20 of the Best Family Hotels in the UK
Preparing for a holiday with kids can easily start to feel like a military operation, what with the packing and the toy choices, and making sure the hotel you’d like to stay in has a room they can configure to suit your family’s dynamics… then finding it doesn’t and having to start searching again…But don’t let the problems loom so large they put you off. It doesn’t have to be difficult! In our list of the best family hotels in the UK we’ve found a really great selection of hotels that are sure to have the perfect room for your family, and to welcome you with open arms and lots of family-friendly extras. Some of them have special rooms, some have play rooms or just room to play, all have kid’s menus, some kids clubs, and some offer even more bespoke child-centric activities. But rest assured, all of our recommendations for the best family hotels in the UK are special enough for your family and your special family holiday.
For a Family Escape
- Chewton Glen is a New Forest classic: a beautifully run country house hotel and spa, but with some newly-built luxury tree-house rooms, with panoramic views, and serious family appeal. Even if you’re not staying in one of the tree-houses you’re still welcome in The Beehive, the hotel’s kids club, and on the tennis courts and croquet lawn, in the pool and on the golf course maybe...There’s also 130 acres of grounds to explore, a spa, a cookery school and an excellent restaurant.
- Moonfleet Manor started out as a stately home, and is still very grand, but when it was converted into a hotel, with 36 rooms and suites in a mix of traditional and contemporary style, family friendliness was at the forefront of the owner’s mind. Not only are the rooms well designed for families, there’s a friendly restaurant, a great kids club, and lots of family activities on offer – including an indoor pool, bowling, and a trampoline in the play area. There’s a spa for the adults and a relaxed, but special-feeling bar. The grounds are beautiful and there are miles of wonderful walking trails – and it's not far from the beach!
For a Family Beach Break
- The Braye Beach Hotel, on Alderney in the Channel Islands, is an elegant, modern, 27 room beach hotel right on the island’s best sandy beach. Car-free Alderney is known for being an escape, and it’s certainly a peaceful spot to get back to nature, but there’s plenty for families to do beyond visiting the beach: the hotel is well equipped with ‘rainy day entertainments’ — as well as a huge terrace, a lounge and games room it also has a cinema. Plus it’s really comfortable, with a choice of eating in the fine dining restaurant or in the pub.
- Torquay’s Cary Arms is a gorgeous old white and blue seafront pub with a collection of 21 boutique-style rooms, suites and huts, and an incredible position on the side of a cliff overlooking Babbacombe Bay. The ten rooms and suites in the main building are simple but chic, then there are three self-catering fishermen’s cottages and eight fun beach huts and beach suites right on the beach (these are fantastic for families — stay here and you can open your door directly onto the sundeck and then the beach), and all with a fresh, New England-y sort of feel. The gastro-pub style food is fantastic too, and there’s a spa.
- Close to Rock in Cornwall, the St Moritz was an Art Deco seaside institution in the 1930s, and has recently been restored to its charming heyday glory — though it’s been brought up to date too, and there’s now a decidedly family-friendly feel, with 38 villas and 13 self-catering apartments, almost all of which would suit a family. The St Moritz also has both an indoor and outdoor pool, a family-friendly brasserie, access to tennis, surfing and sailing classes or facilities plus easy access to the beach and ocean views.
- The St Enodoc Hotel is a fantastic modern luxury take on the classic bucket and spade hotel: it’s just up from the beach, with a fantastic view of the Camel Estuary, and has 20 large, light and, probably most important for families, comfortable rooms, plus a big garden with a well contained outdoor pool and a relaxed restaurant with an outdoor terrace. Families are best accommodated in the family suites, and the hotel also features a games room, a special children’s tea, a great kid’s menu and beach-y facilities. It’s also super friendly, which makes a big difference!
