Travelling with toddlers — whether locally or further afield — can be challenging.
But once you arrive at your destination, it makes the world of difference if you’re at an amazing toddler-friendly hotel.
We’re talking all the equipment you need, plenty of children’s activities on the roster, kid-friendly dining, and even some onsite quality childcare if you fancy it.
So with that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in the UK for toddlers.
We’ve run the gamut here, from every corner of the country, across every budget range and hotel type. Whether you’re looking for luxury family-friendly getaways in London, views in Scotland, or self-catering in Wales, it’s all here.
Let’s take a look at the nation’s best toddler-friendly hotels!
42 Best Hotels in the UK for Toddlers
South West
Calcot and Spa
- Tetbury, Gloucestershire
- £££
Nestled in beautiful Tetbury, Calcot and Spa is an excellent toddler-friendly, luxury hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Set over 220 acres, Calcot has plenty to do for the entire family and children are especially well catered for. You’ll definitely want to head over to The Playbarn, which is their Ofsted-registered crèche, which is full to the brim with toys and other things to stimulate their minds and creative muscles. If you’ve got older children, The Mez is perfect for over 8s with video games, a cinema and much more.
There are lots of play areas and things to do outdoors here as well — including an adventure play area, a mini football field, play kitchen, toy car racing track and even classic lawn games to get involved in. You can even borrow bikes (with kid-friendly seats, trailers and helmets also available) to explore some of the brilliant trails. There’s also an indoor and an outdoor pool with daily swim sessions for kids.
Other features making Calcot a great choice for toddlers and their families include babysitting, a free child listening service, the Kids’ Tea served every afternoon, and room amenities like cots, sterilisers, changing mats, bottle warmers, Child’s Farm toiletries, bath toys, nappy bins, bed guards, microwaves, high chairs, potties, bouncers and more.
Tredethick Farm Cottages
- Lostwithiel, Cornwall
- ££
Tredethick is a popular choice for families with young kids holidaying in Cornwall which is due to the fact that their cottages and the Tredethick experience, in general, has been designed for families.
First up, the cottages themselves are very child-friendly and contain everything you might need for a home-away-from-home feel. Most of the cottages are stair-free while the rest have stairgates for any wanderers. Amenities like cots, bed guards, black-out blinds, kids’ crockery and cutlery, highchairs, sterilisers and carriers can all be provided. One of the best things about Tredethick is the fact that every cottage has its own enclosed garden.
In the wider resort, there’s a play barn, giant indoor sandpit, pony rides, mini tractors, balance bike track, soft play and an indoor heated pool — all perfect for toddlers and their families. Grown-ups aren’t neglected either — make sure you carve out time for the amazing hot tub garden, get an in-cottage massage, or use one of their recommended babysitters for a night out.
Woolley Grange Hotel
- Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
- ££
Not far from Bath is the wonderful Woolley Grange, which describes itself as a luxury family hotel and really goes beyond just providing the essentials for a stay with young kids.
You must take advantage of the amazing Woolley Bears Den, an Ofsted-registered childcare facility offering 90 minutes of free childcare per every night you stay. They’ve also got baby monitoring devices available (audio and visual), experienced babysitters, and even a sensory room for babies. Toddlers will love the Children’s High Tea, served every day at 5pm, and there’s also a special children’s menu if you want to dine with the kids.
Woolley Grange is spread over a magnificent 14 acres with plenty to do for all ages — den. building, trampolines, animal petting, football, croquet and more.
There are lots of different room types available and the hotel will liaise with you beforehand on what baby/toddler equipment you may need in the room.
Harbour Beach Club and Spa
- Salcombe, Devon
- ££
Salcombe is one of the UK’s most popular holiday spots for families with toddlers, and the Harbour Beach Club is definitely one of the best places to stay while you’re here.
You’re right on the water with some incredible views over the beach, and there’s absolutely loads to do here, regardless of how old you are. From walks to watersports, crabbing to sailing, ice cream to beach yoga, you and the kids are sure to find something to suit you. Beach days are a must-do and the Harbour Club will send you off with all the right equipment, including kites, wetsuits and windbreakers, as well as a delicious picnic!
