Where to go for a luxury, indulgent UK break…

[Upwherethebirdsfly]

… with two small children!! We haven’t been away since 2019, not even in the UK. I’ve been saving every month and we have enough to go somewhere in the UK before Christmas.

The problem is - we have lots of competing needs. My partner likes amenities, high end places (most British seaside spots won’t cut it for example), modern design hotel type places and sunshine (!!), I like beautiful views and having lots of fun with the kids, we both like luxury places and want something to indulge us all. Our kids are very active so swimming, playgrounds, activities etc are essential.

Has anyone been anywhere that really stands out as being super luxury for parents and fun for kids too? Thank you! X

Retallic Cornwall

Do you mean with activities included at the hotel? I don't know of anywhere in the UK that does that AND is luxury. If would say somewhere like Edinburgh would be a good base in a nice hotel with a pool and with days out to the coast (Portobello, North Berwick etc), castles etc.

Well there’s Centerparcs but it is quite expensive.. but there’s activities and luxury accommodation

Bedruthan Steps Cornwall ( although I haven't been for some years! And it looks some bits have had to change due to Covid)

Calcot Manor, Watergate Bay, The Alexandra, Polurrian Bay, South Sands, Chewton Glen, Lime Wood should all fit the bill. At a slightly lower price point you could try Ickworth, Woolley Grange, The Elms, Moonfleet Manor.

Mr and Mrs Smith and Tots too Travel both excellent resources for family friendly luxury :)

I rate Bedruthan steps too, oh and Fowey Hall

Port Lympne zoo in Kent springs to mind. If you stay in the accommodation with the private viewing areas of the wolf/lion/tiger enclosures they are very luxurious (some of the other accommodation is more basic), and you also get two days access to the park with a gold buggy to drive yourself round.
It's absolutely amazing, but does cost around £1000 per night! I thought it was worth every penny though.

The Grove
Admittedly it's near Watford but beautiful beautiful place with kids club, pool , activities etc and gorgeous grounds, golf, spa , outdoor pool etc for adults.

Thank you all! Many of these options have been explored before but need a refreshed look! Also would welcome beautiful self catering options.

I keep wondering about Center Parcs - but is there really a luxe option?? I can’t quite bring myself to go for it given it seems to be marmite ….

@Sleepthieved
@MoreHairyThanScary
@Upwherethebirdsfly

Absolutely NOT Bedruthan. Please look up my thread in UK Holidays titled ‘Bedruthan right now’ and look at recent Tripadvisor reviews.

Chewton Glenn and Pennyhill Park.

Neither are kid focussed but absolutely lovely and incredibly accommodating of children.

The top end accommodation at Centerparcs is good (just good) but food is pretty dire which makes the whole thing off putting if you’re looking for luxury.

www.thefishhotel.co.uk/

The Celtic Manor tries to cater for this sort of thing but in my opinion has gone too far towards families now. May be worth a try.

Crieff Hydro is family oriented and ticks all your boxes. It's a really lovely place and there is the option of the hotel or self catering houses.

Soho Farmhouse www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse

Celtic Manor?

Pontins

Bluestone for a cheaper version of Centre parcs

I love luxury accommodation and have stayed in a lot. If that's what you want you will be very disappointed by Centre Parcs. The food options are terrible too. Don't get me wrong, it has its place. But not for a luxury break.

4s Hampshire- need to check how organised children’s activities are

Luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk

Ours are much older now but over the years we had some lovely breaks at several of these. I loved the way they have a children's tea and then a listening service so you can have a proper dinner later, for example. Lots for kids but also the opportunity for quality adult time.

If you go on head for points you will find a link for the virtuoso travel agent we use called Emyr Thomas of Bon vivant (just google emyr headforpointd) He will advise but can also get upgrades and additional benefits at many luxury hotels

@Crunched that place looks amazing 🤩

@Upwherethebirdsfly

Thank you all! Many of these options have been explored before but need a refreshed look! Also would welcome beautiful self catering options.

I keep wondering about Center Parcs - but is there really a luxe option?? I can’t quite bring myself to go for it given it seems to be marmite ….

They have lodges that are luxury and you can eat at the restaurants on site rather than cook in your lodge. There’s a spa at the Nottingham one. The activities are good. There’s a swimming pool. It’s just expensive. The activities soon add up. Take your own bikes if you do go as they are expensive to hire too.