BEDFORDSHIRE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BERKSHIRE CAMBRIDGESHIRE CORNWALL DERBYSHIRE DEVON DORSET ESSEX GLOUCESTERSHIRE HAMPSHIRE ISLE OF WIGHT HERTFORDSHIRE KENT LEICESTERSHIRE NORFOLK NORTHAMPTONSHIRE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE RUTLAND SOMERSET SUFFOLK SURREY SUSSEX WARWICKSHIRE WILTSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE

OXFORDSHIRE

Soho Farmhouse, Chipping Norton

Yes, it’s catnip for celebs, royals, and spa fiends alike, but Soho Farmhouse is also surprisingly kid friendly. Offering countryside with a side order of chic whether you pitch up to stay in the family-friendly cabins or a cottage. Cabins offer bunk beds, living room, fitted kitchen, and a balcony, while The Farm Cottage sleeps up to 8, swapping out the bunks for a master bedroom and double bedrooms, plus a Scandi-chic dining room. There’s a brilliant range of activities beyond the chichi spa (though it should be top of your agenda). Older kids can try out pigeon shooting, tennis, horse riding and boating on the lake. While littles check out the converted horse box with an outdoor sandbox or the adventure playground next door.

The Randolph Hotel, Oxford

Take your swanky getaway with a slice of culture at this iconic 5-star gem in central Oxford. Having recently undergone a shiny refurb and come into the hands of Graduate Hotels, this boutique belter is all kitsch interiors with over 150 rooms and more photo ops than you can count. Though you’d peg it for a romantic escape, The Randolph is perfect for families. There’s great access to kid-friendly entertainment at The Ashmolean Museum, which conveniently sits just across the road and theatre for all ages at The Oxford Playhouse, plus plenty of foodie spots including its fabulous in-house restaurant, The Alice. Should you get tired of the city (if that’s even possible). You’re also only 10 mins from country walks at Port Meadow.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Horwood House, Milton Keynes

If you’re travelling with a mixed bag of ages, this Grade II listed manor house near Milton Keynes is kitted out to the nines with a pool, giant chess, and 38 acres of grounds for energetic Duracell bunnies (just keep an eye around the ornamental pond!). For older teens, the recently refurbed spa offers treatments for as young as 16-year-olds, and there’s a smorgasbord of Bucks attractions for days out. Hello, Bletchley Park, Waddesdon Manor, Woburn Safari Park, and Willen Lake. Choose from 159 rooms, including some dog-friendly options and family suites.

Shillingridge Glamping, Marlow

Fancy some R&R in nature (sans the mud)? Look no further than roll-top baths and comfy beds in the heart of the Chilterns. Sitting pretty on a 30-acre smallholding with horses, chickens and dogs overlooking fields and woodland, choose from two safari-style lodges with double and twin bedrooms, a plush living area and a rustic kitchen. Each lodge sleeps up to six, with family-friendly entertainment (think board and card games), plus plenty of space for outdoor fun. Nearby, you’re spoilt for choice between lovely walks in the Bucks woodlands, seasonal highlights like the Henley Royal Regatta, horse riding, and Marlow’s gastropub scene on your doorstep.

WILTSHIRE

The Farm at Avebury, Marlborough

the Farm at Avebury barn exterior courtyard

Fit for a quiet crew or rowdy bunch, these six converted stables blend bold contemporary décor with sleek mid-century styles, creating a luxury home away from home atmos. Even the self-catering feels super luxe, with fresh produce delivered directly to your door (perks of being on a working farm). As well as pop up workshops and yoga sessions, you’ll have free rein to roam the Wilts Area of Outstanding Beauty, and branch out a little further for Stonehenge, Avebury Manor, and Longleat House & Safari Park. Plus, Swindon Designer Outlet and Bath Spa, which you’ll no doubt be visiting for *ahem* educational purposes.

