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.

I don’t know how much flexibility you have on dates or how long you need, but here’s Port Lympne.
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The de vere at Windsor near Legoland was kid friendly, car parking, near river.

I love the look of Port Lympne! Have you been? Any sense of how long the drive would be from South London? Also, I couldn't tell from the website: does the hotel have a pool? (I know it seems like a silly thing but one of the DCs is obsessed with swimming and that's what she was most looking forward to on the trip we had planned....)

I’ve been to the park which is lovely but not stayed overnight. I don’t think there’s a pool though. Chessington definitely has a swimming pool and a water play pool so might be worth a look (not such a civilised experience though).

Or yes, CentreParcs is an obvious choice as per op.

Bear in mind if there are any tiredness or mobility issues port lympe is on a massive slope. There is transport from the bottom to the top, but you literally have to plan your day around the hill and the transport.

Have you tried calling the hotel direct. Some hotels will change the dates on compassionate grounds so its just the transport youre losing on. DLP have been known to do so (justa punt)

Oooo

And just to add if you like Port Lympne its well worth looking at Marwell. The hotel on site is meant to be fantastic and has a pool. Mobility wise its so much easier to get around and most is on the flat. But it has the same expansive feel of port lympe. Both are similar drive times to south London

Nutfield Priory near Redhill might work, it has a small but lovely spa & it’s a stunning setting. If you are interested give me a shout & I’ll recommend a few local places. Hope your DC recovers quickly

Ignore my post, it took me hours to press send so I didn’t see any of the other responses 🤦🏻‍♀️

Luton hoo is gorgeous and surprisingly kid friendly.

There's Woburn safari park and whipsnade zoo close by too for days out if they like that sort of thing

The Petersham in Richmond. Picturesque views, walking distance to Richmond park (see the deer, nice play park). Also walking distance to the district line tube straight into central London.

Hope you all have a lovely time.

We stayed at the Beaumont Estate in Windsor when we went to Legoland. It has a pool, a fantastic buffet in the evenings and at breakfast, big grounds and is close to Windsor Great Park for exploring.