For a Countryside Getaway
- The Langdale Hotel & Spa is a wonderful forest escape in Cumbria’s Langdale Valley, only 15 minutes drive from Ambleside and Coniston in the Lake District. Accommodation is scattered around the estate with the 50 rooms, suites and cottages arranged in traditional-looking slate buildings. The spa, with its pools, spas and saunas, is just for the grown-ups, but there’s a family pool too, plus tennis courts and a playground, and they have facilities on nearby Windemere if you want to try kayaking or paddleboarding. The gastropub style restaurant is very family-friendly too.
- The Grove in Narberth, close to the Pembrokeshire National Park, is a converted grand Welsh farmhouse with 14 comfortable rooms and an impressively delicious restaurant. All of the rooms have views, some towards the gardens or surrounding fields, some towards the Preseli Mountains. And while the rooms are lovely, families might prefer their self-catering cottages with their homely touches. There's a selection of outdoor games for all ages, plus for younger ones a magical fairy trail through the grounds.
For Something A Bit Different
- What do you think your kids would say if you told them you were taking them to stay in a castle? If you think that would impress them then Augill Castle is a good one to know about. Equidistant between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, the location is perfect for families who like a bit of a ramble, and there’s plenty to do around the castle if you need a break — it’s all a bit Famous Five, with an eclectic collection of antiques and curios, four-poster beds and roll-top baths, dressing up boxes, plenty of toys and a playground. There’s also a cooking school for children.
- We don’t just have the one castle hotel on our list, though, we also love the Star Castle Hotel on the Isles of Scilly, which is arguably more of a 16th century fort arranged in the shape of a star, turned 38 room family-friendly, family-run hotel. This is the kind of hotel people want to return to over and over again, and your kids will be no exception. The hotel has two restaurants, a pool and a bar — in the dungeon — but it’s also within a short walk of a sailing club, boat hire facilities, tennis courts, horse riding stables and snorkelling sites. And there are plenty of fantastic walking trails across the island.
- If you’re looking for somewhere really unusual to take your family it’s difficult to top the Bodmin Jail Hotel for quirky accommodation. You wouldn’t think a prison would be an ideal building to convert into a hotel, but the result at Bodmin is stylish and surprisingly comfortable, though the windows are still very small, and the corridors between the 70 rooms and suites may be a bit unchanged for many people’s liking… There’s a record of a prisoner in each room, along with the indulgent bathroom and luxurious linens, and there’s a smart restaurant, a champagne bar, a friendly tavern, and a gym.
For Family-Friendly Luxury
- The Gleneagles Hotel is a beautiful old grand dame resort hotel in a stunning Perthshire setting, surrounded by championship golf courses. You might have heard of it, but what you might not have known is how perfect it would be for a family holiday: offering the opportunity to try falconry, take a riding lesson or clay pigeon shooting, or play tennis or go fishing, swimming or cycling, or use the pitch and putt course. There’s also a range of places to eat and a spa, so there’s a lot of five star luxury to offer parents too.
For Great Activities
- Saunton Sands Hotel overlooks a sandy stretch of the North Devon coastline, a large, white hotel harking back to the best in family seaside holiday traditions. Its 95 rooms, suites and family apartments, are comfortably and simply decorated, and there are great on-site facilities for families, including a supervised playroom, indoor and outdoor pools, complimentary yoga classes, tennis courts, and a spa. And you’re moments from surfing lessons, pony rides, a golf course and sailing facilities.
- The Swinton Park Hotel is a castle/stately home conversion, so we recommend it for families looking for something a bit special. But the facilities on site are so varied that it’s a great pick for active families too, or those who want to try something a bit different. It is set amid 250 acres of parkland, on which they’re able to offer pony trekking, falconry displays, archery, fishing, cooking classes, both indoor and outdoor pools, a games room, bike hire, croquet on the lawns, a gym and an impressive spa. In addition to 32 spacious rooms and suites decorated with antiques and original art, and an excellent restaurant.