The Old Bell, Malmesbury

The Old Bell hotel in malmesbury bedroom interior

One of England’s oldest hotels, but there’s nothing shabby about the über chic The Old Bell. Instead, the Muddy Award-Winning hotel boasts preserved period details, including its hooded stone fireplace in the bar which is believed to be one of the first flue chimneys in England. Plus, quirky modern sprinklings and eccentric accessories in the hallways. Choose from 35 bedrooms, including prettily decorated historic suites fit for a dignitary (many have slept in these very walls, FYI). If you can tear yourself away from the elegant eccentricity of the hotel, Malmesbury Abbey (home to the tomb of King Athelstan, the first king of England) is right next door while the Avon flows nearby for riverside walks. Plus you’re close to royalty with Highgrove – King Charles and Queen Camilla’s home – only five miles away.

WARWICKSHIRE

Knight’s Village Lodges, Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle Knight's village lodges exterior

Man the forts! Sleep like a king in Warwick Castle’s hidden bolthole – with the standard lodges equipped with double beds, bunk beds and bathrooms with shower (sleeps five), while the Knight’s Lodges have an open-plan style and an additional mezzanine level, sleeping up to seven. Though you’ll enjoy the country quiet, there’s a jam-packed calendar of activities to keep kids busy at the castle – including mazes, archery, evening shows, and a whopping 65 acres of grounds to explore.

BERKSHIRE

Fairmont Windsor, Windsor

The kids might be in tow but that doesn’t have to mean compromising on luxury. Fairmont Windsor is a superrr suave country estate hotel on the Berkshire-Surrey border with 251 rooms, suites and tree houses, a top-tier restaurant, plus a sensational spa. Nothing is too much trouble and they’ll pull out every stop to make sure your little ones are happy chappys. This Feb half term (10-18), a range of activities including a pony petting farm, a falconry display, magicians, face-painting and so much more means boredom is out the question. There’s a top spec kids club, plus 40 acres of private land complete with outdoor playground and a mini Land Rover race track for them to tear up if you’re seeking a bit of respite too.

The Boat House, Sheepdrove

Ditch the digital nanny and take them to Sheepdrove Farm in Lambourn where the sprawling rural surrounds are their entertainment oyster. The Boat House is a seriously special staycay spot that wears its eco-credentials on its sleeve (it’s 100% carbon neutral). Situated on the water’s edge of rushy lake, there’s one en-suite bedroom and a sofa bed, plus open plan kitchen and BBQ. It may be cosy, but it’s the location that does all the talking. Brave the chill and go wild-swimming on your doorstep, feed the ducks or explore the 8-miles of stunning country public bridleways. Oh, and you can even take a horse-drawn carriage down to the local pub should you wish. As you do.

ESSEX

Down Hall, Hatfield Heath

Downhall hotel Hatfield heath exterior with fountain

Down Hall’s so family friendly it even has a section on their website dedicated to it! A great place to stay if you want to actually relax and not get stuck with cooking, doing the dishes and picking up after the rest of the fam, this amazing spa and hotel has a lot (and we mean a lot) of facilities. They’ve family and connecting rooms with spacious layouts and complimentary Wifi for teens who can’t cope without (shock, horror) their phone. You also have family-friendly dining with menus that appeal to all ages, plus a ton of recreational facilities – picture a gym, an outdoor playground, trim trail, tennis, padel tennis and badminton court, French boules and even a giant chess set.

Lee Wick Farm, St Osyth

This fourth-generation family-run farm is set by the coast, meaning amazing views of marshes, river estuaries and the breath-taking countryside all around. There’s a wide variety of accommodation to suit all, from cottages to camping, glamping and touring. Our eye’s on The Cart Lodge, a cottage that sleeps 12 and situated on a quiet lane for lazy morning lie-ins (we can but hope). Inside there’s a large open plan kitchen, dining and living area with log burner and good-sized utility room. You also get 4 bedrooms to choose from/squabble over, 3 bathrooms, and, of course, the Godsend that is wifi. But that’s not all, as outside there’s a courtyard garden which stretches along two sides of the building with seating and BBQ for sunny days.

CORNWALL

Beach Retreats, multiple locations

Beach Retreats interior apartment at Watergate Bay

From floating through abundant estuaries, and sampling freshly landed catch, to riding clean rolling waves and glimpsing distant galaxies above sweeping coastal landscapes, a coastal wonder awaits your Beach Retreats holiday. From their roots as a local agency serving Watergate Bay and the neighbouring villages of Porth and Mawgan Porth, Beach Retreats is now a Cornwall-wide agency, specialising in luxury self-catering in beautifully designed properties across Cornwall, all within walking distance of a good beach. Each and every property is hand picked by the team for both location and meticulous attention to detail, all with beautifully designed interiors – like Winnow, above, created by Banjo Beale, the winner of 2022’s BBC One’s Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr.

