Keeping everyone happy on holiday is no easy feat but if you’re looking for a UK family getaway, we may have just the ticket.
Whether it’s a luxury hotel with bags of entertainment for the younger members, or an adventure with cartoon characters, we’ve pulled together some of our favourites to give you a head start in the getaway hunt.
Family Friendly Taj:
Taj has updated its ‘Kids @ Taj’ program at its two London properties. Available at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London and Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences the initiative enables children of all ages to experience custom-made activities and amenities.
From a goody bag on arrival, including their own hotel registration card and key cardholder, customised sketchbook and Kids @ Taj journal with crayons and postcards, to baby cots and bottle warmers, kids of all ages are catered for.
A special Kid’s Dining Menu ensures any dietary or allergen requirements are catered for, while at bedtime, kids can enjoy personalised giant cookies with marshmallows and hot chocolate, milkshakes or smoothies.
A themed ‘London Activity Book’ is provided and the concierge is on hand to assist with specific places of interest for children, from amusement parks and museums to shopping (including London’s favourite toyshop Hamley’s) and other recommended activities.
Winnie-the-Pooh walks and children’s afternoon tea – Sussex:
Spend some time exploring Pooh’s neck-of-the-woods at the luxury Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, surrounded by Ashdown Forest and close to a Llama Park where you can adopt an animal.
Explore the 186 acres at Ashdown Park, watch the deer grazing in the parklands, enjoy Winnie-the-Pooh walks and demolish the children’s afternoon tea, complete with Hunny sandwiches and Kanga cupcakes.
The popular Drusillas Park is also a short drive away, with its Hello Kitty Secret Garden. www.prideofbritainhotels.com
Family surfing trip to St Ives with Aspects Holidays:
St Ives is classed by many visitors to Cornwall as a ‘must do’, especially for families and, with its cobbled streets, stunning seaside location and array of beaches, it’s easy to see why.
For surfer visiting St Ives, the highlight and first port of call has to be Porthmeor beach.
Backed by the Tate Gallery with a wide sandy expanse, Porthmeor is the favoured surfing location in the town due to being semi-sheltered from the south-westerly winds. St Ives Surf School runs surfing lessons from Porthmeor beach for most of the year.
Aspects Holidays has a huge selection of cottages in St Ives to choose from for a family surfing trip. Why not try Focsle Down Under (sleeps 6), a unique property with superb views from the sitting room over Porthmeor Beach? It’s situated quite literally, on the beach, so it’s ideal for families and surfers alike.
Turnip House, Shropshire
Turnip House is a stunning Grade II listed barn conversion at the heart of a 700 acre farm near Church Stretton. Sleeping 8 in 4 bedrooms, this 5 star cottage will suit families with children of every age.
The two games rooms, tennis courts, ride-on go karts and children’s play areas are sure to go down a treat with active kids, whilst animal-loving children will love the chance to feed the chickens and enjoy rides on the farm’s ponies.
For families with toddlers, Turnip House can also provide a highchair and travel cot to save you the stress of packing your own.
The Rockwell, London:
The Rockwell is an independent 40-bedroom hotel located on the Cromwell Road. Small but perfectly formed, the ambience at this four-star hotel is sophisticated, welcoming and relaxed.
The style of the hotel makes it a favourite of families. Housed in a beautifully restored Kensington terrace, each of the rooms retains a character that combines English tradition with contemporary styling and the larger family rooms can accommodate two adults and two children.
Guests make the most of generous spaces for eating, drinking and relaxing, including the large south facing landscaped garden for al fresco dining, a rarity in a London property.
The Rockwell is conveniently placed for families travelling into London as it is two minutes from Earls Court and Gloucester Road tube stations.