If you manage to steal some time away from the kids, make sure you check out their spa offerings too. Children are allowed to swim in the pool between 8.30am-10am and 4.30pm-6pm every day.
There are 44 individual rooms, but families might prefer one of the 6 suites on offer, which are super spacious and offer spectacular views over the beachfront and ocean.
Bovey Castle Hotel and Spa
- Dartmoor, Devon
- £££
The beautifully imposing Bovey Castle can be found in the midst of Dartmoor National Park and offers a truly luxurious staycation experience, even with toddlers!
There are 60 rooms available, with plenty of different room types, so you’re sure to find a configuration that suits your family. We love the wealth of activities on offer that will cater to every age — from horse-drawn carriage rides, bike riding and falconry to cider making, off-road driving and clay shooting. There’s a huge play park with trampolines, swings and a climbing frame, as well as tennis and croquet, and opportunities to meet the resident chickens and ferrets and feed the goats.
Many kids will love the brilliant KidsZone too — you just need to buy them a day pass which allows them access to come and go throughout the day. There’s plenty here to enjoy including dress-up, crafts, a play kitchen and much more imaginative play.
Saunton Sands Hotel
- Saunton, Devon
- ££
Saunton Sands is one of the most famous hotels in North Devon thanks to its gorgeous location and luxury art deco aesthetic.
Grown-ups will love the fine dining restaurants and spa, while little ones are extremely well catered for: the playroom offers one free 2-hour session per day for kids aged between 6 weeks and 11 years old. There’s plenty going on in here, with ride-on-tractors, discos, biscuit making and imaginative play to explore. The qualified childcare professionals also provide plenty of age-appropriate activities, including nature walks, marbling and designing t-shirts.
There are 77 rooms on offer at Saunton Sands with plenty that are perfectly sized for young families, with designated family rooms and suites available. They can also provide a plethora of kiddy equipment, such as cots, buggies, bouncers, swim nappies, colouring books, and even warm milk and biscuits at bedtime.
Watergate Bay Hotel
- Newquay, Cornwall
- £££
Watergate Bay is another incredible hotel overlooking a beach, this time down in Newquay in North Cornwall — one of the UK’s surfing hotspots.
You’ll definitely want to take a look at their Kids’ Zone if you’re staying with young kids. They’ve got 3 supervised spaces available for Toddlers (6 months to 2 years), Kids (3 to 7 years), and the XA Club (8 to 12 years). Kids’ Zone is Ofsted registered and includes loads of age-appropriate activities like arts and crafts, storytelling, messy play, sensory play, beach activities, cooking classes and much more. Babysitters are also available if you want to make a night of it, and a baby monitoring service is also available in all their restaurants.
When it comes to eating, you can either choose for your kids to enjoy Early Supper at Zacry’s restaurant, or they can enjoy the children’s menu when you dine before 7.30pm. Highchairs are available, as well as a parents’ kitchen.
Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa
- Chippenham, Wiltshire
- £££
Back in Wiltshire, Lucknam Park is another incredibly luxurious hotel and spa that caters well to families with young kids.
For £44 per child per night, you can book Lucknam’s Fun with Chester package, which includes: an extra bed in the parent’s room, a full English breakfast, a teddy and surprise gift on arrival, use of the swimming pool, access to The Hideaway and the outdoor play areas. There are optional extras too, including pony rides, mini treatments at the spa and various outdoor pursuits.
The Hideaway (parent-accompanied) offers a lot of child-friendly entertainment, including arts and crafts, a role play room, baby play room, Quiet Room and Techno Space. Babysitting is also available and there is all-day family dining with a children’s menu.
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa
- Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
- ££
Nestled in the Cornish clifftops is the beautiful Bedruthan, which describes itself as a Scandi-style retreat.
They’re very well set up for little ones, with buggies and more to hand as well as some truly spacious family rooms. Highchairs and kids’ cutlery are mainstays in the clifftop kitchen, while the artisan bakery breakfast is for all hands, big and small. Babysitting can be arranged in advance so adults can enjoy a bit of quiet time in the spa or the restaurant.