The Esplanade Hotel, Newquay

Esplanade Hotel Newquay May 2023 outdoor play area with blue skies cornwall uk

A world of adventure for fun-loving families awaits at The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay, with on-site surf school and easy access to the UK’s most famous surfing beach, where you’ll also find rockpools, sand and waves for days – surfers of all abilities are welcomed and the Quiksilver Surf School, which is a one-stop-shop for board hire, wetsuit hire, individual tuition and classes, is on hand, so you don’t even need to bring a bodyboard. A babysitting service is provided so adults can enjoy live entertainment in the kid-free Elements Cocktail Bar. The whole clan meanwhile can enjoy films in the new cinema room and splash to their hearts content in the swimming pool. Parents wanting a little peace and quiet can also escape to the adults only spa at sister hotel, Fistral Spa, just up the road.

The Point Holidays, multiple locations

On North Cornwall’s famed Atlantic coast the so-called ‘golden triangle’ of Polzeath, Rock, and Padstow’s reputation is fully justified, beloved by holiday makers and locals alike. The golden sands, the blue estuary, rolling dunes and beautiful countryside. But where to stay for a family-friendly holiday? At The Point Holidays you’ll find self-catering holiday cottages within The Point itself at Polzeath plus more at the coastal villages of Rock, Daymer Bay and Polzeath village. As an added bonus, no need to drive or park once you’ve arrived as every property is both within walking distance of the beach (for surfing, bodyboarding, swimming plus rockpooling and more) and SW coast path, as well as the facilities at The Point which include heated indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi, golf course, gym and option to add classes, tennis and padel tennis, so there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied.

Retallack Resort & Spa, St Columb Major

For a fun-packed holiday for the whole family, Retallack Resort & Spa has got it covered. Just eight miles from Padstow, the five-star luxury self-catering holiday destination is a great base for exploring the stunning North Cornwall coast and picturesque countryside, but with so much for all ages onsite, you might find it hard to drag yourself away from the resort. With a huge ‘total wipeout’ style Aqua Park, Water Zorbs, SUP’s, Cornwall’s only FlowRider and a Wake Park, there’s plenty of water-based fun for the whole family. Seasonal live streamed entertainment is available during the school summer holidays, and there’s the onsite spa and pool too. With plenty of accommodation choices including the new luxury barn, Retallack Resort & Spa is dog-friendly so your four-legged friends can enjoy your holiday too.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

The Falcon, Castle Ashby

The falcon hotel in castle Ashby exterior

You can play house without the cooking and washing up in a 2 bed cottage in the peaceful village of Castle Ashby, which forms part of Castle Ashby Estate’s Falcon Hotel. Situated in a converted agricultural building just moments from the main hotel and ideal for families, this luxe retreat is the perfect option if you’re looking for the authentic countryside feel, with the restaurant, wellness facilities, swimming lake and yoga studio close to hand. Castle Ashby Gardens are open all year round with a menagerie (hello meerkats and marmosets), children’s play area and arboretum to run wild in. You even get complimentary wellies to use during your stay.

The Cottages at Cottesbrook, Cottesbrook

Cosy down with your tribe in a luxurious, design-conscious country cottage in the estate village of Cottesbrooke in deepest Northamptonshire. Wren Cottage (sleeps 4) and Figgy Cottage (sleeps 6) have been renovated by interior designer sisters Stephanie and Caroline, so it’s all about attention to detail. Think super king, luxury linens, brushed brass taps and vibrant tiling and Sky Glass TVs, so you can veg out with a film in front of the wood burner in comfort. Bonus points for the EV charging points too. Annnnnnnd relax.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

The Fellows House Hotel, Cambridge

The fellows house hotel in Cambridge interior

Hotels can often be a tricky option with kids. But this stylish number, just across the River Cam (within walking distance of the city – even for little ones), has that conundrum nailed with its apartment-style rooms that are amazing for families who need a bit of extra space and flexibility. The interiors are fun and fabulous, all inspired by the university’s famous fellows (we’re talking DNA-inspired wall panels, and fun cocktails – we’ll have Attenborough’s Life On Earth please!). As well as a restaurant with Manhattan vibes, the Folio Bar and Restaurant, and a chic café, you can cook in your in-room kitchen and there’s a small pool with sauna and steam room, so your every holidaying desire is catered for.

