The best luxury family hotels - 2024

When it comes to children and adults, The Four Seasons has a wealth of exceptional experiences on offer, from pony riding around the extensive estate to clay pigeon shooting for children who are ten or older, all classes are run by experts who can put the shyest of children completely at ease. Venture outside to discover a pink-painted cottage devoted to kids' games (air hockey, PlayStations, table tennis and much more); the HQ for the complimentary Children’s Programme, where children aged 3-10 can try everything from treasure hunts to kite-flying, crafts and movies. This leaves parents plenty of time to enjoy the spa’s adult-only pool area (children can join the adult pool from 4pm) and have their own brand-new water area Sharkie's Reef with pool, splash toys and a 20-foot water slide. Whilst the children are busy in the Children's Programme, enjoy a quiet drink in the library bar where you can order seasonal cocktails as well as house classics, try the Hampshire Hugo for a refreshing but punchy drink, including St-Germain, elderflower cordial, mint leaves and champagne.

Food here is equally well thought out. Babies up to 18-months have their own complimentary menu, which offers a variety of meals from tiny pasta cooked in chicken broth to vegetable and fruit purées. The breakfast buffet leaves nothing to be desired, you'll find buckets of iced champagne, homemade orange juice and a Bloody Mary Bar, as well as freshly cooked waffles, pancakes and pastries and never-ending bowls of prepared fruit and yoghurt. Help yourself to beautifully sliced smoked salmon, cold meats and cheeses before ordering from the extensive breakfast menu or helping yourself to all the locally sourced, high quality ingredients of a Full English Breakfast from the buffet area.

If you stay for a weekend then the Sunday Buffet Lunch at Wild Carrot sees under-fives eat free and older children enjoying a generous buffet for £32.50 and adults £65. You'll find beautifully-cooked local meats carved to order, plus endless perfectly crisp roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings and premium quality starters and desserts, you'll need to arrive hungry to make the most of the very generous experience.

How to do it

Garden rooms at The Four Seasons from £520 per night; complimentary rollaway beds or cribs can be added; includes breakfast. Paid activities include archery, axe throwing and bird displays.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Best for: adventurous and nature-loving families

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is set in 600-acres of beautiful Kent countryside and is home to many rare and endangered animals, conservation and education is at the heart of this foundation and staying on site is a magical way for families to watch wolf packs, spectacled bears, big cats and primates (to name a few) in the evenings and mornings when the park is closed to the public.

There’s a wide variety of accommodation on offer for different group sizes and budgets, you can choose from luxury treehouses with balconies above the trees, wood and glass ‘tipis’, cabins, eco pods, clear lookout bubbles for star gazing in bed and luxury big cat lodges overlooking the tiger and lion areas for a very special experience. This is in addition to rental cottages and the estates boutique hotel, set in a Grade II-listed redbrick manor house that has hosted the likes of Sir Winston Churchill. All accommodation comes with out-of-hours access to the safari park as well as a safari truck tour which takes you on an adventure through the South American, Asian and African experience zones. The majority of accommodation also includes a family golf buggy to explore the beautiful expansive grounds. Each glamping area also has its own vantage point on the wildlife, within a whisker of big cats or with a bird’s eye view of roaming rhino.

The glass-fronted ‘treehouse’ cabins, set on a tree-lined escarpment, come with a fully kitted kitchen-diner (milk, biscuits, tea and coffee are provided), a bathroom with luxury products, two bedrooms and a wrap-around wooden terrace, from which rhinos, zebra and giraffes can be seen roaming the Kent ‘savannah’. On a clear day you can also see the outline of France across the Channel. Rise early before the park opens and watch your rhino neighbours having their breakfast as you enjoy yours.

Don’t want to self-cater? There’s a wealth of excellent options on offer. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling Kent rosé or hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows around the fire at the private clubhouse for treehouse guests (where you’ll also find an assortment of giant games to play with kids). Or choose from a variety of on-site restaurants which will just be a golf buggy ride away. Try fine dining in the beautifully decorated and chic Garden Room, where you’ll find seasonal menu’s which make the most of produce from local suppliers, the lamb rump with spiced lentil dhal and rainbow-chard is a standout dish. There’s also a plentiful breakfast menu including stacks of freshly-made pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, beautifully prepared eggs benedict and good coffee, perfect before a long day of adventure at the animal safari. In addition, there are also family-friendly menus at Bear Lodge (open to external diners over the weekend) has the feel of a safari camp and overlooks the spectacled bear habitat. In particular, the Friday night curry menu is excellent value (and beautifully prepared with a wealth of classic dishes including butter masala, dhal, rice, spiced green beans and dessert for £28.50 per person with a separate children’s menu on offer. The Sunday roasts are equally generous and of excellent quality, so it’s worth arriving hungry and working up an appetite by exploring the expansive grounds.