The location is absolutely ideal, being just a short stroll away from the wide and sandy Mawgan Porth beach — plenty of rockpooling and surfing lessons on offer just here! Back in the hotel, toddlers will love the Jungle Tumble soft play area as well as the indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Fowey Hall Hotel
- Fowey, Cornwall
- £££
Set right next to the sea in charming Fowey is the impressively chic Fowey Hall Hotel.
This luxury offering has something for the whole family — whether it’s the spa, the amazing restaurant that focuses on local Cornish cuisine, the library, or the many family-friendly activities on offer through the hotel and its grounds. Definitely take advantage of the 90 minutes daily of free childcare on offer in the Ofsted-registered Den and make sure you liaise with the team beforehand to ensure that all the toddler and baby equipment you need is ready for you in your room upon check-in.
A children’s menu is served all day but they also have a brilliant High Tea party every day at 5pm — perfect if you’ve got date with the babysitter later on! There’s a swimming pool, outdoor play area and a games room to enjoy too.
Soho Farmhouse
- Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
- £££
Soho Farmhouse may scream ‘exclusive’ and ‘glamour’ from the influencers you see promoting it on Instagram but this resort nestled in 100 acres of countryside is actually a gorgeous bolthole with plenty to entertain the whole family.
If you’re already a member of Soho House you’ll be able to turn up whenever you like and enjoy their discounted rates — if you’re not a member, you’ll have to cozy up to someone who is and get yourself invited as their guest!
Aside from the normal luxury hotel offerings like a spa, gym and tennis courts, Soho Farmhouse also hosts activities like clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and boating to name a few. Kids will love the Teeny Camp and Barn which is home to an adventure playground, zip line, library, sand pit and even guinea pigs! Kids can swim in the pool during certain periods (morning and afternoon) Monday to Friday.
There are lots of different room types available and some are designed specifically for families with children.
Babington House
- Frome, Somerset
- ££
Babington House is another House under the Soho House umbrella, so again you will need to either be a Member or the guest of a Member to visit.
This stunning manor house is set in 18 acres in underrated and quirky Frome. It feels classic and luxe without being overbearing, and children are welcome. Make sure you take them to Teeny House, where they offer a complimentary 2-hour session every day with additional childcare options available too. Older kids will love the Loft, which is stocked with video games, a TV and arts and crafts. There are plenty of activities throughout for all the family to enjoy, including tennis, cricket, croquet and 2 swimming pools (indoor and outdoor!). And you mustn’t forget the famous Cowshed Spa..
Just like Soho Farmhouse, there is a wide selection of room types available with a certain number being child-friendly.
Tregenna Castle Resort
- St Ives, Cornwall
- £
For a wonderfully family-friendly hotel in St Ives, look no further than Tregenna Castle. It’s set over 72 acres and offers both hotel accommodation and self-catering options.
You won’t even need to leave the resort as there’s so much to do here: from an 18-hole golf course to some beautiful woodland walks, an indoor and an outdoor pool, tennis, squash and badminton courts, an outdoor playground and a gym. There’s also a spa on site.
Whether you opt for an apartment or a hotel room, you’ll be able to find a configuration that suits your family and budget.
Moonfleet Manor
- Weymouth, Dorset
- £
Beautiful Moonfleet Manor overlooks the dramatic Jurassic coast and famous Chesil Beach. It’s a great spot to base a Dorset holiday around.
Family comes first here and both staff and the building itself are well set up to handle your little ones. There’s a wonderful indoor pool and play area to explore, and everyone will love the 90 minutes of complimentary childcare on offer at the OFSTED registered creche! It’s suitable for kids aged between 3 months and 8 years. There’s also a separate baby pool for teeny tinies.
Also on offer is a baby listening system and lots of baby equipment — just let them know beforehand what you might need during your stay. There’s a special children’s menu on offer all day, as well as the option to choose toddler-sized portions of adult meals. There’s also a climbing frame, sandpit and the Toddle Waddle guided mini-beast walk.
