Cotswolds
Think ‘quintessential British escape’ and your mind might well journey to the yellow-stone buildings and winding roads in the Cotswolds. It’s a fan favourite for a reason, and whenever I’m in need of a staycation, it has long-since been my default destination. But since I’ve had two children in tow wherever my weekend jaunts take me, I’ve seen it in a new light. The hotel scene is second to none in the UK, not least because of the sheer number of places there are for families to choose from. From The Fish to Wooley Grange, these are the kind of properties that cater to all, and do it well. Parents won’t have to compromise on aesthetic or quality, while children are celebrated and treated to top-of-class kids’ clubs, activities and in-room treats. If you’re looking for somewhere to check-in and stay put, this is it, and our list of the best family hotels in the Cotswolds is the ultimate guide on where to book.
But if you’re keen to explore, there’s a lot to do here, too. Animal lovers will be in their element as they explore Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens or join falconry and pony trekking in the English countryside. Alternatively, a visit to Blenheim Palace is always a good idea. There’s an outdoor adventure play that’s popular in summer, and at Christmas the grounds are illuminated by a famous light trail in winter. Spend the early evening there and then head to one of our team’s favourite pubs in the Cotswolds for warming, best-of-British food with a wholesome, all-are-welcome atmosphere.
Where to stay: The Fish and Cowley Manor are my favourites (book a treehouse to treat the kids to a night in the sky that makes the whole thing feel a lot more magical) and I’ve heard great things about Wooley Grange. But renting a cottage is another absolute win. We’ve stayed in the Dayelsford village cottages which felt like the perfect blend of homely self catering and hotel-worthy touches like soft white robes, bowls of dried lavender and glass-bottled water by the beds. I’ve got this Airbnb saved in my wishlist, too – I think it would be the perfect base for a weekend at Wilderness festival with the family.
Cornwall
There are countless places to recommend for a family holiday in Cornwall, but Padstow is my favourite. And yes, I’m sure there are hidden gems that Cornish locals would better recommend than somewhere so well-known, but there’s a reason I’ve made the 5-hour (minimum) drive from London every year since my children have been born. The beach at Haryln Bay is sprawling at low-tide, so no matter how busy it gets, it still feels calm. There’s a fabulous food and coffee hut called Box that serves sweet, warming treats, and just a short drive away is The Pig at Harlyn Bay, where a summer Lobster Shack pop-up makes feeding the masses a real delight. In Padstow itself, cobbled streets, local boutiques and quirky cafes feel touristy in just the right way, and the Lobster Hatchery is the perfect place to learn about the local conservation project (and shelter from the rain should you be hit by a characteristic wave of British bad weather). You can also take a boat across the water to Rock, which is on my list for next time we visit, not least for Four Boys which is said to serve deliciously fresh seafood with a pretty spectacular view. As with all popular tourist towns, ice-cream stalls and boutiques selling trinkets are in ample supply, but look a little deeper and you’ll find spots worth working for. Prideaux Walled Garden is hidden up a cobbled pathway of steps just outside the main streets in town, and its perhaps one of the most charming places to have coffee I have ever found in England. Fuel up here before heading to the beach for the day, buckets, spades (and DryRobes, just incase) in tow.