How to do it
Treehouses at Port Lympne Safari Park sleeping four cost from £499 a night (two-night minimum stay at weekends). Eco pods, sleeping two, costs from £139 per night. All accommodation includes entrance to sister zoo Howletts which is a 30 minute drive away in Canterbury.

Another Place, Lake District

Best for... active families

Another Place is the only hotel to be situated directly off the banks of Ullswater lake, the second largest in the Lake District, and there are spectacular views of water and mountains almost everywhere you look. The main hotel is a large, rambling country house with plenty of cosy corners, large fireplaces, and a library to relax in and read the papers. Older children will enjoy the games area under the grand staircase, and it gives parents the chance to have a few relaxing drinks unaccompanied.

There are three restaurants on site, the Living Space is a relaxed family area offering all of the comforting British food classics at very reasonable prices with warm service and a cosy setting. There’s also the Glasshouse which serves woodfired Italian pizzas next to the herb and vegetable garden with an outside terrace looking directly onto the mountains. Back in the main building the Ramsbeck restaurant is headed up by Shaun Dixon and has an excellent three course menu for £55 per person, the offerings change seasonally but always use high quality ingredients from the surrounding area as well as their own home-grown produce; the rump of English lamb served with burnt aubergine puree, crispy kale and jus is exceptional. There’s a creative vegan menu available too and all dietary requirements are catered for, a lot of love goes into creating the best possible experience for every guest.

The buffet hotel breakfast is an exciting affair, and it might be difficult to tear children away once they discover the joys of the make-your-own waffle bar, there’s also a traditional Cumbrian breakfast available as well as plenty of fresh juices, pastries and all the usual yoghurt, fruits and cereals.

The hotel offers a range of family suites and the brand-new handcrafted oak Shepherd’s huts are perfect for families looking for total quiet and privacy. So much detail has gone into making these huts a magical experience for everyone, you’ll discover a star gazing glass panel above double bed in the main room, a cosy bunk bedroom for children and a living space with a wood burner, kettle and radio. There’s also a garden with comfy chairs and a fire pit outside, you’ll find wood, hot chocolate ingredients, extra blankets, and a deep bathtub as well as plenty of other little luxuries for the most comfortable stay surrounded by nature.

There’s a kids’ zone which offers supervised sessions for up to two hours so you can have some time to enjoy your surroundings in tranquillity. However, family water activities you can do together are plentiful and include stand-up paddle boarding, wild swimming and kayaking, fun and professional staff will take you out for one-on-one or group sessions so you can take in the stunning views, reset your mind and connect as a family. If a hosted session isn’t for you then you can still come by and borrow wet suits, water shoes and changing facilities anytime you like without charge. Warm up afterwards in the hot tub with lake views or take a dip in the most scenic of swimming pools, you’ll find a variety of relaxing treatments available in the spa too.

How to do it
Rooms available at Another Place from £190 per night, with breakfast and use of all swimming pool and spa facilities included.

Watergate Bay, Cornwall

Best for… laid-back luxury and beach lovers

Located on the picturesque north coast of Cornwall, Watergate Bay is a family-friendly hotel which is uniquely perched above one of the best beaches for surfing and water sports in the area. Specialising in relaxed luxury, you can expect beautiful surroundings which manage to be both cosy and chic; think big open fires, high ceilings, plush sofas to sink into with a drink and the papers, plus plenty of glass to make the most of the spectacular views.

The introduction of seven beach lofts have added a unique and very special addition to the hotel. Each one has been designed with its own character, but all have floor-to-ceiling windows with uninterrupted sea views, private beach access and outdoor showers for a true surf-in and surf-out experience. Inside, the beach lofts have wood panelling, atmospheric lighting, free-standing baths which overlook the beach, swinging sofas, plush beds and a fireplace with cosy seating to warm up around after a bracing swim. The family options have a second room with smart bunk beds and plenty of special touches.