Older kids and adults are also well catered to, with escape rooms, a science room, mini golf, tennis courts, geocaching, guided fossil walks and more.
Lympstone Manor
- Exmouth, Devon
- £££
If you’re looking for luxury with swoon-worthy views, then Lympstone Manor should definitely be on your radar. It overlooks the Exe estuary, enjoys Michael Caines MBE at the helm of the kitchen, and the 21 rooms make for a truly exclusive atmosphere.
This one is definitely for foodies: Caines’ kitchen has been awarded a Michelin star and the 8-course tasting menu is not to be missed, alongside the incredible wine cellar.
But what about families with young kids? It’s actually (surprisingly) family-friendly, given the level of luxe on offer. Children are welcome and cots can be reserved in advance. There are also a number of interconnecting rooms available. The restaurant is a slightly different affair with, understandably, no children under 8 allowed in for lunch and dinner service, but they do serve up tea for the little ones.
Lympstone Manor is also very close to the beach so perfectly situated for sunny day trips!
South East
The Grove
- Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire
- £££
The Grove is one of our favourite hotels in the UK, offering both luxury and a child-friendly attitude. It’s famous for its world-class golf course and incredible Sequoia Spa too.
There are lots of different rooms and suites to choose from, many of which will be suitable if you’re travelling with children. Make sure you liaise with the team beforehand to ensure you have all the baby and toddler equipment you need in the room when you arrive. There are plenty of kid-friendly entertainment options including an indoor and outdoor pool, Ralph’s beach (incredible during the good weather!) and Anoushka’s Kids Club for childcare options for little ones aged between 2 and 9 years old. Babysitting is also available.
Make sure you check out as many of the restaurants and bars as you can during your stay — many of them welcome children and offer specific menus or portions to their tastes. They are also very assiduous in taking care and providing for kids (and presumably adults too!) with allergies.
Cliveden House
- Taplow, Berkshire
- £££
Cliveden House is a stunning country manor hotel set on exquisite National Trust grounds near the town of Taplow.
Classic and historic, Cliveden feels like a hot spot for a romantic weekend away but they do welcome children to stay as well. Whether you want to swim, go boating, try your hand at archery or clay pigeon shooting, or even have a family falconry experience, there’s something for everyone here. Having the National Trust gardens at your fingertips too means you get a load of beautiful walking routes suitable for little legs, as well as a big play area and more.
There are lots of options for dining and drinking, as well as a must-do afternoon tea set. Kids will love the 3-course children’s menu on offer.
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
- New Forest, Hampshire
- £££
Located right on the edge of the New Forest in New Milton is the wonderfully luxurious Chewton Glen, an 18th-century country house hotel.
Families with young kids are more than welcome here — there are a plethora of family rooms and suites or you could even choose one of their amazing treehouses if you really want to have some fun. Childcare comes in the form of the Beehive kids’ club, which offers such activities as treasure hunting, sports, games and a reading nook. Some of the activities you can enjoy together with the family include cookery and art classes, croquet, sheep walking, pony pampering and even a ‘farm experience’.
When it comes to dining, Chewton Glen has an extensive children’s menu that even the fussiest eater should find acceptable! There’s also a delectable afternoon tea on offer too.
Beaverbrook
- Leatherhead, Surrey
- £££
Beaverbrook is one of the UK’s most famous hotels for a reason – sheer luxury all wrapped in a family-friendly package. Situated in the heart of the Surrey Hills, it feels a million miles from the hustle and bustle of London.
The estate spans a whopping 470 acres and they manage to pack a lot in, with activities on the roster to suit all ages. Adults will love the private cinema, historical tour and cocktail-making masterclass while younger ones won’t be able to get enough of the huge adventure playground. Maybe you can all have fun together with a spot of croquet or one of the brilliant walks (replete with muddy puddles, no less).
Don’t miss the Sharky and George Kids Club during the weekends and school holidays for ages 5 to 12 — activities include bug hunting, den building, night safaris, building time capsules and much more. There are also designated swim times for kids and kid-friendly cinema screenings in the afternoon too.
