Destinations
We are compiling ideas of wonderful places to travel with your family in the UK or beyond. Have one to add?
IN THE UK
Calcot Manor
Tetbury, Glos – Cotswolds
“…Fantastic. They have family rooms; there’s an OFSTED registered creche, they offer babysitting if you want to use the adults only restaurant, or there’s high tea in baby friendly restaurant if you prefer. And there’s a wonderful spa where you can chill out! Highly recommend it!” –MVM Sara
Cotswolds Lake Houses
Stunning architect-designed holiday homes located on a secluded 500 acre private nature reserve in the heart of the Cotswolds Water Park.
Words such as inspiring and captivating have been used to describe the Cotswold Lake Houses; five glass-fronted lake side homes situated near the Roman town of Cirencester in Gloucestershire.
Some of the best views on the Estate are captured from the five striking properties – Beaver Brook, Jambile, Lake View, Peregrine and Sandpipers. All five houses, although quite different in their design and outlook, give the occupier a wonderful sense of space. They are beautifully but sensibly furnished and equipped to ensure the holidaymaker a trouble-free and smooth visit. From travel cots and high chairs to books, games and DVDs, nothing is too much to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of family groups.
The 500 acre private nature reserve has eight beautiful lakes where guests can sail, windsurf or canoe. Most of the houses overlook the largest lake, Somerford Lagoon, which is one of the most important lakes for birds in the South of England. The whole family can watch captivating bird displays from the comfort of the sofa. Aside from bird life, visitors might be lucky enough to see an otter or beaver at work.
The ideal country holiday venue – they have the perfect balance of activities and peace. Children can enjoy independence, often not easily achieved at home, and adults can find enormous relaxation, all within the safety of the gated Estate.
Charlton Farm
A warm and friendly home set in the Mendip countryside 20 minutes south of Bath that offers a range of flexible accommodation to visiting guests. Owned and run by Anthony & Ness Dutton who live her with their three young children. They have renovated both the house and a former pigsty to offer both bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation.
Coopers Cottage
Situated in the picturesque Cotswold village of Uley, near Dursley, Gloucestershire. The terraced cottage is built of Cotswold stone and is approximately three hundred and fifty years old. Coopers Cottage has recently been restored to its nineteenth century state but still retains today’s comforts.
Clydey Cottages
Offers a choice of 14 Cottages, spread over two sites amidst the tranquil North Pembrokeshire countryside. Ideal for families with excellent facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sandpit, playground, animal feeding and egg collecting with the farmer. “This is the most appealing, family-orientated self-catering complex I visited.” Daily Telegraph Travel, June 2008. (Thanks for the tip Suzuanne)
Rosevine
A beautiful (& only recently opened) hotel in Cornwall. www.rosevine.co.uk – has been set up by 2 people who used to run Fowey when it was part of Luxury Family Hotels. So it has been designed with mothers-to-be & young families especially in mind.
Soar Mill Cove in Devon
A really family friendly hotel & the location is just stunning with what is an amazing basically private beach. There is a spa, indoor & outdoor pools, beauty treatments – especially for expectant & new mothers & so on. In addition all young children who stay get free buckets & spades and a guide to rock pools & seashore life.
Fingals in Devon
An amazingly family friendly destination in a beautiful unspoilt valley close to the river Dart. Offers a combination of hotel and self catering accommodation. This is a hotel that positions itself as your family home in the country & we are about to launch their ‘Why Fly’ club with all sorts of benefits for young families who are looking for a weekend bolt hole in the countryside.
Knoll House in Dorset
This used to be Enid Blyton’s favourite hotel, has it’s own children’s dining room and kids get copies of Noddy books or Famous Five whichever they prefer. Recently voted ‘Grandparents hotel of the year’ by The Oldie as it’s such a great place to take the whole family.
Ickworth Hotel
Suffolk – very baby friendly
Hotels Endsleigh
near Tavistock in Devon
CHILD / BABY FRIENDLY TRAVEL WEBSITES
Take The Family
Baby/family friendly holiday site
Baby Friendly Boltholes
Luxury baby friendly hotels
ACCOMMODATION FOR HOLIDAYS ABROAD
Brygghuset (a comfortable Swedish west coast house for short term lets)
Paula is a previous Maida Vale Mum who moved to Sweden three years ago. She and her husband have renovated on old Swedish house in the heart of the archipelago on the Swedish West Coast. Since they work in Stockholm they let it on a weekly basis. The house is set in an amazing surrounding next the the Manor house at Tofta Herrgård. Tofta Herrgård is by the sea and there is tennis, golf, horse riding, spa within 5 minutes walk from the house. The house will be featured in the Swedish Plaza Interior Magazine in March.
Ryan Air flies daily from London Stansted to Gothenburg City Airport which is only a 30 minute drive from the house.
Casa Magdalena in Algarve, Portugal – luxury villa
Casa Magdalena in Algarve, Portugal, is a luxury villa purchased by local Maida Vale family and now available for holiday rental. 4/5 bedroom & 3 bathroom property with sea views and just a 3 minute walk to a beautiful golden sandy beach. Garden includes heated pool with new high tech child safety cover. The Algarve is famous for its beautiful beaches and leisure activities for all the family but also features charming villages and beautiful countryside. The villa is only 15 minutes drive from Faro airport, which is served by direct flights from Luton, Stansted or Gatwick on multiple airlines. Discounts are available outside of school holidays for Maida Vale Mums. You can visit the website or email jamiegover@gmail.com directly with any questions.
