfect place for families looking for a gourmet experience with world-class cuisine. The Raymond Blanc Cookery school is perfect for guests of all ages, who fancy honing their skills on a range of catering topics, from chocolate making techniques to bread baking. The garden at Le Manoir is really one of a kind, and is as much a part of the experience as the food. The grounds are home to the kitchen garden, where 90 types of vegetable and 70 herbs are grown, as well as a Japanese Tea Garden, apple orchard and a wild mushroom valley. Children and adults alike can explore the beautiful gardens and see exactly where their food comes from, and nature hunts are ideal for kids who will love ticking off what they find. Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons Chewton Glen, New Forest Chewton Glen is one of a kind for children, and ideal for parents too who are looking for a well-earned break. A grand family-owned manor house nestled in 130 acres of beautiful English gardens and parkland, it is the perfect place to come for some countryside fun. With the New Forest on the doorstep, this outdoor playground is ideal for walking, mountain biking, and pony treks, and the seaside is only a little further away, just waiting for family picnics followed by a spot of rounders! Within the comfort of the hotel grounds is a Children’s Club with a range of entertaining activities, from cookery classes to story-time, and everything in between. What’s more, the luxurious and cozy treehouses make for an exciting place to stay for all; each suite with its own terrace hot tub, breakfast hamper, wood stove and gourmet mini-bar. Chewton Glen, New Forest The Ritz, London The Ritz is one of the most iconic hotels in London, and possibly the most family friendly. Overlooking Green Park and a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, children are always welcome and treated like royalty at this central London grand dame. Expect presents on arrival and thoughtful touches throughout, from free ice-cream and matching bathrobes and slippers, to high tea and their own VIP scheme. Children can enjoy the magic of quintessential Afternoon Tea, a classic at this hotel, and sip Shirley Temples in the beautiful Palm Court. London is such a vibrant city it is bursting at the seams with family entertainment, including many child-friendly museums and excursions. But there is nothing more captivating and exciting than a visit to the oldest and largest toy shop in the world, Hamleys, the epitome of toy paradise. The Ritz, London James Jayasundera is Founder and Managing Director of Ampersand Travel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

James Jayasundera

James Jayasundera is Founder and Managing Director of Ampersand Travel in London. Ampersand Travel is an award-winning tour operator specialising in tailor-made holidays to Asia and Africa. James was raised in Rome by a Sri Lankan diplomat father and British mother, and from an early age he was travelling throughout the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Although he loves comfort, he is not blinded by five-star luxuries – the Ampersand motto is “luxury is in the experience” and it is that indefinable quality that makes something special which James is always on the look-out for. James founded Ampersand Travel in 2003, and since then the company has developed an excellent reputation for in-depth knowledge of its destinations, candid and impartial opinions on hotels and locations and a formidable network of contacts within the industry and its destinations.

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3 Comments

  1. To be honest, I like all these hotels. A WONDERFUL LIST! Thanks for sharing any way.I like Coworth Park best, because I love being close to nature If I got a chance, I definitely will travel there.

  2. I really didn’t know that the Four Seasons had such a good kids club. My daughter would go crazy at the idea of owning a pony for the day – whilst I was relaxing in the spa of course! It can sometimes be hard to pair luxury with a family setting because the needs can be different. Of course I love a good excuse to get away for the weekend without the kids, but it’s also great to explore options that are available to my whole family.

  3. Ahh nothing better than a British holiday! They all look absolutely beautiful and sound amazing, but I think it could be best to stay in the one whichever is closest to London (not necessarily in London), so tourists have the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds! New Forest is supposedly a great holiday destination

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