Clayton Hotel, Cambridge

Arriving in the historical city of Cambridge by train? Bypass the taxi queue because Clayton Hotel is less than a minute away on foot. This hotel also has brilliant rooms for families offering large rooms with two proper beds – no uncomfortable fold out bed for your little ones! The lovely vibrant Tamburlaine restaurant has a children’s menu or ask the hotel to organise a family picnic that you can enjoy on the banks of the River Cam as you watch the punts glide by.

WORCESTERSHIRE

Manor House, StayCotswold, Broadway

A beautiful holiday cottage in the north Cotswolds with a bubbly hot tub is the perfect family getaway, and Manor House is hard to beat. Located near the village of Broadway it sleeps up to ten in five spacious bedrooms. Generously sized, there are multiple gather and graze areas to come together in, and a cosy snug to curl up in at the end of the day. Recently renovated it has an inglenook fireplace with wood burner. Set against the backdrop of the village church, they’ll love running round the special garden, with a hot tub, carp pond and traditional well.

The Lygon Arms, Broadway

Imagine a luxe getaway that doesn’t mean hike prices just because it’s the hols! Sound like a dream? Then book a stay at the stylish and kid-friendly Lygon Arms, where kids under 16 stay free during school holidays and kids under 10 dine free. This beautiful Cotswold catch gets the getaway formula right for families, curl up by a roaring fire in the bar or bliss out in the spa whilst they do one of the many children’s activities, from giant games on the lawn to early evening movies. From £285 per room.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Tan House Newland, Forest of Dean

Tan House is a stunning 17th century villa with a cheeky sense of fun. Set in 20 acres of private grounds, take your pick from three separate luxury properties. Stay in the main house’s Garden Wing, which has five bedrooms, a diner kitchen, private courtyard garden, wood-fired hot tub, fire pit, pizza oven and BBQ. Or, plump for Hillside Retreat and the Showman Wagon, a short walk away, with hot tubs and Kamado egg barbecues. A gorgeous place for a family holiday with the Forest of Dean to explore on your doorstep.

DEVON

Ocean Penthouse, Tors Park, Lynmouth

Who says luxe Scandi chic and kids don’t mix? With 30+ contemporary but super-practical apartments to choose from, Tors Park in Lynmouth makes the perfect base for outdoorsy families, who are heading to the North Devon coast for clifftop walks and quality time together. For bigger tribes, or families going à deux (brave), read my shiny new review of Ocean Penthouse which sleeps up to seven, and comes with a mezzanine built into the beautiful A-frame rafters. You can watch them den-making from the comfort of your slouchy sofa, while getting better acquainted with a Sauvignon.

Lower Keats Glamping, near Axminster

Kids in need of a digital detox? Loose Women‘s Nadia Sawalha and her brood gave these spacious eco-safari lodges a huge thumbs-up when she stayed here last autumn, as did Muddy when we reviewed. Sleeping six, with a wood-burning stove, fully-equipped kitchen, a loo and a shower – very civilised – your award-winning glamping stay will definitely banish thoughts of going camping forever, especially when you clock the lovely new hot tubs. Once you’ve done collecting eggs from the chickens and toasted marshmallows on the fire pit, Devon’s rolling countryside is there for exploring, along with the fossil-strewn Jurassic coast just a 15 minutes’ drive.

LEICESTERSHIRE

Knotting Hill Barn House, Melton Mowbray

If you’re looking for an escape from the rat race, look no further than Knotting Hill Barn House in Melton Mowbray. This off-grid cabin is set in 11 acres of private woodland, sleeps eight and boasts ancient stone gate pillars inside, plus squishy sofas, huge beds covered in cosy blankets and fur throws and bi fold doors that open out onto a glorious decked terrace complete with a log burning hot tub, BBQ pit and pizza oven. When it’s warmer you can take a dip in the lake, go fishing or hire a canoe while the kids explore the woodland and build a den. It’s remote, peaceful and you won’t want to leave.