Four Seasons Hampshire
- Hook, Hampshire
- £££
The Four Seasons might not be the first hotel brand that comes to mind when you think of ‘kid-friendly’ — but their offering in Hampshire is exactly that.
The restored Georgian manor house is ideally located in the midst of 500 acres of gorgeous countryside and it offers a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and a variety of different dining options. There’s a huge amount for toddlers and young kids here — from the brilliant Sharkie’s Reef adventure pool to the adventure playground and a fully supervised kids club on weekends and holidays.
Whatever baby and toddler equipment you might need in your room will be provided — their motto is ‘we can arrange virtually anything’! Kids under 5 can also eat for free at the Wild Carrot restaurant.
Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel
- Lymington, Hampshire
- £
For a budget- and toddler-friendly stay in the New Forest, look no further than Macdonald Elmers Court in Lymington. It offers both hotel and self-catering accommodation to suit your family’s needs.
Although cheaper than many of the ‘luxe’ options on this list, it still has plenty of facilities, including a spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a number of restaurants. Under-12s actually go free and will definitely enjoy exploring the extensive grounds.
Whether you choose a hotel room or a self-catered apartment, there are plenty of configurations that will suit families with young children, including interconnecting rooms with bunk beds.
Knoll House Hotel
- Swanage, Dorset
- £
Knoll House is a family-run hotel that’s just 5 minute’s walk from and overlooks the famous Studland Bay. It’s both kid and dog friendly so you can bring all the children with you!
There’s certainly plenty to do in the local area here but you’re also spoilt for choice within the hotel grounds — an outdoor pool, spa, paddling pool, pitch-and-putt golf course, tennis courts, a games room and cinema room, pirate ship play area and more. There’s a wonderful restaurant on site and kids also have their own menu too.
There are a variety of different room types available but families will most likely be hooked by the 2 and 3 bedroom suite offerings.
London
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
- Mayfair
- £££
The Athenaeum is located in the heart of Mayfair and is one of London’s most iconic hotels — but it still makes an effort to be family-friendly and welcoming to its youngest guests.
They offer the choice of serviced apartments or classic hotel rooms and both options are good for families. Child beds and cots can be provided in the hotel, as well as interconnecting bedrooms, while bunk beds and sofa beds are both found in the apartments. Regardless of where you’re staying, if you let them know beforehand that you’re travelling with toddlers, they’ll provide a Yoto player in your room for bedtime stories.
There’s also a children’s concierge on hand, who can arrange — amongst other things — flying kites in Green Park, arranging a family bike ride, feeding the ducks in Hyde Park and provide colouring books for a quiet afternoon. There is also a team of nannies and babysitters on standby should you wish for some adult time!
100 Queen’s Gate
- South Kensington
- ££
100 Queen’s Gate is another iconic hotel, located in an 1870s townhouse in stylish South Ken., now part of the Hilton collection of hotels.
It’s definitely worth opting for the Little Explorers Package, which is for a 2-bedroom interconnecting family room and allows you some special in-room amenities for your little ones, including toys from the nearby Natural History Museum and a Tonie box for a bedtime story. The package includes breakfast for all the family, a £50 food voucher and complimentary meals for kids under 5. There’s an incredible Little Explorer’s Afternoon Tea on offer too — not to be missed!
The hotel is really well situated for exploring London’s museums, with the Science Museum, Natural History and V&A mere minutes away by foot and everything else a short bus or tube trip.
Park Plaza London Riverbank
- Vauxhall
- ££
Park Plaza is a ubiquitous hotel brand around London but we think this London Riverbank location is one of the best when you’re travelling with little ones. It’s located on the South Bank, just opposite Tate Britain and the Houses of Parliament. Attractions like the London Eye and Aquarium are very nearby as well.
When you’re staying in London, you’re usually spending most of the day outside exploring, but there’s still lots to do here in the hotel just in case you and your toddler need a break. The heated indoor swimming pool is certainly a big draw and somewhat unusual for central London hotels, especially at this price point.
There are lots of room types available — families will most benefit from the larger suites which offer separate living spaces and a kitchenette.