For Relaxing as a Family
- The Polurrian on the Lizard is a traditional, family-friendly hotel incredibly positioned overlooking the ocean, above a sandy stretch of beach. There are just 39 rooms and suites, all light, bright and airy, indoors and outdoors pools – and indoor and outdoor play areas too – plus an Ofsted-registered creche, a gym and spa, 12 acres of clifftop gardens, a cinema room and a choice of fine or family dining.
- Fowey Hall is a small and stylish manor-turned-country-house-hotel overlooking the Fowey River estuary on Cornwall’s sunny, sandy, south coast. They’ve really gone the extra mile for families here, with a creche, nannies and kids club facilities too. There’s a spa for the grown ups, and an indoor pool. And you’re just five minutes from the beach and ten minutes from the Eden Project.
Family-Friendly City Break Hotels
- Edinburgh’s The George, is a grand city hotel in the best grand city hotel traditions, the perfect place for afternoon tea, fancy details and impeccable service. And that impeccable service is employed with extra care for families. They have a clever range of interconnecting rooms and suites, welcome gifts for children, and child-friendly menus in the superb restaurant. The location is unbeatable too, a short walk from many of Edinburgh’s top attractions.
For Great Value
- The Barnett Hill Hotel is a carefully converted mansion outside Guildford, with 50-odd guest rooms and suites decorated with bold colours and contemporary luxury. This is a hotel to come to to treat yourself, specialising in champagne afternoon tea, fine dining and proximity to the beautiful Surrey Hills and a collection of theme parks that will really treat your kids.
- The Auchrannie House Hotel is part of a beautifully sprawling estate on the Isle of Arran. The hotel has 84 rooms, suites and private cabins and cottages, dressed in contemporary fashion, with a preference for tartan that works well in this idyllic spot. The gardens aren’t just providing a relaxing view, they’re also a setting for archery classes and tennis courts. Indoors there’s a pool, a cosy lounge and bar, a games room, and friendly restaurant.
- Soar Mill Cove Hotel is another really affordable family-friendly hotel in a fantastic seaside spot, this time a couple of miles from Salcombe. Owned and run by the same family for 30+ years this is another spot families come back to year after year. There are 20 large rooms and suites, some with private patios and sea views, and there are another two self-catering cottages which share a private outdoor hot tub. In addition to the beach and the cliffs and the ocean, there’s an indoor swimming pool, play area and tennis court to keep your kids occupied, and there’s miles of spectacular, safe walking. Not forgetting the restaurant with a daily changing Prix Fixé menu.
Still not sure which to book?
- Refine your search by location and check out our lists of 13 of the best family hotels in London.
- Or you could peruse the 14 best family hotels in the Lake District, the 8 best family hotels in York, or our recommendations for the best family hotels in Devon.
- Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
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Langdale Hotel & Spa Ambleside, Cumbria 50 rooms from £200
Spa breaks - The Brimstone Spa is a stunning indoor/outdoor space exclusively for adults, with numerous pools, saunas and treatments.Families - Langdale welcomes families and has great on site facilities including playground, tennis court, and swimming pool.Total relaxation - Kick back and relax with comfy suites, great food, hearty ales, heated indoor pool, sauna, and spa therapies.Back to Nature - Step away from the hustle bustle of a city and enjoy nature at its best with 35 acres of stunning grounds.With a series of low-lying, traditional-slate buildings dotted around a forested estate, this hotel feels a world away from the Lake District’s tourist honeypots. Tucked in the Langdale Valley, it’s close to some great walking yet both Ambleside and Coniston are within a 15-minute drive. See More
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Cary Arms Torquay 21 rooms from £163
Exclusive offer - Summer Spa BreaksTotal relaxation - Lazy days eating seafood on the terrace, followed by customised holistic treatments in the spa using Yon-Ka products.Families - Three cottages with three, four or five rooms are ideal for families.Great walks - Jump onto the South West Coast Path National Trail spanning for 630 miles through stunning landscapes.Fishing - The Inn provides rods for the pier and nets for fishing in rock pools.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, SawdaysA boutique hotel with the charm of a British pub. The cliff top position makes for stunning views. Chic white washed rooms mix traditional features with modern simplicity. Hearty gastro-pub styled food is served at the restaurant. A glorious spa. An excellent choice for a family holiday. See More