Hotel Brooklyn, Leicester

City break calling? If you want to enjoy Leicester’s cultural hang-outs with the family, Hotel Brooklyn (right beside the Leicester Tigers stadium, if you’re a fan) makes a quirky and fuss-free family stay. Eat at NYC-inspired restaurant The Lair (think bao buns, burgers, udon) and then have a soak in a private balcony hot tub (yes, you can book a suite with it’s own private roof terrace). You can even book a pillow fight – whether you’re a beginner or a pyjama drama pro, just book, arrive and enjoy in-room pillow fighting. The best bit? They’ll clean up after you.

HAMPSHIRE

Solent Hotel, Whiteley

Spa breaks are often off limits to kids. Not so at the Solent Hotel. Families are well catered for with snacks in the room, pool access, fluffy VI little P bathrobes and (if they’ll sit still long enough for it) you can even book them a mani-pedi. It’s also just 20 minutes’ drive to top Hampshire attractions like Paulton’s Park (home to Peppa Pig World) and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

ISLE OF WIGHT

Tapnell Farm, West Wight

A short drive from Yarmouth in the pretty West Wight countryside, Tapnell Farm is a fun, family-friendly, back-to-nature glamping break. Spend the day in the brilliant Farm Park with its meerkats, wallabies, creepy crawlies and fun rides, eat at The Cow restaurant, gaze up at the stars in the dark sky then settle down for the night in a cool geo dome, safari tent or log cabin.

SURREY

Foxhills Club and Resort, near Chertsey

For an all-adventure action-packed family getaway, Foxhills Club and Resort near Chertsey in Surrey, has it nailed with something to suit every member of the family. More than 200 activities are on offer at the resort each week – from sporty activities to arts and crafts, and adventure clubs – plus there are 3 golf courses, 11 tennis courts, 5 pools and adventure playgrounds. Phew! Lucky there’s also a luxury spa for some much needed R&R! And then there’s The Pavilion, a dedicated family building, which is home to a soft play, role-play high street, a games room, 2 pools and a football net on the green.

Barnett Hill Hotel, near Guildford

A bedroom at Barnett Hill Hotel in Surrey.

Tucked away in the pretty Surrey countryside, Barnett Hill knows how to do Easter and everyone’s welcome. Your little cherubs are treated like the little VIPs they are with an extra special teepee bed, welcome rucksacks and craft kits, and there are comfy dog beds (plus treats) for the fur babies. There’s plenty do do in the area – walking, cycling, gin tasting, crafting – to work up an appetite and enjoy an afternoon tea or a classic Sunday roast dinner with all the trimmings.

Great Fosters, Egham

A family room at Great Fosters in Egham, Surrey.

If you’re craving a dash of Royal elegance this half term, Great Fosters should do just nicely. This Tudor country house hotel is set in 50 acres of gorgeous gardens and grounds just outside Egham, and whether you’re looking for a getaway for two or a family stay, there’s a room (or suite) that’s perfect – and plenty to do for everyone, including those tricky teenagers. The hotel is also perfectly positioned for other local attractions including Thorpe Park, Legoland, Runnymede National Trust, Windsor Great Park and Virginia Water – all less than 20 minutes’ drive away.

SUSSEX

Number Twenty Four, West Wittering

Wellies and Windbreaks, Number Twenty Four

If you’re looking for a luxury self-catering stay with plenty of space, Number Twenty Four – part of the Wellies and Windbreaks portfolio – is the place for you. Located in West Wittering village, just a short walk from the beach and its famous white sand dunes, this gorgeous property sleeps 10 people in four bedrooms making it ideal for a two families – or one big family. It’s well set-up for families with plenty to keep everyone entertained including a wicker basket packed with children’s toys, games and DVDs plus a table tennis table and a garden room for the kids to hang out and watch TV (or maybe the adults!). There’s also a hot tub in the garden, plus a trampoline. The open-plan kitchen, living and dining space is sociable spot for everyone to gather and leads out to the private and secure south-facing garden.