The Chesterfield Mayfair
- Mayfair
- £££
Another luxury hotel in Mayfair that caters well to kids is The Chesterfield. It’s located perfectly between Hyde Park and Green Park and minutes from Soho — ideal if you want to catch a show.
Your first port of call should be the Family Experience Manager — a family concierge, so to speak — who can help you with anything you might need during your stay. A baby kit will be provided for the littlest guests and travel cots are available upon request. For toddlers and kids under 12, bathrobes and slippers will be provided as well as colouring books when dining in the restaurant.
If you want some alone time, the Hotel Nanny can be booked in advance — a bespoke, fully qualified service. Kids and adults will both love the incredibly whimsical afternoon tea on offer too.
The Midlands
The Ickworth Hotel
- Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
- ££
The Ickworth is a truly lovely family hotel, located on a whopping 1800 acres of National Trust land. Trust us, the views are… something.
Family is at the heart of a stay at the Ickworth, with 90 minutes of free childcare on offer every day, all-terrain iCandy pushchairs for hire, babysitting and baby monitoring, plenty of baby and toddler equipment, a daily Children’s Tea, a special ‘Younger Ones’ menu for family dining and a host of family rooms available.
There’s also a host of activities you can enjoy together as a family, including swimming, deer spotting on the estate, playing in the fairy garden and exploring the woodland trails.
The Grove in Cromer
- Cromer, Norfolk
- ££
The Grove in Cromer, located on the stunning North Norfolk coast, offers the option of either hotel or self-catering accommodation to its guests. Self-catering comes in the form of cottages, glamping options or the amazing Shepherd’s Lodge, complete with hot tub, ceramic BBQ, pizza oven and more.
There’a also a restaurant on site serving up breakfast, dinner and Afternoon Tea, as well as tapas and pizza at sundown. In terms of activities, the heated indoor pool is sure to be a big hit, as well as a treehouse and playground. There will be toys in the lounge and the holiday cottages too.
All baby and toddler equipment can be provided — just ask the team before you arrive.
Belfry Hotel
- Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire
- £££
The Belfry Hotel is probably most famous for its 3 golf courses and has hosted the Ryder Cup on a number of occasions, but it’s certainly not to be dismissed as a family hotel too.
Some of the family activities on offer include a kids’ library, a sweet cart during school holidays, various sport camps, games like Foot Golf, the Ryder Legends Mini Golf course, a woodland walk, adventure playground, swimming pool and more. There are plenty of rooms suitable for families, and baby/toddler equipment can easily be provided.
There are a few dining options on-site and children’s menus are available, even at Sunday Lunch (where kids under 3 can eat for free!)
The North
Another Place, The Lake
- Ullswater, Lake District
- ££
Overlooking the shores of Ullswater is the unique, and frankly brilliant, Another Place The Lake. This hotel blends contemporary with classic, all wrapped up in a family-friendly package.
There is plenty here that makes it kid-friendly — from the children’s menus in the restaurants, Micralite strollers, baby monitoring service, DBS-checked babysitters, the Ofsted-registered Kids’ Zone for supervised childcare, kids’ watersports, dedicated family and adult swim times, and Claire’s Cool Creatures sessions — where you can meet animals from all over the world.
Another Place is not only for kids though — make sure you take some time for yourself at Swim Club in the hot tub, sauna and spa treatment rooms.
The Swan Hotel and Spa
- Newby Bridge, Lake District
- £
If you’re looking for a toddler-friendly hotel near Lake Windermere, then the Swan should definitely be on your hit list. You’ve got the option of hotel rooms or self-catering cottage accommodation.
The family suites are really well designed for families with young children with bunk beds and family bathrooms. In the cottages, kids will even get a TV and PS4 — perfect for older ones. The cottages are dog-friendly to boot.
As you’re so close to Windermere, chances are you’ll want to indulge in some watersports on the lake, and The Swan can set up paddleboarding and even a ‘Graythwaite Adventure’ (off-road driving, clay shooting, archery, or bushcraft) for you. Spring, Summer and early Autumn will allow you to do kayaking, canoeing and RIB tours too.
