Fancy a family weekend away, whether it’s toddler-sized fun, or a blissful retreat, the perfect break is only a drive away…
Tree House Break – Chewton Glen
ake this a weekend your family will never forget by booking into a magical tree house suite. Built high among the trees of a secluded valley, each Tree house has a private balcony and huge windows boasting panoramic forest views. The Suite provides a compact kitchenette and sumptuous breakfast hamper delivered daily. Only a short stroll or golf buggy ride away from the main hotel, The Treehouse Loft Suites have a secret galleried bunk area for younger guests. Children will love their secret hideaway while the adults enjoy their private hot tub. Close to the sea, set in 130 acres of gardens and parklands on the edge of the New Forest, there is lots of space to explore and allow the little ones to let off some steam.
Chewton Glen offers short breaks designed for families. Children get their own welcome activity packs, mini bath robes and slippers, a range of DVDs, Playstation and a cupboard full of games including Junior Scrabble. For very little guests there are bottle warmers, high chairs, baby food and changing mats. During holidays, there is also a complimentary supervised play room for little ones with planned activities so parents can enjoy a spa treatment while the children are entertained. Look out for special half term deals such as ‘kids under 12 stay free.’
✽ Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
Christchurch Road, New Milton, BH25 6QS
01425 275341
www.chewtonglen.com
Where to visit
Your toddler will never forgive you if you end your Hampshire break without visiting Peppa Pig World at Paultons Theme Park.
There are seven exciting rides such as Peppa Pig family car, Miss Rabbit’s helicopter and Grandpa Pig’s train. The only experience of its kind in the UK, you may struggle to get ardent little Peppa and George fans to get out of Peppa Pig’s car and back into your own.
✽ www.peppapigworld.co.uk
For little motorcar enthusiasts, the National Motor Museum is bound to be a memorable day enjoyed by all the family. As well as a fantastic array of vehicles telling the history of motoring, there is also the World of Top Gear to keep daddy happy and the Palace House and Abbey set in beautiful grounds. Look out for the fun Easter events such as the Hare-Brained Easter Trail.
✽ www.beaulieu.co.uk
Country House Break – Coworth Park
Elegantly situated in beautiful countryside between Ascot and Windsor, Coworth Park has a certain regal feel to it. Set in 240 acres of picturesque countryside, this gem of a hotel has an award winning spa, two polo grounds and an equestrian centre. Popular with Royals and popstars – Princes’ William and Harry have played Polo here and Cheryl Cole made this her base whilst filming The X Factor. At the equestrian centre, you can take lessons in dressage as well as normal riding lessons. If it takes your fancy – even Polo lessons can be arranged. Tastefully decorated, awe inspiring and yet warm and welcoming – Coworth Park oozes a sophisticated tranquillity. Even a short break is enough to captivate you. As well as a postcard-perfect wild flower meadow and stylish interiors – this hotel has all the facilities needed for a memorable family holiday. It is easy to see why this hotel appeals so much to families – there doesn’t seem to be any no-go areas for children. They are cordially greeted and entertained wherever they find themselves – whether it is in the spa or the acclaimed restaurant. There is a cinema room and also an indoor pool. Coworth Park Kids is the supervised children’s club for 2-12 year olds packed with fun toys and games, messy play and also planned outdoor pursuits such as a treasure hunt, nature trail and mini Olympics.
After a night or two at this hotel – you and your family will be left yearning for more of this good life.
✽ Coworth Park, Blacknest Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7SE
01344 638530
www.coworthpark.com
Where to Visit
For a fun day out in Windsor, the Leisure Pool is great for all ages. Children will love splashing around underneath the umbrella fountain and meeting Olly the Octopus or relaxing in the poolside Bubble Tubs. Tots will enjoy the beach and the sandcastle slide.
✽ www.rbwm.gov.uk
What to see
Woburn Safari Park is also a great adventure for children of all ages. There are over 80 species of animals and tots will love the wonderful wildlife and exciting animal encounters. You can try the road safari or foot safari.