The beach loft also has its own private pantry for guests, so you can help yourself to fresh juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate as well as homemade cakes and pastries and fresh fruit whenever you fancy, there’s an honesty box that makes it easy to nip down the corridor for a late-night beer or glass of wine, and room service is also available.

When it comes to more substantial dining, Watergate Bay has plenty of options to choose from. The Beach Hut offers a relaxed atmosphere, good prices and stunning views of the beach and a menu that showcases locally sourced ingredients, the steamed Cornish mussels in white wine are a must try and children will love the extreme hot chocolates which have an extensive menu of their own. For a more upscale experience, Emily Scott’s serves up a stunning tasting menu which focuses on ingredients rather than fuss, the offering changes seasonally and is perfect for a special occasion or celebration.

Over at the main hotel you’ll find Zacry’s which has an excellent selection of locally sourced meat and seafood, the slow roasted lamb with confit potatoes and rainbow chard is a star dish and the children’s menu features options like crispy coated monkfish with katsu curry sauce and milk chocolate panna cotta with honeycomb, as well as classics like macaroni cheese and homemade shepherd’s pie.

The service at Watergate bay is efficient and friendly, the staff are enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable about the local area, you’ll find details of the sea temperature and surf conditions displayed throughout the hotel. Wavehunters are situated a stone’s throw away from the hotel and offer good-value group or family surfing lessons, there’s plenty of rock pooling and crab hunting to keep smaller children occupied too. If you’re staying in a beach loft you’ll also have free wet suit and board hire for the duration of your stay, so can pop down for a surf whenever it takes your fancy. Inside the main hotel you’ll find the swim club which features a stunning pool which overlooks the beach - swim at sunset to make the most of the views. There’s an adult only hot-tub outside, the spa staff are true experts, and there’s a variety of treatments on offer if you want to spend an afternoon away from the children to truly unwind.

The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester

Best for…city breakers

Luxury hotels with bags of character, a thick-of-the-action location and a firm eye on what families actually want - spacious rooms and more than just nuggets on the menu - at a decent nightly rate are still hard to come by. Step up Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower hotel, on very central Oxford Street, which does all of the above with a side portion of Mancunian charm.

The building itself is a real Victorian showstopper; it was built in the late 19th century as the offices of Refuge Assurance, and all the best bits - gorgeous vintage tiling, a striking stained-glass dome in the lobby and that iconic clocktower - make it feel like you’ve checked into a trendy museum. There’s plenty of 21st century fun though; punchy paintings from local artists adorn the walls, a snack bar greets guests at check-in and a set of shiny Raleigh bikes are free to hire.

The family rooms are stylish and sizeable, with soaring ceilings; four can stay without it being a squash or a squeeze, and there's lots of extras to like including yoga mats, Tunnock’s wafers in the mini bar and record players - just dial the concierge for a choice of vinyl. It’s pet friendly too, should a four-legged pal want in on the action.

Guests gather in the Post Room, a boutique-y side-bar, for Social Hour every evening between 5pm and 6pm; there’s a free glass of wine for adults and kids get to try a Mancunian staple, Vimto - or slurp on an ice cream. The Refuge restaurant and bar, featuring more of those retro tiles, walls of glass and plenty of greenery, spans a whopping 10,000 square feet, and is divided into four spaces: The Dining Room, Public Bar, Winter Garden (for cocktails) and pool-playing hub, The Den.

On the menu in The Dining Room is 'Little Scran', 'Bigger Scran' and 'Extra Scran', all made with sharing in mind. It's eclectic too; beetroot borani (an Iranian yoghurt dish) sits alongside Korean chicken wings and polyspore oyster mushrooms, with prices ranging from £6 to £20 per dish. Puds - including classics such as sticky toffee pudding and custard tart with rhubarb - come in at around £9. The Kids’ menu (£6.95pp) puts smash burgers, pasta, fish fingers and tomato soup in the offing.

There’s plenty of nods to local producers throughout too, via Pollen Bakery sourdough, Grandpa Greene’s ice cream (using Saddleworth cream from Oldham) and Manchester Gin. The Glamour of Manchester - a cocktail of Plymouth gin, St Germain elderflower, lemon sherbet and Champagne - leads the way on the drinks front, with other highlights including natural wines and 18 craft beers on tap.