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Barnett Hill Hotel Guildford 56 rooms from £170
Exclusive offer - 40% OFFCountry Escape - A country mansion boasting a secluded spot with easy access to the beautiful Surrey Hills.Families - A chic family friendly stay, with easy access to theme parks in the vicinityGreat walks - Find some of the best walking routes in the south of England starting straight from the property.Restaurant - The Oak Room Restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for its stylish modern British cuisineA beautifully renovated mansion set in acres of picturesque parkland. No expense has been spared on the interiors, from luxurious suites to indulgent single rooms, all are contemporary and stylish. A champagne high-tea and fine-dining restaurant are the icing on this indulgent cake. See More
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Star Castle Hotel St Mary's, Isles of Scilly 38 rooms from £189
Exclusive offer - 5 nights for 4Tennis - The tennis court is located a short stroll away and rackets and balls are available from reception.Views - Some of the best views on the island.Swimming Pool - Heated indoor poolSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Recommended by - I Escape, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, SawdaysDelightful family-run hotel set in a star-shaped castle on St Marys Island. The newly refurbished rooms are extremely comfortable and well decorated, with quaint details. Fresh, local, seasonal produce sets the tone for the on site restaurant. Totally charming! See More
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Augill Castle Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria 14 rooms from £160
Families - With fantastic facilities for kids, from cooking classes, to playgrounds, dressing up boxes and plenty of toys.Country Escape - Spectacular walking, wonderful views and whiskey in the drawing room old school weekend in the country vibes.Great walks - With national parks all around, this is the perfect spot to get on your walking boots.Cooking classes - The hotel has a wonderful cookery school for children.Recommended by - I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays, Great Small HotelsStanding between the Lake District and the Dales rests this eccentric castle welcoming all the family into the countryside and the Eden Valley. Four poster beds and antique furnishings make up the comfortable rooms. Restaurant is open on weekends. Great hideaway and local exploring to be done. See More
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Bodmin Jail Hotel Bodmin (Cornwall) 70 rooms from £203
Families - Spacious family rooms, casual dining the kids will love and you're right in Bodmin Jail!Local exploring - Bodmin is a great central location for exploring further afield in CornwallRestaurant - Enjoy a la carte dining at The Chapel Restaurant or something more casual at the Jolly Hangman TavernFull of character - There is a good blend here of period and original features plus smart contemporary stylingA boutique property built within the walls of historic Bodmin Jail. Interiors are sleek & contemporary but with plenty of period features; original stone walls are complemented by luxury linens and indulgent bathrooms. Dine in the smart Chapel Restaurant or Jolly Hangman Tavern. Great for families. See More
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Auchrannie House Hotel Isle of Arran 84 rooms from £99
Kayaking - With it's sheltered coastal waters, stunning scenery and abundant wildlife Arran is a kayaker's paradiseSecluded setting - For escaping.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRestaurant - Recommended.Set on the beautiful island of Arran over a sprawling estate. Contemporary rooms make for a comfortable stay with plenty of fire lit areas for lounging after an action filled day. A spa, countless activities for adults and children alike and modern cuisine make this the ideal family get away. See More
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Braye Beach Hotel, Alderney Alderney 27 rooms from £110
Birdwatching - Alderney is a magnet for 260 species of birds.Restaurant - AA rosette.Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Views - Great views from hotelRecommended by - Good Hotel GuideModern hotel with spectacular views over Alderney's finest sandy beach. Family friendly (cinema, games room) with fine dining or pub food options. Popular for conferences and weddings. See More