✽ www.woburn.co.uk
Traditional Mansion Break – Luton Hoo
This is the place to be if you fancy a quintessentially English family stay. The magnificent mansion house and the stunning grounds are the perfect setting for this traditional country house short family break. Luton Hoo Hotel offers comfortable lounges for relaxing beside the fire and family walks in the 1,000 acres of woodland and parkland. Luton Hoo has a good selection of treatments in the spa and is the perfect retreat for families. The majestic marble staircase, pillared halls, elegant lounges and individual period rooms will make even the youngest guests feel grand. The beautifully formal manicured gardens designed by Capability Brown are lovely for a family stroll and lots of fun for little ones to explore and run around in. Young guests will love the complimentary London Taxis with Luton Hoo number plates which ferry guests around the estate. Children are an important part of the hotel’s guest list and Luton Hoo is a great hotel for all ages. Young guests receive a welcome pack full of fun activities. A well stocked playroom as well as DVDs and board games will entertain youngsters during their stay. Families are welcomed with an array of services and facilities to make their stay special. Children under 3 years of age stay free in their parent’s room and baby supplies such as cots and high chairs are available on request. There is a children’s menu and high tea as well as complimentary milk and cookies at turndown.
✽ Luton Hoo Hotel, The Mansion House, Luton Hoo, Bedford, LU1 3TQ
01582 698888
www.lutonhoo.co.uk
Where to visit
There are so many fabulous family attractions close to Luton Hoo. Gulliver’s Land is a theme park for children aged between 2 and 13 years of age. This family run park offers over 75 rides, attractions and shows including Gulliver’s Giant Tea Cups and the Pony Express. Fun shows for tots include Leonard the lion’s Jungle Jive and Gilly Rose’s tips on becoming a fairy!
✽ www.gulliversfun.co.uk
What to see
Windsor Castle is an interesting family attraction. There are planned holiday activities for youngsters. Children will love the free family audio tour with Horace and Tommy as their guides who introduce little ones to the many magical characters who live at Windsor Castle. Other family activity trails include Castles Long Ago. Look out for the truly captivating Queen Mary’s Doll’s House – complete with running water and electricity. Tots will also love the Changing the Guard Ceremony.
✽ www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle
Theme Park Break – Legoland
Children seem to have an unbreakable bond with their tub of LEGO – even when they tire of all their latest must have toys and gadgets the staple toy which always grabs their attention is good old LEGO. Imagine the joy on your little cherubs’ faces when you pull up with your suitcase outside a hotel which looks like it has been made entirely… out of LEGO! Once inside the magic continues, while you check-in, the children can dive into the LEGO pit and get building. The designers of this superb hotel obviously thought of everything – even the lifts up to the room have sound effects. More adventure awaits the little ones in the themed bedroom – they have fun bunk beds and even their own TV – which they will love having even if they never have the time to switch it on. They also have a fun quiz to solve with clues around the room and a fun LEGO prize. As expected, in this hotel the children are the most important guests and their every wish is LEGOLAND resort’s command. There is a fun splash pool with a slide, seesaw and fixed guns to squirt water. The restaurant buffet is surprisingly good with a good range of hot favourites. There is fun after dinner entertainment for the little ones and to top it all off – a pink brick disco. And just when you are totally exhausted by all the fun you are having – you must try out the whoopee cushion carpet near the mezzanine floor! The only thing the clever designers may not have considered is that by making it so much fun their young VIPs might not want to leave the hotel and visit the park!
✽ LEGOLAND Resort Hotel, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY
0161 827 4000
www.legoland.co.uk/hotel
Where to visit
Just when you thought LEGOLAND couldn’t get any better for its highly excited young visitors, an exciting new attraction will open this Spring. The new Duplo Valley will be a pre-school paradise. This fun new water play area will feature popular LEGO DUPLO characters, animals, and vehicles. Little ones will love splashing around amongst the DUPLO animals. There will also be plenty of dry fun to be had in Brickville – designed for exploring and imaginative play. Children can climb around the bright village full of buildings with climbing frames and slides. There is the Brickville Express train ride and the police helicopter for the all important birds eye view of this exciting land.