From the Kimpton Clocktower’s grandiose front doors, Manchester’s main attractions for families are super close, many within walking distance. The Palace Theatre - attracting West End shows - is right next door and Manchester’s shopping temple, the Arndale, is 15 minutes’ walk on foot. Footy fans in your gang? The National Football Museum, and the Etihad and Old Trafford are both within easy reach too.

Manchester’s foodie scene never sits still, and families can bite down on a bit of everything, from traditional favourites (try a fruit-stuffed Eccles cake) to posh afternoon teas and the latest street food fad to land. A five-minute-walk from the hotel is new, neon-lit Asian foodhall Hello Oriental, serving up a casual feast via a QR code menu, including bao buns, pho and aromatic curries, til late. Or stroll to Freight Island (15 minutes on foot). This industrial chic reimagining of an old depot now has 14 street food vendors, DJs and art installations in place.

How to do it
Kimpton Clocktower’s Manchester Family Getaway deal includes a ‘double double’ or interconnecting room, £50 to spend at The Refuge, free breakfast for children and complimentary ice cream during Social Hour. A two-night stay costs from £253 per night.

Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland

Best for… adventure and luxury

Cameron House is located directly on the banks of the beautiful and renowned Loch Lomond, and this five-star hotel offers unrivalled views of clear, still waters and mountain views. The building is a lovingly restored 17th century Baronial mansion which sits in over 400 acres of stunning and rugged Scottish countryside. The hotel has perfected the art of relaxed luxury and is now home to 14 suites and over 200 bedrooms.

Young guests are greeted with a very warm welcome and the staff, from reception to the restaurant, are outstanding. Children are given a teddy passport on arrival and sent on a mission to collect a variety of stamps from around the hotel, completion of which will see them gifted a teddy bear to take home as a keepsake. The family rooms have a variety of options but the suites with bunk beds are luxurious and cosy and offer enough privacy and space for a long stay.

There are plenty of activities to enrich your stay at Loch Lomond, the beautifully renovated cinema is a firm family favourite and the large swimming pool with a separate flume and splash pool is a paradise for younger guests. Adults can venture off to the rooftop spa for a more tranquil experience, and in-house babysitting can be arranged on request. Additional paid-for experiences include personal speed boat trips where you’ll learn the unique history of the area as well as getting up close to the magical loch islands, kayaking, paddle boarding and champagne cruises. On land you can try pony riding, bike hire, falconry and 4x4 off-road driving with an expert guide for spectacular and unrivalled views and the inside knowledge of the wild and remote landscape .

There’s a wide range of restaurants on offer, The Boat House is a relaxed family favourite and sits directly on the loch and offers a great range including homemade pizzas and excellent local seafood. The Grill house is perfect for a special family meal and specialises in locally sourced meat and game, the pan seared wild border roe deer with pickled rhubarb and the Aberdeenshire lamb rump are exceptional. The children’s menu, which is £10 for two courses, also includes the option of fillet steak and fries and a wee Cameron sundae.

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience then Tamburrini & Wishart offers an innovative and exquisitely crafted tasting menu for adults only and is something you’ll want to savour in peace, highlights include the hand-dived Orkney scallop with Exmoor oscietra caviar and the cured halibut with oyster foam.

Breakfast is a lavish affair with vegan and gluten-free a la carte menus as well as all the classics including the full cooked breakfast with East Lothian haggis. There’s a pancake machine which is very popular with the kids and a vast selection of pastries and fruit, in fact you may find it hard to drag your family away.

How to do it
Book rooms from £300 per night at Cameron House including breakfast, access to the swimming pool and cinema included.

The Varsity, Cambridge

Best for... teenagers

Cambridge is a brilliant city to visit with teenagers, plenty of walking, shopping and eating with glorious architecture as a default setting. The Varsity hotel is about as city-centre and in-the-action as you can get. Right on the river by Magdalene bridge (and a punting pick up point), Cambridge life is happening all around you. Turn left out of the hotel and you can walk up to Jesus Green and then follow the river round before cutting back through the town centre. Turn right and you’ll find yourself opposite St John’s and on the street into town. This hotel is bit like a tardis, the reception makes the most of a small space, you then go upwards to what makes the Varsity particularly special, the 360 view over the city from the Six Brasserie and the bar on the roof.