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The George, Edinburgh Edinburgh (New Town) 249 rooms from £120
Romantic Break - Luxuriously decked out rooms, superb restaurant and bar, plus excellent central location, make it great for a romantic getawayFamilies - Interconnecting rooms, welcome gifts, kids menus - just some of the perks for familiesCity Style - Sophisticated, elegant and stylish a chic city centre optionRestaurant - The Printing Press Restaurant serves classic dishes using the best Scottish ingredientsThe personification of opulence, The George combines grand luxury with a modern sleekness to create a superb hotel right in the centre of Edinburgh. Its location is unbeatable with all of the city's main attractions a short walk away. Perfect for an indulgent weekend in Edinburgh. See More
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Polurrian on The Lizard Cornwall 39 rooms from £120
Families - With a creche, indoor and outdoor play areas, a private beach, and plenty of space for little ones - this is ideal for familiesSelf catering - Self-catering villas with well-equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, & outdoor fire pits are perfect for families or groupsRestaurant - The restaurant serves delicious fresh local produce and seasonal menus. You can choose between family & fine diningKayaking - Go on a kayaking or coasteering trip with Lizard AdventureRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, I EscapeA family-friendly hotel in an incredible setting with a fabulous sandy beach a stone's throw away. Breathtaking sea views can be enjoyed from the comfort of airy contemporary rooms. Indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a gym combined with the sea air mean you can't help but feel rejuvenated. See More
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Gleneagles Hotel Perthshire 233 rooms from £350
Child friendly - Great facilities for children of all ages with organised activities and childcare available.Restaurant - Andrew Fairlie Restaurant is the only establishment in Scotland with two Michelin stars.Other Activities - Shooting, fishing, falconry, gun dog training, off road driving to name a few!Golf - Three championshire courses and PGA National Golf Academy on site.Recommended by - Kiwi CollectionLuxury grand dame resort hotel in the heart of stunning Perthshire countryside. With three championship golf courses, top notch spa and more activities than you can imagine, this is the perfect resort for all the family. See More
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The Grove, Narberth Narberth (Molleston) 14 rooms from £150
Romantic - Good for couples.Great walks - Ideally placed to explore the Pembrokeshire coast.TraditionalBoutiqueRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Good Hotel GuideFamily friendly grand Welsh farmhouse, beautifully restored with excellent food, located just outside Narberth with its wide range of boutiques and galleries. See More
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St Moritz Trebetherick, Cornwall 48 rooms from £120
Country Escape - Spend days outdoors on long hikes or surfing before returning to a massage in the spa and a hearty dinner - rural perfectionSelf catering to rent - There are 38 villas & 13 apartments (all luxury) for those who want to self cater yet have access to the hotel's facilitiesLocal exploring - With Padstow, Port-Isaac, and Rock all nearby there is plenty to do locally from surfing to fine diningSpa - The property boasts the UK’s only Cowshed Spa outside Soho HouseA stylish contemporary seaside hotel set between the beaches of Polzeath & Daymer. Flexible accommodation includes rooms, suites, self-catering apartments, & villas. With a Cowshed Spa (courtesy of Soho House), two pools, and a good restaurant this is a luxury break suitable for couples or families. See More
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St Enodoc Hotel Rock (Cornwall) 20 rooms from £170
Families - Family suites, games room, special kiddies menus and a wealth of fun beachside activities make this an ideal family getawayTennis - The Point in Polzeath offers free gym access to guests, as well as tennis courts and lessons at a small additional chargeSurfing - The hotel will organise a private surf lessons with George Stoy, a perfect introduction to Cornwall's most popular sport!Great walks - Set along some of the most spendid coastline in Cornwall, there are endless paths and trails to navigateA boutique coastal hotel with views of the Camel Estuary. Smart rooms are beautifully styled with bright colours, oil paintings, and simple modern furniture. The popular restaurant serves healthy contemporary dishes. Vibrant and cosy, with top marks for the stunning location and warmth of service. See More