✽ LEGOLAND re-opens in March 2013.
www.legoland.co.uk
Win one of 2 family days out to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
Come and play your part at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort – the ideal destination for families with children aged 2-12. With over 55 interactive rides, live shows and attractions including the famous Miniland plus building workshops, driving schools, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel, indoor LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display and NEW for 2013 DUPLO® Valley and 4D Movie experience LEGO® Legends of Chima™ – there’s a whole LEGO world of playful fun and learning to discover.
✽ For a chance to win this fabulous prize, comprising of 2 adult and 2 child day tickets go to our website. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.
© 2013 The LEGO Group.
Spa Break – Whittlebury Hall
This Northamptonshire country house hotel and spa is a dream retreat for new parents who need some time away after all the excitement of having a baby and wish to escape to a truly tranquil environment. From the moment you arrive you enter a world of relaxation and blissful pampering. While the new baby sleeps you too can have a snooze and then wake up ready for a dip in the pool, or a much needed massage in the stunning spa. The great thing about this hotel is its warm and friendly manner – allowing you to do as much or as little as you please, whether it is to swim, tone, pamper or just enjoy a nap. Set in beautiful grounds, Whittlebury Hall offers a nice setting for a gentle family stroll. Although the spa is for adults only, this buggy-friendly hotel has lifts for easy access to the cosy bedrooms. Inter-connecting rooms and cots are also available for their youngest guests. There are great offers and spa packages to please everyone. Bring the nanny or your mother along so you and your partner can enjoy the fantastic Heat and Ice experience together.
✽ Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire, NN12 8QH
01327 857857
www.whittleburyhall.co.uk
Where to visit
A visit to the Silverstone Circuit which is only a stone’s throw away from Whittlebury Hall is a must for F1 fans of all ages. As well as the big race events, there are experience days and also fun family days out.
✽ www.silverstone.co.uk
For a delightful family day out head to the National Trust’s Stowe Landscape Gardens. Such is its beauty, it has inspired countless writers, philosophers and artists. Over 40 temples and monuments remain offering an endless variety of walks and trails. There is also a children’s map so little ones can discover the beauty of this grand attraction in their own way. Stowe is great for kite flying, tree climbing and making grass trumpets before enjoying a picnic.
✽ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe
Waterside Break – The Grand
This Eastbourne sea front hotel affectionately known as The White Palace, boasts stunning sea views and the dramatic cliffs at Beachy Head. A landmark on the Eastbourne Seafront – this family friendly hotel attracts generations of returning families. Proud parents, grandparents and excited children receive an equally warm welcome making it very popular for an extended family short break. A short walk from the Pier and the glorious Sussex Downs, it is ideally placed for a fun day by the sea or exploring with little ones. Perfect for adventurous toddlers to roam around, the rooms and suites have majestic proportions. There is a good spa on site with a wide range of treatments to help rejuvenate tired mums and dads. With the beach on its doorstep and the friendliest of welcomes it’s no surprise that many of the guests are visiting with their own children and grand children having stayed here when they were youngsters. Upon arrival young guests are presented with their Grand kiddies rucksack full of goodies. Fun activities also await younger guests at the hotel’s OFSTED approved playroom with qualified staff during weekends and school holidays. This large hotel is ideal for a leisurely family break beside the sea-side.
✽ The Grand Hotel, King Edwards Parade, East Sussex, BN21 4EQ.
01323 412345
www.grandeastbourne.com
Where to visit
Drusillas Park is only a short drive away from The Grand and certainly
worth visiting with your little ones. This small zoo is home to both domestic and wild animals and targeted towards children aged between 2 and 10 years of age. It is a perfect attraction for younger children with a good variety of animals. It has an indoor soft play centre and a fun Thomas and Friends train that runs daily.
✽ www.drusillas.co.uk
