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The festive season is well and truly upon us: the temperatures are struggling to get above 10 degrees, the high street has released its Christmas sandwiches and John Lewis is gearing up to release its Christmas ad.
Which means now is the ideal time to book your Christmas staycation . Below we’ve rounded up the top child (and parent) friendly locales to visit in the UK.
Beaverbrook, Surrey
A stay at this luxury, country estate overlooking the Surrey Hills offers up a real festive treat. Book one of the spacious and pet-friendly family suites with elegant interiors by Soho House designer Susie Atkinson. Plenty of thought has gone into making kids feel welcome here, with rooms equipped with an adventure pack brimming with crafts and games – storybooks and mini bathrobes are also provided. The hotel has put on a range of festivities for the entire family, including cooking classes, tea parties and grand feasts that embrace the spirited nature of its original owner, Lord Beaverbrook.
The excitement kicks off in early December. Perfect your cooking skills with the brilliant Beaverbrook chefs, who will share their secrets on how to master classic Christmas recipes such as thyme roast potatoes and sage and onion stuffing (November 23) as well as mince pies (December 7). Mini chefs can also get stuck in and learn how to make a chocolate yule log (December 21).
Those wanting a welcome break from the kitchen are at the right place. Book the farm-to-fork festive feast (throughout December) and indulge in dishes such as roasted mushroom and chestnut soup and potato gnocchi – all made using ingredients sourced from the neighbouring organic garden.
There’s no chance of boredom at Beaverbrook. Children can catch a movie in the cinema, play games at the kids’ club, take a dip in the pool or participate in treasure hunts, den building and other woodland pursuits in the estate’s vast grounds. The gigantic treehouse in the forest is definitely worth checking out. Plus Father Christmas will be dropping by at lunchtime on December 25 to deliver gifts to children.
Bowood Hotel, Wiltshire
From cosy, open-log fires to indulgent home-cooked festive feasts, there’s plenty of seasonal fun on offer with a Christmas break at this stunning Wiltshire estate. The hotel is owned by Lord and Lady Lansdowne, who reside in the nearby Bowood House and Gardens.
The charming suites here are roomy enough for families and beautifully furnished with all the necessary mod cons. Guests who book the two-night Christmas break will be utterly spoilt: on Christmas Eve enjoy a champagne afternoon tea served in the elegant library lounge, followed by a three-course supper in the evening. Wake up on Christmas morning with stockings on your door and tuck into a freshly prepared Wiltshire breakfast. Save some room for the lavish Christmas lunch, which is served with all the trimmings.
Kids will be surprised with a visit from Santa who will come bearing gifts, and entertainment on Christmas afternoon will include a festive quiz, board games and a rolling buffet, with plenty of options for little ones.
After a hearty Boxing Day breakfast, we suggest wrapping up warm, grabbing some Wellington boots and taking a stroll around the hotel’s beautiful grounds. Don’t forget to explore the spa, where children are welcome to swim in the enticing infinity pool at set times.
Four Seasons, Hampshire
Spend some quality time with the family in this luxurious 18th century Manor house, which boasts everything you could want from a serene countryside escape.
There is a full roster of activities starting in November to get you into the spirit of the season with a skating rink, classes embellishing stockings, making Christmas crackers, writing letters to Father Christmas and decorating gingerbread men. On Christmas Day, Santa is due to arrive on a spectacular horse drawn carriage.
The fun will continue on Boxing Day, where you can watch Christmas movies, head to the games room, or have hours of enjoyment at the recently-opened kids’ pool, Sharkie’s Reef – where there will be a pirate treasure hunt and a chance to swim with a mermaid.
The cooking will be taken care of by chefs at the Wild Carrot restaurant, options such as a Festive market lunch, Christmas Day lunch (with dishes including Norfolk turkey and homemade Christmas pudding) and a six-course New Year’s Eve dinner available.
Chessington Christmas Festive Sleepover, Surrey
There’s guaranteed fun at Chessington World of Adventures’ Father Christmas Sleepover. Available on select dates throughout November and December, the package includes an overnight stay at the resort’s hotel, a buffet breakfast and access to some of Chessington’s popular rides such as the thrilling Vampire, The Gruffalo River Ride, Seastorm and the new Room on the Broom.
Children can pop into Father Christmas’ grotto to receive an early present and to meet the cheeky elves and reindeer. There will also be market stalls plus arts and crafts to enjoy.
The Zoo and SeaLife centre will be open with daily animal shows and be sure to book one of the themed bedrooms, which include the Gruffalo and Penguins of Madagascar décor, for a truly unforgettable experience.
Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire
Just 35 minutes from London, you may recognise this grand Georgian mansion from movies such as Goldfinger and Bridget Jones’ Diary. During December, it will be transformed into a festive haven and staff will be pulling all the stops to ensure you have a magical break.
Book during the Christmas holidays and take advantage of the ‘Kids Stay and Eat for free’ offer (running from December 18 – January 15, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day when the hotel is closed).
There will be special Christmas-themed activities at the in-house kid’s club to keep little ones occupied, while older kids will be thrilled with the games room, which is kitted out with table football, an air hockey table, table tennis and a large screen TV.
Get into the festive mood with the hotel’s themed afternoon tea. There’s no need for the kids to miss out – the specially created Little Star Afternoon Tea includes mini treats like cupcakes and brownies.
Children are welcome at the hotel’s epic New Year’s Eve Party, which features champagne, canapés, a delicious four-course dinner by chef Chris Weller, a live band and a sumptuous ‘Midnight Temptations’ buffet offering everything from mini hotdogs, vegan burgers, pizzas and a chocolate fountain. The entire family will be in awe of the spectacular fireworks display that has been planned to see in 2020.