Rockliffe Hall
- Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington
- ££
Rockliffe Hall is a rarified 5-star hotel set on 375 acres of grounds in Darlington and a good choice if you’re travelling with little ones.
There’s a small surcharge per night for children aged between 3 and 10 staying in their parent’s rooms, which includes extra beds, child-size robes and slippers, and luxury children’s toiletries. There are also self-catering apartments and homes available (which are dog-friendly too). Children’s menus are served all day in two of the hotel’s restaurants, and there are also designated children’s swim times.
Kids of all ages will love the Alice-in-Wonderland-themed adventure play area, and there are also lots of garden games to enjoy during dry weather. Slightly older toddlers and children will be able to borrow bikes, play tennis and even enroll in the Junior Golf Academy!
St Ives Hotel
- Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire
- £
For an excellent budget option in Lancashire, the St Ives Hotel is definitely worth a second look. It’s located just minutes from the lovely St Anne’s beach, which is clean and never too busy. Kids under 3 can stay and eat for free.
Kids are more than welcome at St Ives and there’ll always be something for them to do — whether it’s the Splash Time family swimming sessions, having fun in the Game Zone, or entertaining themselves in the Jellyfish Children’s Club, with arts and crafts and beach games amongst other activities. There’s also a special toddler playroom. The onsite Pier Restaurant is child-friendly and decked out with high-chairs and a kids’ menu.
Live entertainment for all the family can be found here, especially during peak times, and adults will doubtless enjoy the fully licenced bar, swimming pool, sauna and spa/salon too.
Scotland
Peebles Hydro
- Peebles, Scottish Borders
- £
Peebles Hydro is an impressive and imposing hotel and spa that overlooks the beautiful Tweed Valley, about an hour south from Edinburgh in the car.
While the nearby golf course, spa, and 1881 gin distillery are sure to be big attractors for adults, there’s plenty for young kids and toddlers too. The hotel generally is very family friendly with plenty of rooms suitable for groups with children, a lovely big swimming pool and kids’ pool open all day to children, and a children’s menu.
Slightly older kids will love the activities on offer, including mini Land Rovers, archery, axe throwing, mountain biking and EZ Raiders.
Coylumbridge Hotel
- Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park
- £
If you’re heading to the Cairngorms with the family, then the Coylumbridge Aviemore Hotel should definitely be on your radar. It’s very well-priced so a fantastic budget option too.
You really get a lot for your money at Coylumbridge, particularly if you’re bringing a toddler! There’s an indoor pool, outdoor adventure park and soft play for their delectation, while the adults will enjoy the spa and multiple restaurants and bars onsite. If you fancy enjoying a quiet dinner without the kids, over 5s can go to the Fun House between 7pm and 9pm for a free supervised play session. Speaking of food, kids of all ages are sure to love eating at the American Diner — just don’t let them loose on the pick-and-mix before naptime.
Accommodation-wise, there’s a family guest room or a family suite to choose from if you’re travelling with kids.
Auchrannie Resort
- Brodick, Isle of Arran
- ££
For a luxurious, authentically Scottish experience, the Auchrannie Resort on the Isle of Arran is a definite winner.
The resort is very family-friendly and little ones are extremely well catered to, with an indoor 3-level softplay, outdoor play area, and ‘The Trough’ which serves snacks and drinks all day. There’s also a games room and a big swimming pool. For older kids and adults, outdoor and indoor activities abound — a spa, archery, segways, biking, tennis, badminton, golf (crazy and otherwise!) and no end of outdoor pursuits.
There are three different restaurants at the resort, with a modern brasserie, a seafood and grill, and a Scottish-themed tapas venue. The brasserie and the grill both have children’s menus available.
Gleneagles
- Auchterarder, Perthshire
- £££
Also known as the ‘Glorious Playground’, Gleneagles is perhaps the most famous hotel in Scotland and it’s an incredible place to stay with the whole family.