Book two rooms beside each other at the hotel (there’s a very convenient dog-leg corridor on each floor that affords a bit of privacy with only two rooms on it) and you can all enjoy a bit of bedroom and bathroom luxury without being cramped. Breakfast is served in the brasserie so you can plan your day with an excellent eggs benedict or full-English while gazing over the roof-tops, Cambridge has a surprising amount of different chimney designs. Six is open all day so you can return to it like an oasis, either for afternoon tea, dinner or a well-deserved post-walk ice cream sundae (try the tropical version with mango sorbet and coconut ice cream). The roof terrace affords an equally good view and is open 12pm to sunset, depending on the weather, if there’s a queue then you get priority access. On a sunny day there’s nothing but blue sky above you, do bring sunscreen. If you’re in Cambridge for a special occasion, the River Bar Steak house sits on the river side of the hotel in an 18th century bonded warehouse. Steaks are dry aged for 28 days, there are pies made with London Pride or push the boat out with a lobster mac and cheese, this venue really is American-style, portions are enormous.

To combat the eating spend a day walking to Granchester and back, the route along the backs and then onwards along the river Cam is a glorious 3 miles of greenery. Take a picnic if you like or stop for an ice cream or a drink when you get there, you can retrace your steps for extra exercise or get a bus back.

How to do it
Book rooms from £155 per night, a continental breakfast is included. The Varsity has complimentary bikes that you can use, ask at reception and there’s an Elemis spa for hotel guests with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, you’ll be given a pass when you check in.

Review by Lulu Grimes

Storrs Hall, Lake District

Best for... school-aged children

Storrs Hall feels like a hidden treasure within the Lakes, follow their winding driveway and you’ll discover a grand and imposing Hall directly overlooking lake Windermere with stunning views and perfect wild swimming spots just off the hotels extensive gardens, in fact there are 17 acres of private land and plenty of local wildlife to be spotted. On the ground floor there are roaring fires, sinking sofas and old chests full of games to keep the kids’ entertained. Breakfast and more formal dinners are served at the back of the house with uninterrupted views of the lake, but there’s also a cosy bar where you’ll find excellent cocktails and a locally sourced menu that suits the whole family. Wherever you choose to eat the staff are great with kids’ and incredibly knowledgeable on the locally sourced ingredients and the extensive wine lists.

There’s a variety of rooms to choose from that suit families and you can request extra beds for additional children, the rooms feel traditional yet luxurious and there’s some impressive artwork and sculptures to admire throughout the hotel. You’re just a five-minute drive from the bustling tourist hotspot of Bowness-on-Windermere where you can rent a boat for a water-based tour of the mountains or browse the many shops and cafes. It’s worth taking a scenic drive to The Yan in Grasmere to try their seasonal menu, think marinated tiger prawns in crispy tacos and slow cooked Cumbrian crispy pork belly, they have a thoughtful children’s menu too. Staff at the hotel can also point you in the direction of paddle boarding, excellent local family walks and outdoor adventure play parks.

How to do it

Rooms from £200 per night at Storrs Hall, including breakfast. Rollaway beds can be added on request.

Hilton Bankside, London

Best for…tourists

Set just a stone’s throw away from London’s bustling Southbank, this charming branch of the Hilton chain provides the perfect base for exploring the city. The hotel welcomes a mixture of out of town tourists, as well as business travellers, but there’s a real focus on family fun. At check in, children are met with sweetie bags and treasure maps. The hotel mascot, a furry fox, is hidden on every floor and the children will have great fun using their maps to spot him. A family room (adjoining twin and double) provides plenty of space for a family of four, with cots available on request. Children’s shampoo, activity packs and miniature fluffy bath robes and slippers are also provided and make the kids feel extra special.

The buffet breakfast and Oxbo restaurant on site offer easy dining and plenty of child-friendly options. Outside of the hotel, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. Take a 5 minute stroll and find yourself in the heart of London’s famous borough market, where you can sample everything from Taiwanese bao buns at Bao Borough to custard stuffed doughnuts at Bread Ahead. Head for the Southbank and you’ll find plenty of restaurants and activates to keep the kids happy, with the London Aquarium, London Eye, Globe theatre, parks, shops and street performers all at your feet. Family friendly restaurants such as Honest burger and Wahaca line the Southbank and street food carts offer a diverse range of cuisines too.

