Kids’ club: complimentary for ages 3–12
If you’re not sure your slightly older (more sporty, or simply more cynical) children are still up for kids’ clubs, hit them with what’s on offer at Castelfalfi. Another impossibly charming ancient castle and village, this time dating back to 754 AD, Castelfalfi’s more than 2,700 acres, plus suites and villas to suit every family group, are set upon hilltops, lending it fantastic views and also making it an ideal location for an adventure park. With 10 woodland courses, heights and difficulty ratings increase with age (ranging from three to 12) – with the hardest encompassing Tarzan ropes, a cargo net, jumping mats, zip lines and zooming through the treetops on a toboggan sledge. Also on offer is falconry, fishing (and release), archery and archery tag, evening animal safaris and two-hour bushcraft sessions, during which students are taught how to make a fire and build a shelter, among other earthy, you-never-know-when… skills. That’s all before we even mention the Montessori-informed Falfy Kids’ Club programme: divided into two groups – three- to six-year-olds and six- to 12-year-olds – it includes customisable game tables, a brick play-house, and a kitchen to try blind tasting or whip up pizza, pasta and other popular Tuscan recipes (should this not work out, all six of the hotel’s restaurants, including fine-dining spot La Rocca, have children’s menus). Positioned next to the hotel in what used to be the local school, its playground also includes a vegetable garden and mini farm with rabbits, chickens and more. Becky Lucas
Address: Castelfalfi, Località Castelfalfi, 50050 Montaione, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Price: Rooms from around £500 per night.
