Britain’s Best Child-Centric Luxury Hotels

With an abundance of five-star retreats to choose from in the UK, only a select few hotels have managed to balance luxury and laughter to satisfy both the grown-ups and the kids in equal measure. Holidaying with little ones shouldn’t have to be all about buffet breakfasts and below-par bedrooms. Below is our pick of the top luxury addresses that appeal to the whole family.

The Arch London – for city kids

The Arch London is the perfect place for families to stay whilst exploring the vibrant capital city. The hotel offers a package which accommodates up to three guests per room, with connecting rooms available on request. Little ones will be treated to an indulgent experience throughout their stay with a host of family amenities such as children’s sized bathrobes and slippers, as well as a speciality Archie Bear. There is a large toy box filled with toys and a wide selection of children’s books to be enjoyed with complimentary cookies with milk. In the hotel’s stylish restaurant Hunter 486, young children will dine complimentary with their parents throughout their stay with kids sized cutlery, plus colouring books. Each morning the whole family will be treated to a complimentary English breakfast before setting off to explore the city. The Family Fun Package starts at £390 per night.

Chesterfield Hotel, Mayfair – for chocolate-mad kids

On the doorstep of Hamley’s, The Chesterfield Mayfair boasts arguably the best location for toy-hungry children. Inside the hotel, kids might even spot a sighting of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory’s very own Willy Wonka, whilst sampling the hotel’s Charlie and The Chesterfield Afternoon Tea. The offering provides kids with a golden egg, a chocolate Wonka bar, and a golden ticket. For children, the Little Oompa Loompa Afternoon Tea consists of peanut butter and jam sandwiches, a selection of Wonkatastic pastries and delights, and a choice of a milkshake or a sophisticated tea.

Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire – for budding sports stars

Set in acres of manicured lawns overlooking an 18-hole golf course, Stoke Park offers adjoining rooms for families not wanting to all be holed up together, or kids beds and cots in spacious family rooms. Golf and tennis lessons can be booked for budding sports stars and there’s a swimming pool with designated ‘splash times’ for families. A brand new playground has been built next to the San Marco restaurant which offers an extensive kids menu, and an adjoining fully-stocked games room. The family-run hotel, golf club and spa has all bases covered when it comes to entertaining sports-mad little ones.

Milestone Hotel, Kensington – for aspiring hoteliers

The exquisite five-star Milestone Hotel is a Grade II Listed building overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens. Staff at The Milestone go out of their way to make every guest’s stay a truly memorable experience, especially children. Curious kids can get involved in the “Milestone Mini Experience”, where they go on a supervised behind-the-scenes tour to visit different departments and meet the management. At the end of the tour they are given a small task to perform and then receive their very own Milestone Certificate. Other special services and activities available for kids staying at The Milestone include a teddy bear book and a chocolate mouse on arrival, mini bathrobes and slippers, and bespoke children’s options for all menus. Double rooms at The Milestone Hotel start from £380 per night, including breakfast.

Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire – for countryside kids

Set amid 500 acres of luscious green fields, children can admire the beautiful British countryside while watching the hotel’s horses frolic in the surrounding paddocks. Infants can embark on a treasure hunt or play a game of Frisbee,while parents take advantage of the spa. Other activities to keep the kids entertained, include cycling, croquet, tennis, boating on the Basingstoke Canal or even “owning a pony” for a day.

Babington House, Somerset – for active kids

Set in 18 acres of parkland, Babington House hotel boasts its own lake, tennis courts and croquet lawn. There are 32 decent-sized and lavishly-designed bedrooms, while the retreat’s split-level mini-houses are ideal for families. The Little House kids club is open daily and offers free crèche facilities for children from 12 months and up. During the summer holidays, the hotel offers cooking classes and outdoor activities. For the colder months, the hotel even has a small cinema with sink-in chairs showing a variety of family-friendly films.