A list of places in Britain to stay, play and indulge for the whole family
Bringing little ones to Britain is made all the easier with baby and toddler-friendly hotels, holidays, attractions and restaurants. These places are a flavour of what you can expect to find in Britain as a family.
Rubens At The Palace, London
Children will think they're real princes or princesses when they stay at Rubens at the Palace. Located right next to Buckingham Palace, the luxury hotel has some rooms available that overlook the Queen's London residence. And with its own Director of Fun, children are kept entertained, especially with the welcome pack of games, special children's check in and the option of a children's masterchef class.
Fowey Hall, Cornwall, South West England
There's no need to bring a steriliser, bottle warmer, changing mat or nappy bucket – Fowey Hall will have these ready in your room upon arrival. The family focused hotel – said to have inspired Toad Hall in “The Wind in the Willows” – is located in the charming sailing town of Cornwall's Fowey, less than a 2-hour drive from Exeter and its international airport. Facilities such as babysitters you can book, TV and DVD players in the rooms and family areas in the sumptuous spa, aim to offer a relaxing stay for the whole family.
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, South West England
Children as young as pre-schoolers can revel in the hotel's new LEGO room service; Bovey Castle is the only hotel in the world to bring LEGO toys to the bedroom door. Children are given a LEGO menu on arrival and once they've selected, the hotel's LEGO concierge will deliver the toys to the door. There's also fun to be found in the hotel's playroom and its location in the beautiful Dartmoor National Park – a 45-minute drive from Exeter International Airport means there's plenty of fresh air to be had, with archery, survival skills, reptile and owl encounters and rock climbing on offer.
The Ickworth, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, East England
Set in 1,800 acres of National Trust parkland 1 ½ hours north east of London, The Ickworth is a country-estate hotel where children can enjoy the fresh air of the forest, fields and lawns, climbing trees, riding bikes and spotting deer. Adults can enjoy free childcare too. It features flexible family dining, children's high tea, and sumptuous banquets for parents to enjoy while the little ones are tucked up in bed with the hotel's baby listening service in action.
Western Isles Hotel, Isle of Mull, Scotland
On the island of Mull, the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland – and just a 4-hour drive from Glasgow – sits the Western Isles Hotel, overlooking picturesque Tobermory Bay. Children will be drawn to the houses in a rainbow of colours that were used as the location in popular BBC children's show Balamory. Or they can imagine they're knights or princesses if families book the hotel's turret suite, the official family room, plus there are interconnecting rooms to choose from as well.
The Vale Resort, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Enthusiastic about sports? Then take a look at the Vale Resort, set in 650 acres of countryside but just a 15-minute drive of the capital, Cardiff. Kids and adults can make use of the Health and Racquets Club, with sporting facilities suitable for all ages. Many attractions including cinemas, The Big Pit and go-karting are all easily accessible from The Vale. There are family rooms and interconnecting rooms to choose from.
