Saunton Sands, Devon

There’s free child care and a Baby Go Lightly package (including everything from cots to buggies, bounce chairs and swimming nappies) at this fabulous beach hotel on the North Devon coast, which overlooks a golden beach and boasts two swimming pools. At this stage you’re probably already mid-booking, but if you do need to know more there are two restaurants, games room, kid’s playroom and – its jewel in the crown – an ocean-inspired three-storey spa where you can relax without them for an hour or two. 

Bedruthan Hotel, Cornwall

One of Muddy’s favourite family hotels, everything at this stylish seaside getaway seems geared towards helping parents, including a delightful Play Space Creche where you can book two-hour sessions for children 0-2 years, giving you a vital break to recover in the spa, go for a windswept walk on the beach or simply get some much-needed kip. Then there are the daily family arts and crafts sessions (think messy play, canvas painting, lino printing), kids’ club for older children and even evening entertainment (kids disco, story-telling) so you can hit the posh restaurant. Bliss.

Moonfleet Manor, Dorset

If you’re looking for a baby staycation (babycation?), you can’t do better than a pampering two-night Baby’s First Break package at Georgian manor house Moonfleet. Everything included at this Jurassic Coast pile is designed to remove stress, from in-room Bugaboo cots to baby monitors and delectable evening meals, leaving you to focus solely on your new born (or on getting some shut eye). There’s also a Toddler in Tow package, which includes daily two-hour sessions at Ofsted-Registered Four Bears Den. What are you waiting for?

Lucknam Park, Wiltshire

Set in 500 acres of glorious parkland near Bath, Lucknam’s basically a big, luxurious playground for families. What’s on offer? Babysitting, family-friendly cottages and rooms, Hideaway with arts, crafts and music for tots and even a Baby Play Room with sensory light tubes, tactile nature wall and soft toys. Got older children too? There’s junior tennis coaching, riding lessons, swimming pool, duck-herding and archery to try. Holidays for the foreseeable future sorted.

The Grove, Hertfordshire

Less than an hour from London, Grade II-listed The Grove’s 300 acres are a haven for families. Book tots into the Anouska’s Ofsted-registered Kids’ Club which is filled with enough toys to open a small shop and has an endless amount of things to try, think Lego, dressing up, story time and arts and crafts. There’s also a load of outdoor activities, kids’ menus and a babysitting service, so you can enjoy an alfresco film under the stars post-dinner (summer only). Bliss.

Chewton Glen, Hampshire

Kids stay and dine for free during school holidays at this New Forest country pile that’s also just a stroll from the beach. If you need further enticement, you’ll be happy to hear there are luxurious family rooms, suites and treehouses, treehouse-style Beehive Kids’ Club and thoughtful touches like a breakfast hamper that can be delivered to your room if you can’t face getting all your clobber together in time for brekkie only for your baby or tot to throw food on the floor of the fancy restaurant. Plenty for adults too, including a cracking spa.

Calcot & Spa , Gloucestershire

No need to arrive like a new parent sherpa at this sprawling honey-hued haven in the Cotswolds, because everything you could ever need for bebe’s first getaway is already in place. And we mean EVERYTHING. Don’t believe us? Here’s the list you can request: baby listening monitor, steriliser (with cleaning brush and washing-up liquid no less, changing mat, bottle warmer, wooden or travel cot *deep breath*, baby bath, Child’s Farm 2-in-1 wash/shampoo, bath toys, potty, high chair, bed guards, bouncer, nappy bin, step-up stool and teeny tiny bathrobes. See, told you. Now what about that spa…

Another Place, Lake District

Bringing a large dose of cool to Cumbria, Another Place looks like it should be for couples (and they do adore it) yet, remarkably it’s also a must-visit for families. The well-supervised Kids’ Zone is where it’s at if you’re travelling with a baby and/or toddler, offering an amazing outside space for activities and cosy inside den, plus it takes little ones from as young as six months’ old for a couple of hours, meaning you can hit the spa/restaurant/bar/pillow and really relax. An abundance of water sports means there’s something for older kids to enjoy too. Happy days.

Babington House, Somerset

Part of private members’ club Soho House, this gorgeous manor is still our favourite hotel in the group for a getaway with a tot. Non-members can stay the night and take advantage of the kids’ club (free for two hours), 18 acres to explore, child-friendly menus and a babysitting service. It really does tick all the boxes if you want to try and juggle a sophisticated grown-up stay (hello Cow Shed Spa) with kid-friendly cosiness.

Gleneagles, Scotland

If ‘supervised creche’ is music to your ears, you’re going to want to look into a stay at Scotland’s premier hotel. Little Glen’s for guests aged two up, and has a stable with hobby horses, toy campfire, wig-wams and indoor treehouse and slide – your tot gets a complimentary session per day while you enjoy a round on the hotel’s famous golf course (or have a spa treatment, which is more realistic in Muddy’s case). There’s also The Den for 8-15 year olds and babies are welcome too, with babysitters available at any time for 0-6 year olds and cots available in family rooms and suites.

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate, Essex

Family rooms with sofa beds and cots, children’s menus, in-room entertainment and babysitting services, nothing’s too much trouble at this Palladian playground, which is as glamorous as it is hospitable. Paths around the 110-acre grounds are buggy-friendly, there’s a terrific wood built playground and you can opt to stay in the quiet west wing if you’re worried about meltdowns (that’s Muddy after one too many cocktails), and did we mention there’s a spa to relax in when you’re not chasing tots around beneath the chandeliers?