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Chewton Glen New Milton, Hampshire 72 rooms from £405
Country Escape - A gorgeous country house spa, set in 130 acres of parkland at the edge of the magical New Forest.Tennis - There are both indoor and outdoor tennis courts and coaching with the resident pro.Great walks - Plenty of walking across the 130 acres of parkland, or head into the New Forest.Kids Club - All new The Beehive, available every weekend and school holidaysRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Michelin TravelOn the edge of the New Forest and close to the sea, Chewton Glen offers five-star luxury to couples and families. Its wow-factor treehouse accommodation is the star of the show, along with the fantastic staff that always go the extra mile. Imitable service, gourmet dining and The Beehive, kids club. See More
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Fowey Hall Fowey, Cornwall 48 rooms from £175
Families - Designed with families in mind with babysitting, on-hand nannies, activites, equipment for kids of all ages and activitiesSpa - The spa is open to adults and children and includes an indoor pool, wellness room, and wide treatment listSights nearby - Take a stroll around the beautiful Lost Gardens of HeliganRestaurant - Seasonal restaurant with Cornish-inspired dishesRecommended by - Mr & Mrs SmithOverlooking the beautiful Fowey Estuary, South Cornwall, Fowey Hall is a family-centric yet stylish hotel where kids are treated like VIPs and adults can enjoy some relaxation. Rooms feel fresh and contemporary and there's a spoiling spa with a large indoor pool and an excellent Cornish restaurant See More
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Moonfleet Manor Weymouth (Dorset) 36 rooms from £120
Families - Pleasing both parents and children alike. There's plenty of activities for kids.Tennis - Play a game on one of the two courts. Coaching is also available.Spa - Treatments for children also availableGreat walks - Take long walks along the beach.Boasting a peaceful setting overlooking Chesil Beach on Dorset’s Jurrasic Coast, Moonfleet Manor is a stylish escape for all of the family. Kids can join in a plethora of fun-filled activities – from fossil hunting to playing in the enormous games room. And for adults spa treatments and childcare See More
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Soar Mill Cove Hotel Devon 20 rooms from £159
Great walks - The Devon Coastal path is on the doorstepFamiliesRestaurant - Delicious 2 AA Rosette standard dining, with menus featuring plenty of local seafood.Private Hot Tub - Book one of the Ocean View self catering units for your own outdoor hot tub.Relaxed family friendly hotel a couple of miles from Salcombe. Spacious rooms and suites, some with private patios and stunning sea views. Delicious food with an emphasis on local specialities. Wonderful walking on the doorstep and a warm welcome for canine guests too! See More
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Saunton Sands Hotel Nr Braunton, Devon 95 rooms from £206
Swimming Pool - Heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools.Sights nearby - Enjoy a day out at Victorian Watermouth Castle; providing a theme park for the kids.Kids Club - A supervised playroom and two hours free childcare per day for under-eights.Spa - A comprehensive facility offering all you could want to relax and unwind.Quintessential family seaside hotel with a spectacular setting on the North Devon coast. Stylish contemporary accommodation in neutral muted hues, with flexible options from doubles to family apartments. Top class on-site facilities for sports, relaxation & family fun plus 2AA Rosette fine dining. See More
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Swinton Park Hotel Ripon, Yorkshire 32 rooms from £245
Families - Magical Yorkshire hideaway in a castle with pkenty of space, interconnecting rooms, and fun activities for kidsCooking classes - Variety of courses run throughout the year at the on site cookery schoolCountry Escape - In a great locality to explore this beautiful and rugged part of the UKHoneymoons - A perfect spot for newly weds to hideaway in rural luxuryRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, FrommersStriking, castle-like stately-home set in sweeping parkland and offering plenty of on-site activities from fishing and golf to a cookery school and sleek spa. Vast rooms, beautiful views and a choice of two restaurants. See More
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