Family holidays mean finding somewhere to stay with something for everyone - enough luxury touches to fully relax with the right location and features to keep children entertained. With that in mind, here are the Good Hotel Guide’s top recommendations for family friendly hotels for summer holidays…
A refreshed Georgian manor house with traditional values, Rothay Manor is nestled into the heart of the English Lake District. An elegant country house retreat, it welcomes all members of the family including the dog. Rooms are delightful and light filled, many with balconies and private gardens.
Within walking distance of Chatsworth House, the Duke of Devonshire’s very nice hotel continues to please. Surrounded by splendid views of the surrounding area, views across the estate are a delight. Teatime brings the nicest, warm, home-baked scones with a generous portion of clotted cream.
The city centre is an easy walk from this near-faultless hotel in an unsurpassed situation within reach of museums, shops and heritage spots. Spread across four freshly refurbished Georgian town houses on a quiet residential street, the hotel strikes a light-hearted note – there are Union flag cushions on velvet club chairs in the bar, and quirky prints in the restaurant.
Overlooking the famous Lake Windermere, Lindeth Fell is a family run, luxury B&B in an Edwardian country house. Elegant rooms and awe inspiring views of lush greenery and dramatic waters, it is a beautiful place to visit in the summer with plenty of outdoor activities, and it is a delight to visit for hearty walks followed by superb food on return.
From the golf course to the swimming pool, spa and play areas, there’s entertainment for all ages at Treglos Hotel. Warm and inviting, a holiday here is a lovely mixture of walks, outings and competitive bridge after dinner while bedrooms have fine coastal views and some even have a balcony.
Run around the herb gardens, watch the horses in the parkland, lounge in the library or read a book under the trees - Congham Hall is a 26 bedroom hotel with a luxury spa and excellent food all within its repertoire. Tennis and croquet are amongst the activities, and there’s even a 14ft trampoline!
The perfect place to find yourself utterly spoiled, Hambleton Hall in Rutland is a spectacular country house hotel where owners Tim and Stefa Hart provide a warm and friendly ambience and food that’s a joy. The turn-down service is meticulous. and the Michelin-starred chef Aaron Patterson continues to win acclaim for his wonderful modern dishes, all surrounded by elegant, stately design.
A Victorian seaside hotel and restaurant overlooking the Stour and Orwell estuaries, The Pier at Harwich is brimming with maritime heritage while its sea facing rooms all have a bright, nautical style to enjoy as you watch the ferries go by. The restaurants specialise in seafood whether it’s relaxed and simple in the Ha’Penny bistro or more elaborate in the Harbourside restaurant.
On the edge of the North York Moors, Lastingham Grange is a traditional, family run country house hotel. Old fashioned decor and floral prints characterise the interior of the 17th century property, while afternoon tea with warm scones, butter, jam and cream is served every day in the lounge or on the terrace overlooking the garden. It’s a little piece of good old fashioned hospitality.
An extraordinarily romantic rebuild of a Jacobean manor house, surrounded by parkland, Lewtrenchard Manor contains a wealth of historic features imported by the Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould (best known for penning the hymn ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers’). Winner of the Editor’s Choice Historic Hotel in 2017, under portraits and panelled walls, foodies delight in Brixham mackerel, garden beetroot, apple and horseradish salad or roasted Devon beef fillet, broccoli, girolles and watercress purée while breakfast is generous and varied. It’s family owned and full of warm welcomes.