How to do it

Book adjoining twin and double rooms at the Hilton Bankside (starting from £272 and £287 respectively) with internal access to open into a family suite. The price includes breakfast.

Review by Cassie Best

New Park Manor, Brockenhurst, New Forest

Best for... toddlers and school-aged children

New Park Manor is beautifully situated in the heart of the New Forest National Park and just a footstep away from free-roaming donkeys, ponies and wild pigs. On arrival you’ll discover a sprawling manor house overlooking extensive lawns and a glistening outdoor swimming pool complete with sunbeds and parasols. Relaxation is definitely the name of the game. Despite the numerous children and toddlers making the most of the facilities, there’s a very tranquil and luxurious feeling about the place.

You can order a listening-in service so it’s easy to dine downstairs in the Stag Restaurant and have some adult time once your children are tucked up in bed, or you can dine together in the relaxed family room for high tea which is served from 5pm. The menu is British with a modern twist and makes the most of locally sourced ingredients from within the New Forest (including wild mushrooms from the nearby woods) and seafood from the Dorset coast, I’d recommend the seriously moreish Poole Bay moules marinière with fries. The kids’ menu is a treat too, with retro classics such as jelly and ice cream, as well as a vast selection of wholesome meals that kids will love such as macaroni cheese and homemade fishcakes.

The hotel also offers a weekend breakfast service for children so they can whisk your little one away for breakfast and games while you catch up on lost sleep or simply read the papers. You’ll also have an hour-and-a-half of free childcare included in your stay, which is perfect for making the most of the hot tub with views of grazing deer, or to enjoy the excellent treatments on offer at the spa. The staff are wonderfully efficient and also charming with the little ones – and you can even bring your dog.

How to do it

Standard double rooms from £119 per night at New Park Manor, including breakfast. High tea available from 5pm daily for younger guests. Babysitting available on request.

Review by Lily Barclay

Woolley Grange, Wiltshire

Best for... babes, tots & young children

Woolley Grange is a sprawling Jacobean manor house set on 14 acres of grounds, it’s a family focused hotel and everything has been set up to make time away with children feel both relaxing and luxurious. Adults and kids will love exploring the hotel with its imposing fireplaces, cosy nooks and multiple living rooms where you can hunker down with coffee and the papers whilst the children play nearby.

There are a wealth of activities for children to get involved in, little ones will love visiting the runner ducks, collecting eggs and pond skimming whereas older children can make use of the exclusive and well stocked games room, rope swing, air hockey and trampoline, the whole family will love the indoor and outdoor swimming pool and you’re only a short distance away from the charming town of Bradford-on-Avon. Each room is unique but they all focus on comfort and style with beautiful views and duck feather bedding (although they call in advance to check what you’d prefer) as well as powerful showers and well stocked Nespresso machines.

If it’s some time alone or together as a couple that you’re craving then you can make use of the excellent Ofsted registered children’s club, where professional and friendly staff will engage your children in imaginative play and activities. The spa and treatments are a great way to make use of some time off, with a dreamy range of massages and facials on offer.

It’s easy to dine with or without your children at Woolley Grange; there’s a high tea for kids’ served in the orangery or you can book a table for adults only or the whole family in the grander dining room (there’s a cleverly timed cinema night with popcorn if you’re looking for some time alone). The chef uses locally sourced ingredients - many of which come from the hotel’s own extensive gardens. If you’re looking for a gastronomic treat then the gourmet two-night break offers a pre-dinner artisan gin tasting session followed by a 5 course tasting menu, including truffled duck eggs from the walled garden, Brixham crab with cucumber sorbet and aged lamb loin with mint and date chutney and fermented carrots, you certainly won’t leave hungry.

How to do it

Standard double rooms from £189 per night at Woolley Grange, including breakfast. High tea available from 5pm daily for younger guests. Babysitting available on request.

Lympstone Manor, Devon

Best for… tweens

From the chauffeured arrival to the hot towels waiting at the grand entrance of this Grade-II listed Georgian manor, it’s clear that this is a deliciously grown-up getaway. The hotel was recently revamped at the inimitable hand of chef Michael Caines, fresh from his 21-year tenure at Gidleigh Park in Devon.

