By Nadine Mellor, i-escape Kids Collection Editor
In a panic about your Easter family holidays? Rest easy. Check our selection of fantastic UK boutique hotels and boltholes which still have space for your family, with a range of locations and budgets to suit all.
A country hotel in the Cotswolds
Calcot Manor Hotel does relaxing rural retreat down to an R. There’s an indoor pool, spacious family suites, playground, a Playzone for all ages including a console and X-box-wired Mez room for teens, plus bikes to borrow for exploring the extensive grounds. There’s horse riding and den building in the holidays.
Why not… Book your little chef in to the Bake Time workshop on Saturday while you play tennis or head to the pampering spa?
Getting there: 2 hours by car from London, 17km from the nearest railway station (Kemble).
An elegant townhouse in Edinburgh
In the West End apart-hotel The Chester Residence has been created from 5 Georgian terrace houses. The luxurious apartments have well-stocked kitchens, we suggest the 2-bedroom options are best for families. Edinburgh is excellent for families: ghost tours, the castle, parks and beaches. And has heaps of family-friendly eateries too.
Why not… take the magical Harry Potter Trail through the Old Town
Getting there: Edinburgh is well served by train services, you can fly and drive here too (there’s private parking nearby)
A beautiful coaching inn in Bridport
The Bull Hotel is a historic 16th century coaching inn reinvented as a colourful boutique hotel in the heart of this friendly Dorset market town, dubbed the Gateway to the Jurassic Coast and its golden beaches. There are 3 Family Rooms, each with a double bed and set of bunkbeds, kids menu choices include mocktails, and there’s a games room.
Why not… Go fossil hunting on Charmouth Beach, now a World Heritage Site.
Getting there: Driving is your best option, and the hotel has a free car park.
A wonderful gastro-hotel in Wales
Located on one of the UK’s most stunning coastlines, relaxed seaside haven Llys Meddyg is in the heart of charming small town Newport. Exceptional locally sourced food is at the heart of the operation, whether pizzas in the wood-fired oven or hearty breakfasts, the kids or a la carte menus. Best of all, you’re right beside spectacular Pembrokeshire National Park.
Why not… Go on a seal-watching boat trip or crabbing
Getting there: Drive (there’s free parking at the hotel) or get a taxi from Fishguard and Haverfordwest which are both served by trains.
A seaside house in St Mawes
On the Cornish south coast overlooking the broad sea-green Carrick Roads estuary are these 4 superbly priced and lavishly equipped houses, sized from 2 to 5 bedrooms. Each of the spacious St Mawes Hideaways comes with free parking, gorgeous gardens, light chic interiors, dressing up boxes and plenty of games, toys and books.
Why not… Learn to paddle-board, kayak or sail
Getting there: Driving is best, or a train to Falmouth Docks or St Austell and taxi or ferry to St Mawes.
A brilliant barn conversion in Norfolk
Near the unspoiled north Norfolk coast with its wild beauty, seals, bird sanctuaries and endless sandy beaches, is this cluster of 6 converted barns sleeping 4-14. With pleasing palettes, private outside space for each, and a shared games room, Barsham Barns work for all size and shape of family party.
Why not… ride the atmospheric steam trains or visit traditional seaside towns such as Cromer, Wells and Sheringham
Getting there: You’ll need to have a car to make the most of your stay
A chic apart-suite in London
You can’t get much more central than this: No5 Maddox Street is tucked away on a side street between Mayfair and Soho. Sleek, light, discreet and with a 24-hour concierge, the stylish city pads come with hotel-style luxuries and ample space. Famous retail emporiums including Hamleys and West End shows are mere minutes away – London awaits!
Why not… Take a turn in the Royal Parks, all are within easy reach.
Getting there: The tube is the best way to get about London; both Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus are very close.
A country pub-with-rooms in Lancashire
In a pretty leafy corner of Lancashire, conservation village Downham is oft-used in period films. Its heart and soul is The Assheton Arms, a friendly gastro-pub with cocooning rooms. Above is the magical Pendle Hill, a magnet for walkers whose trails take in copses, crags and reservoirs; the view from the top crosses counties.
Why not… Discover the Pendle Witch trail or tackle the Pendle dry ski slope.
Getting there: Downham is an hour’s drive north of Manchester; you can also take a train to Clitheroe (10 minutes).
See more UK family hotels and rentals with Easter availability