The estate itself is incredible, set in a whopping 850 acres and offering no end of country pursuits, as well as world-class golf and a spa. If your little ones are aged between 2 and 8, they’ll be treated to 1 complimentary session every day in The Little Glen crèche, which houses such delights as an indoor treehouse, play stables, a railway carriage and much more.
There are a number of dining outlets at Gleneagles, so the whole family will be spoilt for choice, ranging from fine dining, afternoon teas, a grill, Indian and Italian cuisines, and a café for light lunches. The hotel can also arrange babysitting if you want to sample some of the 2-Michelin star dining delights on offer away from the children!
Macdonald Aviemore Hotel
- Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park
- £
Back in the Cairngorms now at the wonderful Macdonald Aviemore, which is an umbrella resort home to a number of different hotels and lodges to choose from.
Regardless of where you stay, you’ll find plenty for little kids in the resort — whether the amazing pool and slide, soft play centre or cinema (stocked with kid-friendly films). The rooms are also well set up for families, with large rooms and suites, as well as interconnecting bedrooms.
One of the benefits of staying within a resort like this is the sheer choice available for dining, with a whopping 8 different outlets for eating and drinking available, including a whisky bar, coffee house, steakhouse, Italian and burger place.
Moness Resort
- Aberfeldy, Perthshire
- £
Moness is a brilliant, well-priced resort near Aberfeldy that offers a fantastic break for families with toddlers and young children.
As well as the onsite swimming pool, little ones will love the indoor play area and the outdoor play park. For toddlers adept with their hand-eye coordination, there’s even a pitch-and-putt to enjoy! The hotel will provide toddler travel packs for a small fee which contain such essentials as plastic cutlery and crockery, bubbles, a step for the toilet and even some duck food.
The restaurants are child-friendly and offer takeaway options if the kids don’t fancy sitting in a highchair. You have the option of staying in the hotel rooms or in the self-catering accommodation.
Crieff Hydro
- Crieff, Strathearn Valley
- £
The Crieff Hydro is a historic resort in the heart of Perthshire that again offers both hotel accommodation and self-catering lodges.
It’s especially family-friendly and has even built a special ‘Toddler Breaks’ package for families with young kids, which allows them to stay and play for free if they’re under 4, with free childcare for 2-12 year olds at BIG Country, the amazing onsite kids’ club. They also get free tickets for Glen’s Adventure Park, a huge outdoor adventure play area. Babysitting, and a crèche for under 2s are also available.
Other activities suitable for the whole family include alpaca trekking, mini off-roaders, golf of all colours, horse and pony riding, Landrover safari, watersports, and an amazing swimming pool and spa. There’s also daily entertainment in the hotel — from quizzes and crafts to movie nights and ceilidhs.
Wales
Trefeddian Hotel
- Aberdovey, Snowdonia
- £
Overlooking the sea in beautiful Snowdonia is the Trefeddian Hotel, which offers traditional hotel as well as self-catering accommodation. It’s won numerous awards and accolades for being family-friendly so your toddler will definitely be more than welcome here.
The hotel bedrooms are large and can mostly accommodate up to 2 adults and 4 children, there’s a child listening service if you want to dine alone, and there’s also a Children’s Super Menu offered early in the evening, as well as kid-friendly all-day options. There’s also an outdoor play area, indoor play area and games room.
Celtic Manor Resort
- Usk Valley, Newport
- £
The Celtic Manor Resort is a huge resort spanning over 2,000 acres of parkland, 4 separate hotels, 2 spas, 10 self-catering lodges, 7 restaurants and much more.
Families are more than welcome here with a large range of rooms suitable for groups with toddlers and children. Cots and kids’ beds are readily available, as are interconnecting bedrooms. There are lots of dining options for little ones too, with plenty of kids’ menus on offer as well as a children’s buffet at The Olive Tree restaurant.
There are generous designated family swim times at each of the swimming pools and lots of activities for kids and adults alike. Woodland walks, treasure hunts and the adventure playground are all big hits with toddlers, while activities like Forest Nets are suitable for ages 3+. Look out for their seasonal activities and school holiday schedules as everything can be booked online before you go.
Which is your favourite hotel in the UK to stay with toddlers?