Honeybridge Estate, Ashurst, West Sussex

You’ve not one, not two but – wait for it – three properties to choose from on this stunning estate just north of the South Downs. You can rent the entire hat trick if you so wish and have enough family members that you actually want to staycation with. There’s The Cottage (that sleeps five with two en-suites) with oak beams an open Inglenook fireplace. The Barn is a modern renovation (sleeps 12, with four bedrooms) and has a gorgeous open-plan living space. The House is the showstopper with grand rooms and gorgeous antique furniture (that sleeps 16) All three have distinctive characteristics, incredible interiors, and a private hot tub (which is where you’d find Muddy). They’re all family friendly, and with 17 acres of beautiful private land to explore even the most hard-to-please of children and in-laws will be entertained. From fishing in the lake to open water swimming, zipwiring, tennis and cricket, as well as full sized outdoor football goals, table tennis and table football as well as a basketball net – all ages and abilities are catered for. If the weather is warm enough you can borrow paddle boards. Or, snuggle up by the open fire and watch Netflix.

Cowdray Holiday Cottages, near Midhurst

Oh hi there gorgeous, no, not just you dear reader. Check out these cottages on the the Cowdray Estate (in the South Downs) – all 16,000-acres of it! There are four cottages in total, each super luxe with modern neutral interiors and all the mod cons – read: fluffy towels, luxury toiletries and crisp linen for the adults and best of all a ‘Welcome Hamper’ full of gourmet goodies from the Farm Shop & Cafe – which won a Muddy Award in 2022. They have the feel of a 5* hotel but with all the privacy a self-catering family break demands. On the doorstep (quite literally) there are bike tours and guided nature walks or you can set off exploring the Cowdray Ruins or wander into the nearby pretty town of Midhurst. Read Muddy’s review.

East House, The Angel Inn, Petworth

East house at the angel inn Petworth, bedroom.

For a real taste of history (don’t mention this to the kids) this charming property was previously known as The Institute, seeped in local history, it’s a cultural gem having been a key meeting place for local reading groups and societies. It’s now a two storey apartment with interiors that partner perfectly with the 18th century period features. It sleeps six – with three bedrooms available as double or twin rooms – so the kids won’t need to argue about sharing a bed or duvet. There are traditional accents from exposed beams to a fireplace next to modern charms including a walk-in rainfall shower and the all-essential wifi. You’re right in the heart of charming Petworth so have the National Trust’s Petworth House to explore as well as lots of antique shops, tea rooms as well as plenty of walks to take advantage of.

Beach huts, Beachcroft Hotel, Felpham

With stunning views over Felpham beach, these cute beach hits make for a family break relaxing and recharging by the sea. There are four seafront suites and each one has a terrace overlooking the pebble beach, a mezzanine master bedroom and luxe lounge. And all dog-friendly and child-friendly too – hurrah! They sleep two adults and two children and are full of character and seaside charm with serval restaurants on site, and the bistro serves Sussex sparkling Tinwood wine, sweet relief? There’s a heated pool and you can hire a bikes from the hotel and explore the local area. For those kids with surplus energy (isn’t that all of them?) there are water sports on offer and the hotel has buckets, spades and nets you can borrow to keep little ones busy while you snooze on a deck chair. Read Muddy’s review.

DORSET

Thornicks House, Winfrith Newburgh

With Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and the rest of the Jurassic Coast within four miles and the Tank Museum, Corfe Castle, Monkey World and Dorchester’s museums within ten, this cosy 18th century cottage in a sleepy village inside the Dorset AONB is the perfect base for family hols – whatever the weather. Sleeping six in four bedrooms with a big family bathroom, kitchen, dining room, sitting room, garden room – a piano if anyone fancies tinkling the ivories – and a garden with BBQ, at the time of writing, it still has availability over half term.

