Best family-friendly spa hotels in the UK: where to relax and unwind with kids in tow

Part of the Luxury Family Hotels chain, the Ickworth Hotel in Suffolk is set in 1,800 acres of National Trust parkland. While the kids are well looked after in the creche - there’s 90 minutes of free childcare included with every night of your stay - you can enjoy a treatment in the spa, explore the gardens or dine in the adults-only Fredericks restaurant. There’s plenty to do as a family too, with a more relaxed restaurant and a family pool, as well as all-terrain pushchairs available to hire.

Nearest train station: Bury St Edmunds (4 miles)

On the banks of the river Levern, just south of Lake Windermere in the Lake District, The Swan strikes just the right balance between luxury and child-friendliness with its two-bedroom family suites and myriad small touches that make all the difference. Book a family room in the main hotel or go for one of the cosy cottages. The hotel’s spa is adults-only, which makes it all the more luxurious but does mean you’ll need to arrange for your children to be taken care of while you indulge in a thermal treatment or massage.

Nearest train station: Kendal (16.5 miles)

The Crieff Hydro in Perthshire offers excellent, family-oriented accommodation in a stunning rural setting. The Big Country childcare is free to guests with bookings of two nights or more and kids aged 2-12 - extra sessions can be booked at £15 for two hours. It’s best to book in advance, and the same goes for other activities as reviewers say these book up fast. The spa features original Victorian baths, a huge range of treatments and a hair salon.

Nearest train station: Stirling (22 miles)

With its award-winning spa and 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland, Celtic Manor in south-east Wales is a perfect getaway for all the family. Adventurous kids will love the treetop course, and there are five restaurants to choose from. They no longer have a creche or kids’ club unfortunately, but if you can make it to the Forum spa, there’s a beauty bar, afternoon tea, massages and facial treatments to indulge in.

Nearest train station: Newport (5 miles)

Set in gorgeous 19th-century parkland, Rudding Park has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a juniper log sauna, plus thermotherapy and hydrotherapy treatments at its rooftop spa. Families can choose from a bunk room or interconnecting rooms, depending on what works best for you and your kids. There are also cottages and lodges available if you’re looking for a self-catering option. Located just outside the famous spa town of Harrogate, it’s a lovely setting for a relaxing UK getaway.

Nearest train station: Harrogate (4 miles)

Near Newcastle in Northern Ireland, Slieve Donard is a luxurious hotel for all the family. Kids will love the pool and nearby beach, and family rooms are available. The spa offers amazing views of the mountains of Mourne, and there are plenty of treatments to choose from, including hot stone massage, maternity treatments and a Himalayan pink salt bath.

Nearest train station: Newry (22 miles)

With its impressive lobby and spacious family rooms, the Landmark is a rather special place to bring the family. Book one of the hotel’s family packages and your kids will be greeted with cookies, tents, teddies and headlamps for an indoor camp out in your room. The hotel is well-placed for visiting central London, with London Zoo and Regent’s Park just down the road. Escape to the spa for a dip in the pool, or book a massage in one of the treatment rooms.

Nearest train station: Marylebone (100 metres)

For a luxurious break an easy drive from London, The Grove is heaven-sent. There’s a forest school and nature trails for older kids, a kids’ club and babysitting for the littlest ones. The hotel is just five minutes' from Harry Potter Studios, and 10 minutes from Watford Football stadium. Family rooms come with adjoining rooms, extra beds and cots on request, and there are family staycation packages offering savings. While the children are at the Ofsted-registered kids’ club, you’re free to enjoy the delights of the Sequoia spa, with its black mosaic pool, range of treatments and fitness suite.

Nearest train station: Watford Junction (2 miles)

Featuring the UK’s first treetop sauna, Sherwood Forest has the best spa of all the UK Center Parcs, according to Mumsnetters. There’s over 400 acres of forest, water parks and tons of activities for all ages and interests. With such a wealth of wholesome family adventures, be sure to make time to visit the Aqua Sana spa in the centre of the forest. Treatments can be booked up to 12 weeks in advance, and there’s a creche and kids’ club so you can enjoy peace of mind while you’re pampered.

Nearest train station: Mansfield (9 miles)