In the guest rooms, gleaming trays of Williams gin, tonics, lemonade and cookies, and free-standing copper baths (complete with L’Occitane bath bombs) provide exemplary pre-dinner R&R. For bolder bathers, the little picket-fenced terraces of Lympstone Manor’s 12 garden suites come with showpiece outdoor tubs. Beyond, 28 acres of manicured gardens slope to the Exe Estuary (watch this space for a vineyard). Its colours – muted greys, sage greens, silty blues – inform guest-room decor, each of which is named after a wetland bird. In the main house, those birds perch prettily up along the central stairwell on hand-painted wallpaper, and in the lobby beyond, swinging birdcage chairs are supremely selfie-worthy.

In the estuary-view bar, a made-to-order virgin peach lychini, classic champagne cocktails and truly artful amuse-bouche entertain all ages while menus are poured over. The eight-course Signature Tasting Menu (£140) can be adapted to include dishes from à la carte, estuary (fish/veggie) and kid’s menus; bespoke treatment encouraging adventurous young diners. Accessible standouts that wowed all were velvety roast Brixham scallop, luxuriant Cornish salt cod with chorizo, and an ingenious white chocolate candle – edible, all but the wick.

The classic breakfast – kippers, full English – is executed with restraint, so you’re not too full for a trip along the Exe Estuary Trail on the hotel’s fleet of elegant-if-bone-shaking Pashley bikes. Just a 15-minute ride to Exmouth offers kite-surfing – or at least the reliably breathtaking sight of locals who are at it – then lunch at Mitch Tonks' Rockfish. Or, head north to the village of Lympstone and beyond for a string of great pubs and nature reserves.

How to do it

Book doubles at Lympstone Manor from £305 per night including breakfast; £60 extra for a child’s bed. High tea available from 5-6.30pm for younger guests. Babysitting available on request.

Review by Sarah Barrell

Moonfleet Manor, Chesil Beach

Best for... school-aged children and pre-teens

Moonfleet Manor is an imposing Georgian house with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Chesil Beach. It boasts all of the stylish interiors you’d expect from a grand hotel and there are many framed fossils to appreciate, plus nods to the eponymous novel, Moonfleet, showcased around the hotel. What really sets the place apart is its warm, family-friendly atmosphere and facilities for children, which clearly put the kids in first place. It’s evident the hotel is designed by someone who really understands what makes a magical break for children, from free cookies and milk at bedtime to freshly-made popcorn to accompany evening films in the cinema room, there are plenty of special touches they’ll love (and that’ll give the parents some serious downtime, too). With an hour-and-a-half of free childcare per day, you can book yourself in for a dreamy treatment at the spa or a leisurely daytime cocktail on the sun terrace.

The rooms have been designed in a similarly sensitive manner and feel as grand as the rest of the hotel, with family suites that’ll give everyone some privacy, and luxuriously comfortable beds. There are 37 rooms to choose from with options for couples, parents with babies, or larger families.

If your children are arcade-obsessed, then the huge indoor play zone should fulfil all their seaside wishes with a plethora of retro arcade games, a slack-line, table tennis, football court, trampolines and much more – they definitely won’t get bored on a rainy day. Aside from all that, there’s an indoor swimming pool. During school holidays there’s a range of morning and afternoon activities, too, from flower-crown-making to mocktail shaking.

Moonfleet has an excellent locally-sourced menu and I’d particularly recommend trying the seafood; particularly, the pan-fried squid with chill, ginger, spring onion and lemon, or Brixham scallops and the perfect open crab sandwich. The bountiful kitchen garden plays a major part in the menu, and you can enjoy freshly laid eggs and locally sourced meat. The extensive children’s menu features steak and salmon, as well as whole range of other children’s classics.

The outdoor dining space is a delightful suntrap where you can watch the children roam the lawns playing with outdoor toys, including croquet and giant jenga. It’s just a two-minute wander to the majestic Fleet Lagoon, though you can’t swim there – it’s a protected beauty spot for taking in crystal clear waters and colourfully painted rustic rowboats, as well as a plethora of fossils. Hotel staff will show you what to look for and you’re guaranteed to leave with a stash of new treasures.

Standard double rooms from £109 per night at Moonfleet Manor, including breakfast. High tea available from 5pm daily for younger guests. Babysitting available on request.

Cowley Manor, Cotswolds

Best for… new parents

This 19th-century Cotswolds country house has been tastefully modernised, notably with a luxury two-pool spa that has an extensive menu of pre- and postnatal treatments, plus dedicated swimming hours for children. Kids will also love exploring the grounds (complimentary Hunter wellies available) and for rainy days there are cosy rooms in which to play DVDs and board games. For grown-up relaxation time, the hotel can contact friendly local babysitters.