Dorset Eco Retreats, Ansty

Located on a working farm with the famous Wessex Ridgeway nearby, these three unique, open-plan eco retreats with wonderful views, are perfect for families who want to holiday together (although you can book just one). Bracken and Fern each sleep six; Bramble sleeps four; all have underfloor heating, wood-burning stoves and wood-fired hot tubs. Travel cot and high chair available on request. You’re about half an hour from unspoiled Ringstead Bay and the sandy Weymouth beaches and there are lots of great pubs around about.

SOMERSET

The Little Shire, Radstock

Middle Earth comes to Somerset, with a stay in a little hobbit house on a converted working Rookery Farm in the beautiful Mendip Hills. The Wabbit houses sleep six in three bedrooms, with fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and private wood-fired hot tub; Quackers houses sleep four in two beds. On the farm, a kids’ playhouse, farm shop and café. Close by: Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, England’s smallest city of Wells and all of Bath’s attractions.

SUFFOLK

Suffolk Hideaways, multiple locations

Pray for a nice warm spring because luxury holiday cottage company Suffolk Hideaways has a host of heavenly family-friendly holiday cottages with cool extras like swimming pools, direct beach access, tennis courts and hot tubs. If it’s February half term on your radar rather than Easter, you’ll want to book one of their cosy boltholes instead, with open fires and beautiful beams.

Secret Meadows, Hasketon

Your kids will love you for booking a holiday at the magical Secret Meadows glamping site where your accommodation is an adventure in itself. Choose between super cool safari tents (one that has two storeys, a full kitchen and lounge no less and is a must for any Harry Potter fans – if you know, you know!), a converted horse box or gypsy caravan. The luxury tents are surrounded by 115 acres of sublime Suffolk countryside owned by The Sinfield Trust, a wildlife charity, with the sight of White and Red Poll cattle to wake up to and the constant chatter of over 50 native birds, including nightingales. There’s also a turf labyrinth and a tree circle to explore and fun forest-school style workshops to enjoy. Secret Meadows is open from 29 March – 4 November for holidays.

KENT

Elmley Nature Reserv e, Isle of Sheppey

Elmley Farmhouse & Cottage Elmley Nature Reserve ariel view

No needs to leave the country for a safari holiday when you have Elmley Nature Reserve waiting in Kent for you! With 3,300 acres at its disposal, Elmley is positioned on the edge of the Isle of Sheppey and is the only family-owned and managed National Nature Reserve in the country where you can stay overnight. Ok so we are not talking lions and tigers and bears (oh my) but you’ll find rare birds, plants, animals and insects all in a stunning landscape (pictured). Accommodation includes Kingshill, an 18th Century Farmhouse or the cosy Elmley Cottage. There’s also shepherd huts or glamping bell tents. Plus there’s several immersive wildlife experiences on offer, including Nature Safaris and child-friendly Activity Days.

The Bul l at Brenchley

This wonderfully, quirky Victorian English pub has been converted into fabulous, 5-star luxury self-catering accommodation for up to 16 people in the pretty village of Brenchley (10 mins from Tunbridge Wells). Inside you’ll find 8 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms (6 en suite), lounge with plenty of seating, dining area with a dining table that will seat all 16 guests (pictured) and a well equipped kitchen. But equally if you’d like the owners to organise a catering service for you, so you don’t have to lift a finger, just say the word. And down in the basement is what they call a media room, complete with 65″ curved TV but what we call a cocktail/party den. Bring on the karaoke (because we’re classy like that).

Roseyar d, Sandwich

Roseyard is a luxurious rural retreat based near Eastry, near Sandwich, surrounded by glorious countryside, yet close to the Kent coast for beach days. This area is famous for its golf courses, beautiful walks and historic towns – all within easy reach. Accommodation consists of three buildings that can all be hired together for your stay – so a brilliant option for more than one family. In total there are 11 bedrooms, 2 kitchens and multiple living spaces for gathering together during your stay – with no less than four TV areas, two inside dining areas (one which can seat all 22 guests), snugs, a playroom and more. There’s also beautiful gardens, outside dining and an incredible pool house and gym (pictured).

