Advice on great hotels near (but not in) London

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Hi All

I'd really appreciate some help. We've had a rough year with health issues for one of my DC. They were really ill earlier in the year with a lengthy hospital stay but have been totally recovered for a few months. We were supposed to be going on holiday this weekend - our first since the illness - and all plans are made and paid for.

Earlier this week, out of the blue, they have relapsed. It's probably not as serious but we don't know for sure yet and our specialist has said we certainly can't travel abroad. Insurance won't cover cancellation because they view it as a pre-existing condition. So we've lost a ton of money and our much needed holiday.

We really need to get away but we can't stray far from London (where we live) because we may need to attend specialist appointments at short notice. So I'd really welcome and suggestions you have for nice hotels within an hour or so of London. Ideally, we'd like a pool and something to do in the surrounding area - like long walks, pub dinners etc. I'd probably rather avoid other cities.

If anyone had any suggestions, I'd be really grateful. Desperately trying to salvage something from this and not let illness confound us again.

Thanks.

What ages are in the party? That’s key really - are you looking for somewhere child-friendly? Baby-friendly? All adults?

I’m sure we’ll find something good though - sorry for your tough year, and good luck.

How old are dc?

Thanks for the really kind reply. It has been rough and it's funny how even the smallest kindnesses make a big difference. The DC are 11 and 9. So not old enough to e.g. come out to dinner and behave but still young enough to be really thrilled with a swimming pool. Thanks again.

Depending on how old your children are, Chessington or LEGO land?

Sorry - there's an errant 'not' in there. They ARE old enough to come out to dinner, I meant to say.

Chessington/ legoland a good idea but I think because of the nature of the illness we are dealing with, rides are probably not a good idea right now. Ideally, I just want to find a super nice hotel that we can hang out at and go for walks from etc.

What’s your budget? And sorry to hear your DC isn’t well.

Maybe take a look at Guildford? Some nice hotels, great cosy pubs and Guildford spectrum has bowling, swimming, ice skating etc if you’re so inclined.

I was about to say if your budget stretches, chessington world of adventures in one of there clamping safari pods, something different and so much fun!

Sorry just seen your reply, what about Brighton? Not to far from London and we stayed in a lovely hotel with a swimming pool and then had walks on the beach/down the lanes etc

The Grove near Watford is stunning has amazing spa and incredible child facilities wonderful food, can’t rate it highly enough. Avoid stoke park whatever the marketing says. If it’s not too far, lime wood in Hampshire is essentially heaven. Neither of these are bargain options....

I don't really know re budget. I'm tending to think that we have lost so much money on the holiday that we're now not going on that what does any more matter. But I realise that isn't a very grown up way of thinking. I'd be prepared to pay more for just the right place.

I really appreciate all the replies. If anyone has any specific hotels to recommend, that's what I feel so stuck on at the moment. Thanks again.

It might be too far out of London but what about Marwell Zoo?

Googling the Grove now! Thank you.

Nutfield Priory is nice www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/nutfieldpriory - other side of Surrey.

Alexandra House and Utopia Spa is lovely but quite expensive.

Port lympe but it is more than an hour. Would be a great treat though if you could manage it...

Link for Alexandra House www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/alexander-house/

Sorry, Alexander House! Defaulting to the feminine, obvs.

Have insurers confirmed they won't cover it? If it was declared at the time you booked insurance and gp had confirmed no issue with you travelling and no reason to expect a relapse there maybe a chance.

Pennyhill Park in Bagshot is lovely

These are really great suggestions! Thanks - please keep them coming.

I would also look at Beaverbrook beaverbrook.co.uk and Pennyhill Park www.exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park/.

The ones I’ve suggested are all fairly expensive but very much luxury and plenty to do with kids - pools, country walks, activities if you’re up for them.

Re insurance: yes. It's my own fault. I have an annual travel plan purchased before they got sick which I rely on for all our holidays. It slipped my mind to update it and so it's fair enough that they won't reimburse. Stupid error on my part but there was so much going on at that point.

Is Hythe too far? I think the Huthe imperial has just been done up & it definitely has an indoor pool, it’s not for to port lympe and you could have nice (chilly!) walks on the beach

A bit random maybe but Centerparcs? Woburn isn’t far from London, the pool is really great and their Christmas stuff is pretty good even for adults!

Just googling all of these now. Some of them look ideal (although obviously it's pretty late notice and close to Christmas so not all have space). Thanks again.