Hungry children are made to feel at home, right down to fresh milk in the mini-bar. Little ones can eat from their own menu of favourites in the comfortable bar (with room to run around) but are also made welcome in the flagship Malt Restaurant, where locally sourced produce (lamb shank, the highlight) makes for a comforting English menu. A hearty breakfast table is included for all guests, and baby needs and allergies are catered for.

For a traditional pub lunch by a roaring fire, the Green Dragon Inn is a country walk away while the Wheatsheaf Inn is well worth the 20-minute drive for its renowned puddings and spectacular wine list.

How to do it

Book a family room (sleeps two adults and two children) at Cowley Manor from £305 per night, plus £40 for each child aged 3-13. Under twos stay free. Kids’ breakfast and dinner included.

Review by Chris Mooney

St Pancras Renaissance, London

Best for… Harry Potter fans

The unthinkable nearly happened when the glorious Victorian-built, neo-gothic St Pancras station and hotel was slated for demolition. Luckily, disaster was averted and the station was renovated and the hotel, revamped. It’s a fabulous place to stay in central London and there’s access on foot to one of the most interesting, but not necessarily obvious, swathes of London. Bring older children with you and you’ll find plenty to do, not least a visit to King's Cross station across the road from Harry Potter’s platform 9¾ and gift shop. Younger kids will love the bouncing fountains in nearby Granary Square and the LED light-wall tunnel that leads there from the tube.

The Booking Office restaurant and bar and Mi + Me café are on the Upper Terrace with the Eurostar platforms, a godsend if you have a trainspotting child in tow. There’s a cocoon of a spa that has children’s swimming hours and, if you book one of the deluxe Chambers rooms at a higher rate, you’ll have access to a complimentary breakfast as well as snacks, afternoon tea and canapés. Nearby is The British Library where the free ‘treasures’ exhibition is excellent and the Wellcome Collection has medical-related exhibits (more fun than that sounds). There are plenty of places to eat nearby from Plum + Spilt Milk and Vinoteca to modern Indian Dishoom.

How to do it

Book the Barlow wing superior king room at St Pancras Renaissance from £249 a night. Extra bed at £50 per night. Chambers wing junior suite from £349. Extra bed £50 per night.

Review by Lulu Grimes

Gleneagles, Scotland

Best for… teenagers

A suitable venue for a G8 summit and top golf tournament, the Ryder Cup, Gleneagles should be the stuffy preserve of grown-ups. Yet, this Scottish country-house hotel has always moved with the times and is surprisingly family-friendly.

The golf that first drew visitors is now just one of many pursuits available alongside riding, cycling, off-road driving, shooting, falconry and gun-dog training. It’s an adventurous itinerary that promises to engage the most reluctant teenager.

The variety of eating options from breakfast to dinner will satisfy young, picky eaters too. Of the five restaurants, the most relaxed are The Birnam Brasserie, with a French-American menu, The Dormy Restaurant, which has a tandoor oven, and the all-ages bar, Auchterarder 70, which serves sharing dishes.

If your teen will tolerate a more formal atmosphere, beware; you may want to spare your wallet and delay introducing them to lobster smoked over whisky-barrel chips at Andrew Fairlie – Scotland’s only two Michelin-star restaurant – until your final evening.

How to do it

Book rooms at Gleneagles from £325 per night, based on two adults sharing. An extra two beds can be added for chidren aged six-14 (£50 per bed); children under six stay free in a cot bed.

Review by Kate Simon

Discover more foodie travel tips on our travel hub.

Check out more family holiday ideas:

6 family-friendly trips: gourmet glamping
Fowey Hall, luxury family hotel
6 eco-friendly family getaways
5 foodie family cruises

Have you been to a smart family hotel with great food? Leave a comment below...

All recommendations have been reviewed and approved as of December 2017 and will be checked and updated annually. If you think there is any incorrect or out-of-date information in this guide please email us at goodfoodwebsite@bbc.com.

Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice for the country they are travelling to.

Assistance for this feature was provided by: lympstonemanor.co.uk, lenclume.co.uk, cowleymanor.com, fourseasons.com/hampshire, gleneagles.com, stpancraslondon.com