Anyone who travels with children in tow knows the life-changing effects of a brilliantly conceived, child-friendly destination. Clubs, activites and in-room treats can make all the difference to holidaying with little people – here’s a round-up of our current favorites for last-minute half-term escapes or Christmas breaks.
The New Forest’s Limewood just got a little more child friendly with the addition of stunning woodland lodges. The two cottages and cabin are like a Ralph Lauren fantasy come to life – chunky wooden interiors, vast luxurious bathrooms, piles of wood for the roaring fire. But they’ve been designed with families in mind and with all the convenience of the hotel (treatments at the Herb House spa, delicious dinner deliveries from Hartnett Holder & Co etc). But if you want to wallow in seclusion you can – each lodge is self-contained with a kitchenette and lots of treats for little ones including a Hansel and Gretel bunk cut from tree branches. From £650 per night; www.limewood.co.uk, 023 8028 7177
From the moment that the birds of prey start flying down the vast corridors of Bovey Castle just after breakfast it’s clear that this is no ordinary luxury bolthole. The Dartmoor hotel is famed for its outdoorsy activities from falconry to archery, clay pigeon shooting to fishing and riding. Kids over 7 can join the Rangers club while smaller ones have a playroom to keep them safe. There’s a Lego room service menu too and rustic lodges if you would prefer to have some quiet family time in the grounds of the hotel. From £361; www.boveycastle.com, 0844 474 0077
Kids’ entertainers extraordinaire Sharky & George are on hand during the holidays at the Four Seasons Hampshire, making this possibly the favoured destination for any parent who has come across this duo’s outrageously fun activities. This weekend there will be a Halloween special with tea-time tricks and treats and a themed kids’ dinner party, then throughout the Christmas holidays the games go on with tea-time activities daily from 5pm – 7pm. From £256 for a family room; www.fourseasons.com/hampshire, 01252 853 000
Tresanton’s beautifully styled and exquisitely located hotel overlooking the stunning south Cornish coast is a picture perfect destination for kids; there are sumptuous family suites here (as well as houses if you prefer), a playroom, a cinema and a wendy house in an enclosed garden while high tea is served daily too. There are plenty of outdoors activities from kayaking and sailing, and the beach is right on the doorstep for crabbing expeditions. From £330; www.tresanton.com, 01326 270 055