NORFOLK

Manor Farm Holiday Cottages, East Runton

A North Norfolk farm stay with a chance of newborn lambs, and just a 15 minute walk from a sandy beach, Manor Farm is the stuff of half-term holiday dreams. Located on a 150-acre working family farm, complete with an assortment of cute animals, these seven holiday cottages accommodate families up to eight in stylish comfort. It’s a real boon that East Runton village is equipped with a play area, village store and pub, and the nearby beach is famed for its rock pools and fossil hunting. Bribe the kids and you can enjoy some glorious walks straight from your cottage, along footpaths and bridleways that rarely cross a road.

Clippesby Hall, Clippesby

Not a chance of the kids crying “I’m bored” at this family-run, back-to-nature holiday park in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Endless grounds, cycle hire, tennis courts, mini golf, table tennis, and a fabulous adventure play area designed by the folks behind nearby BeWILDerwood ought to keep them happy. So that’s their holiday sorted, now what’s in it for you? Unwind in the great outdoors, destress in a bubbly hot tub (every Pine Lodge has one) and enjoy a break from the constant catering at the crowd-pleasing café. Cottages, glamping and camping options are also available at Clippesby Hall, which is perfectly poised for city or coastal day trips.

DERBYSHIRE

Darwin Forest Lodges, Matlock

Planning a get-together with a few other families for half term? These luxe lodges sprinkled amid a dense forest of pine trees in the Peak District should tick all the boxes for a multi-gen meet-up. With a pool, outdoor activities like archery and golf, hot tubs on the deck and lovely woodland walking trails, no one will be bored. And these lodges are next level so you won’t need to sacrifice luxury either. Pooch-friendly to boot and the best of the Peak District on the doorstep.

Bike & Boot, Hope Valley

Bike and book hotel in the peak district

Rewild the kids on a half term escape to the heart of the rugged Peak District. This funky, budget design hotel is the newest staycation star in the Peaks and is brilliant for kids, bikes and muddy boots (and even better if you have a pooch in tow). Properly four paws and family-friendly, freebies like cake, hot drinks, dog-grooming, bike-cleaning facilities and films in the cinema room come as standard. Crowd-pleasing food in the BARECA (bar/restaurant/café) should keep you fuelled for outdoor fun too.

No1 by guesthouse, York, Yorkshire

With the lure of the Jorvik Viking Festival in half term week and stacks of hands-on rainy day museums and galleries, an escape to York during a dreary February half term is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Chuck in a splash of boutique luxury and stay at the achingly hip No1, a gorgeous Georgian gem of a hotel with quirky interiors, an amazing spa and stacks of cool, playful extras for littlies. Mini tipis, a Yoto audio player and polaroid cameras await tiny tots in the bedrooms and a pantry of help-yourself-treats is always open (but maybe, keep that one to yourself). It’s a great time to book too, with 20% off one night, 25% off two nights, or 35% off three night stays until 22 March 2024.

BEDFORDSHIRE

River Cottage, Turvey Estate

No, not THE River Cottage but it is indeed a cottage by the river and lovely to boot. A former dairy, built in the 18th century, it’s set within the family owned Turvey Estate in Bedfordshire, while the chocolate box village is just minutes away for an easy stroll to one of the local pubs or village store. The cottage itself had a full spruce up in 2021 so it’s spick and span, with a super cosy feel, (thanks to the underfloor heating and woodburner) and has 3 double bedrooms with river views, as well as a riverside terrace (hot tubs available on request!) and tonnes or storage for bikes, kayaks, paddleboards for outdoorsy types. You can have fun on the water to your heart’s content (or just laze about on the terrace with a good book! Oh and it’s dog friendly, too.

HERTFORDSHIRE

High Trees Farm, Ware

If you like the idea of a farm stay, this is a great option with three individual and gorgeous barn conversion cottages, set within 200 acres of farmland on this working family farm. Each cottage has 1 or two bedrooms (all sleeping up to four people) – think open plan living, high ceilings and full length windows to take in those rural views. During your stay you can explore the anient woodland, natural spring and abundance of natural wildlife, thanks to the owners’ work with the countryside stewardship scheme, plus meet the farm residents, including cattle, mules, guinea fowl, geese, donkeys and chickens. There’s tonnes of walking and cycling to be found here, along the public byways, and it’s minutes from the historic towns on Buntingford, Hertford and Ware, with their rivers, markets, pubs and shops.

School’s out! 50 family-friendly stays to book now

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