Travelling with children can mean sacrificing luxury over facilities. It doesn’t have to be this way! Here are four of the best luxury family hotels in the UK, where children are warmly welcomed, and there’s no need for compromise. Whether you’re looking for a chic city break or a countryside getaway, these hotels go above and beyond to make your stay unforgettable.
Stoke Park
With its grand suites and grounds designed by Capability Brown, Stoke Park may seem very grown-up, but it’s an ideal family hotel. In fact, Condé Nast Traveller has previously named Stoke Park one of its top 10 family retreats. For older children and teenagers there is plenty to do inside and out, with 13 indoor and outdoor tennis courts and access to golf lessons on the hotel’s course. There’s also a games room with air hockey, table tennis and table football. And finally, there are the pool and children’s fitness classes run in the hotel’s state-of-the-art sports centre. For the younger ones, a children’s programme and a crèche are available, as well as a babysitting service. The kids can even enjoy a taste of the finer things at the Little Stars Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s orangery, complete with milkshakes, chocolate brownies and mini sandwiches.
The Nare
The soft sand and blue waves of Carne Beach are just a few steps away from the Nare. An idyllic beachside getaway on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, here you’ll find hot tubs, a luxury pool, relaxing spa treatments and enough to keep kids occupied too. Every summer, the Nare runs sandcastle-building competitions for every family to get involved with, and fishing nets, kayaks and bodyboards are available to borrow. Outside, a tennis court and croquet lawn are open to all ages. Family films are screened every day with home-cooked popcorn, and for little bookworms the hotel library has a specialist children’s section. The Nare’s artist-in-residence gives family workshops for all ages, and the board games cupboard is always full of rainy-day favourites.
DUKES London
This hotel might be sophistication itself, but you don’t have to be a grown-up to enjoy DUKES London. Near St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, Dukes London is perfect for a family trip to see London’s famous sights. After a busy day, talk to the hotel’s Baby Butler to organise a babysitter. Then enjoy a moment’s rest in the marble steam room, or order the world’s most famous martini at the bar. The Baby Butler can also stock your room with everything you need, from nappies to baby toiletries. For older children, the Kid’s Zone pop-up has games and creative activities to keep everyone happy.
Rockliffe Hall
The hotel’s motto says it all: “Be you big or small, you’ll have a ball at Rockliffe Hall!” This country house hotel takes care of every detail, from child-sized robes to a children’s menu in the clubhouse. Events and activities go up a gear during half term and school holidays. Ride-on Mercedes Benz adventures, lawn games, and arts and crafts workshops are just a few on offer. Mischmasch is Rockliffe Hall’s brand-new wonderland of curiosities – an adventure playground inspired by Lewis Carroll, who grew up nearby. Here the whole family can play, relax and be inspired by the beautiful surroundings of Rockliffe Hall’s estate.
