Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, Cornwall
Set within 125 acres, the Carbis Bay Estate comprises the luxury Carbis Bay Hotel with rooms, self-catering accommodation, lodges and suites set against its privately owned Blue Flag beach. With St Ives just a 25-minutes’ walk along the coastal path, it’s perfect for soaking up the best of Cornwall.
At the Beach Club, there’s family-friendly all day dining with a terrace overlooking the surf and children will love the kids’ clubs running in the school holidays, which combine crafts at the main hotel and excursions on the beach. Little guests will adore the seal rescue project and parents will want to check out the spa and amazing restaurant to relax.
Victorian House Hotel, Lake District
Set in the idyllic Lake District village of Grasmere, Victorian House Hotel is a wonderful place for families, particularly those who love the outdoors. Its home to beautiful, airy guest spaces with vintage furniture, cool art and a laidback vibe.
Family rooms are vast in size, can be interconnecting and even come with little teepees for the kids to sleep and play. You’ll also find a well-equipped Boot Room, cycle storage and a proper bike wash and even a basic tuck shop selling the essentials for walkers and cyclists. A great option if you’re planning a luxury family walking or biking holiday.
Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire
This 21-room luxury retreat is tucked away on the breathtaking Ayrshire coast. Here, you and the kids can get lost within the castle’s 110 acres of private estate and local woodland and enjoy an abundance of over 65 indoor and outdoor activities, such as axe throwing, canoeing, coasteering, kayaking, yoga and tennis.
Glenapp Castle has its own boat, with boat trips organized the fabulous Ailsa Craig Island and here you can spot all sorts of wonderful wildlife including seals, dolphins, minke whales, basking sharks and puffins. A terrific place for the whole family, the parent’s romantic walks in the Glen and Arboretum, while the grandparents might enjoy a spot of boules or a visit to a nearby whisky distillery.
Ballygally Castle, Antrim
Part of Northern Ireland’s luxury hotel group Hastings Hotels, Ballygally Castle is ideal for a trip away with teens. Set on the scenic Antrim coast facing the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay and just 26 miles from Belfast, it’s one of the largest hotels on the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, giving you plenty to see and do.
There are six large family rooms with enough room for everyone – including the hotel’s very own friendly ghost: Lady Isabelle Shaw. Those who dare can tiptoe up the winding staircase to the spine-tingling ghost room to catch a glimpse of Lady Isabella, who has been a resident at the hotel for over 400 years. Meanwhile, foodie families can take a picnic into the Glen or enjoy afternoon tea.
Ellenborough Park, Gloucestershire
This luxury family hotel in the Cotswolds offers the perfect countryside getaway. It’s surrounded by 90 acres of land and there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained, from outdoor garden games to treasure hunts. Ellenborough Park has interconnecting family-friendly rooms, as well as the option of dog-friendly rooms so the whole family can join in.
With its own Boot Room, you can borrow a wax coat and pair of Dubarry’s, pack up a picnic hamper (or a backpack for the kids!) and explore the nearby rolling countryside, or simply set up for an afternoon of family garden games including croquet on the lawn. Nearby, there are long walks at Sudeley Castle and Cotswold Lavender Farm.
