The pool: A heated 25-metre outdoor pool with cabanas plus an adjoining indoor splash pool.
The Grove fits a rare breed of hotel that masters the art of multigenerational allure. Come summertime, the Walled Garden is reason enough to book a stay, whether you’re travelling with kids or not, and on a sunny day, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d travelled further than 10 minutes off the M25. Overnight guests can enjoy access to the heated outdoor pool, mini beach, play tent and pingpong tables. Families should indulge in a cabana bed if at all possible – they’re super comfortable, propped on an elevated platform (so spotting young explorers is easy) and come with an ice-filled hamper of soft drinks and fresh fruit that will keep the crew hydrated as the day stretches on. There’s a hut-style bar and food outlet here too, serving casual meals and snacks, coffees, frozen cocktails, wines, beers and – importantly – ice-cream. Indoors, a craft room manned by friendly staff, and a second children’s pool if the weather isn’t playing (beach) ball.
The best rooms are found in the 18th-century Mansion, particularly the suites with their elegant parquet floors, stand-alone tubs and windows overlooking the grounds. Welcome packs are thoughtfully provided to tiny tots and include sweet treats, soft toys, Le Petit Prince bath products as well as mini robes and slippers. Meal times are a breeze, with kid’s menus available throughout – even room service – although the ultimate crowd-pleaser is the impressive buffet at The Glasshouse. Lauren Burvill
%20-%20Heiko%20Prigge.jpg?w=145&resize=145,100&ssl=1 "Buzzy, beautiful, and under £200 – these are the loveliest affordable hotels in Europe right now according to our editors")
