What’s a good UK family holiday for start of January?

[Newbie1011]

Looking for ideas please! We have the chance to go away as a family 31 December to 6 Jan. Want to stay in the UK, I think, or not too far away at least. What would you do? We have DDs aged 7 and 4 and a DS aged 7months. In an ideal word would love a family friendly luxury hotel like Chewton Glen, but most seem looked up or out of our budget (like £5000 plus!) I was then wondering about Center Parcs but DH thinks it’s better to go there in summer when it’s nicer to be outside (but I think this just applies to anywhere!!). I think it would be good to be somewhere family friendly with a mix of indoor and outdoor things for kids to do and also somewhere with fires or log burners - typed cosy vibes in the evening. Budget around £3000. Any ideas?

Masham. Rent a cottage. Use Thorpe pellow, Swinton estate etc . Wonderful place.

I think Center Parcs works just as well in the winter. You probably won't be on the lake, but the pool is great regardless of the weather and there are lots of other things to do.

I’d definitely go abroad. We went to Athens at that time of year (no baby but eldest two are similar ages) and it was amazing. Flights were £800, 4 nights in a ridiculously central apartment was €800 and it was just lovely to be somewhere warmer. Good parks, good food and a good time of year to see “the sites” as quieter and cooler.

Celtic Manor?

Celtic Manor isn’t cosy vibes but will have a lot to do plus Roman amphitheatre and museum not far away

Around Bath is nice and Longleat is good that time of year.

A winter break sounds lovely, and with your budget, there are some great options. Have you looked at luxury lodges in places like the Lake District or the Cotswolds? Many have log burners, cosy vibes, and family-friendly amenities like indoor pools or play areas. Bluestone in Wales could also be a good fit—it’s similar to Center Parcs but often more budget-friendly in winter and has plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for kids. Alternatively, a family-friendly boutique hotel like Fowey Hall in Cornwall or Moonfleet Manor in Dorset might work—they’re designed with kids in mind and still feel luxurious for adults. Hope you find the perfect spot!

Oh thanks so much @katebrownell86 ! I hadn’t heard of Bluestone, and will check those hotels out too! Brilliant

CP is actually brilliant in winter! I've done summer and winter.

The tropical swimming pool is lovely!

Lots of cycle paths for kids to ride about in and go for winter walks and see the wildlife.

Plenty of activities in the sports centre.

It's not the cheapest option though if you want activities! Although sounds like you'd be ok with a 2 bed lodge if baby sleeps in cot with you?

Co would work but it will I'll be £££. Best bet would be a cottage somewhere but saying that everything will be pricey and availability might be difficult.