Spa weekends with kids sound like an oxymoron, right? I used to think so too until I discovered these incredible UK properties that have cracked the code on family wellness retreats. Picture this: you’re getting a massage while your teenagers are off having their own spa treatments, or the little ones are splashing in adventure pools while you soak in an adults only thermal suite just steps away.
The magic happens when hotels understand that families want to spend time together AND apart during vacation. I’ve found properties in the Cotswolds where kids learn archery while parents enjoy wine tastings, and Scottish Highland resorts where everyone hikes together before splitting off for age appropriate relaxation. These top spa hotels for families in the UK have figured out how to make everyone genuinely happy at the same time. My personal favorite discovery? Hotels that offer family yoga sessions followed by separate kids clubs and adult spa time. Sometimes the best family memories happen when everyone gets exactly what they need.
Best Spa Hotels for Families in the UK
Embarking on a journey to find the UK’s best spots for family getaways, I’ve handpicked spa hotels that blend adventure with relaxation. From child-friendly pools to estates brimming with activities, each destination caters uniquely to families. Here’s my top picks:
- Best spa hotel for families on the beach: Bedruthan Hotel & Spa
- Best luxury family-friendly hotel: Cliveden House
- Best family-friendly hotel in the UK with a pool: The Gleneagles Hotel
- Best spa hotel in the UK for outdoor adventure: The Ickworth
- Best family-friendly spa hotel for ultimate relaxation: Another Place
Without further ado, let’s explore Britain’s family-friendly spa hotels in more detail.
1. The Gleneagles Hotel
- 📍 Location: Perthshire countryside, central Scotland
- 💰 Prices From: $720/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Award-winning spa, kids’ club, mini Land Rovers, golf, luxury dining
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: All-ages luxury escapes, nature play, multigenerational stays
The Gleneagles Hotel pulls off what few places can: 5-star grandeur that actually feels welcoming for kids. Set in the rolling hills of Perthshire, this stately Scottish estate makes sure every family member is looked after from the moment you check in.
Little Glen and The Den are designed with young explorers in mind, and parents can enjoy two hours of complimentary childcare each day to unwind. Spa time here means relaxing in a thermal suite or indulging in a deep-tissue massage while the kids try archery or mini Land Rover adventures. It’s pretty much a win-win for everyone.
What makes Gleneagles so memorable isn’t just the luxury, it’s how naturally it all flows. Michelin-starred meals, horse riding, and falconry meet local experiences like Highland hiking trails and scenic drives through nearby Auchterarder. End the day curled up by the fire after a countryside stroll, and you’ll understand why families return year after year.
- Read next: Secret Spots in Scotland
2. Calcot & Spa
- 📍 Location: Countryside retreat near Tetbury, Gloucestershire
- 💰 Prices From: $420/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Spa with indoor pool, complimentary childcare, outdoor hot tub, nature trails
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Spa-loving parents, creative kids, nature-filled family downtime
Calcot & Spa is one of those rare places where the grown-ups truly unwind and the kids actually want to stay. Set in the quiet Gloucestershire countryside, this restored stone farmhouse blends warm Cotswold charm with clever family-focused design. Rooms come with little extras like nightlights, travel cots, and separate sleeping spaces to make life easy.
Parents can take a real breather thanks to the complimentary childcare in the Playbarn, and older kids can hang out in The Mez where there are games and movies. Meanwhile, the spa welcomes adults with a candlelit hot tub, thermal suite, and relaxing pool, while offering family swim times too.
Just outside, walking trails, play areas, and bikes invite everyone to explore at their own pace. With Tetbury’s market town just a short drive away, it’s easy to dip into local shops, then head back for a peaceful evening surrounded by countryside calm.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in the Cotswolds
3. Woolley Grange
- 📍 Location: Near Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
- 💰 Prices From: $330/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Jacobean-style manor, indoor and outdoor pools, Play Barn, kitchen garden
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Wholesome countryside breaks, relaxed luxury, garden playtime
Woolley Grange feels like a country house that was always meant to host families. The Jacobean manor sits at the edge of a walled garden where kids roam freely between hedges, chicken coops, and shaded play corners. There’s a calm, unhurried vibe here, where bedtime comes after long swims and muddy boots.
The hotel offers complimentary childcare in the on-site Woolley Bears Den, run by trained staff and packed with crafts and indoor-outdoor fun. Meanwhile, parents can slip off to the spa or enjoy breakfast without any rush.
Bradford-on-Avon is just a few minutes away, with its canalside paths and charming local shops. Still, it’s hard to leave once you’ve settled in. From maze walks to lazy lunches, everything at Woolley Grange feels like a quiet invitation to reconnect and stay a little longer.
- Read next: Things to Do in the Cotswolds
4. Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
- 📍 Location: Edge of the New Forest, Hampshire
- 💰 Prices From: $550/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Treehouse suites, forest spa, kids’ club, tennis courts, coastal walks
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Nature-loving families, forest adventures, five-star pampering
Chewton Glen offers a rare kind of luxury, one where families feel completely at ease. Set between the New Forest and the Hampshire coast, the estate is basically a playground for both grown-ups and kids.
The most memorable thing for me here are definitely the treehouse suites. They have floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the canopy, and a sense of privacy that feels instantly calming. The spa is tucked into the trees and has a gentle, earthy atmosphere. While parents are soaking in a warm hydrotherapy pool or getting a massage, the kids can head to the hotel’s club for crafts, games, or a scavenger hunt on the grounds. Everything is designed so families can enjoy time together and still sneak in a bit of breathing room.
Being here puts you within easy reach of clifftop trails and pony-dotted woodlands, and it’s just a short walk to the sea. With all that nature right outside your door, Chewton Glen is like paradise for families.
- Read next: Things to Do in the New Forest
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5. Lime Wood Hotel
- 📍 Location: Heart of the New Forest, Hampshire
- 💰 Prices From: $510/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Forest-view spa, Pavilion family rooms, organic dining, bike hire
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Slow mornings, outdoor-loving families, luxe woodland escapes
Lime Wood Hotel is one of those places where the forest does half the work for you. Mornings often begin with birdsong drifting through the windows and kids racing out to spot wild ponies nearby. The hotel blends in beautifully with its surroundings, offering families a stay that’s both grounded in nature and quietly elegant.
The Pavilion rooms are perfect for spreading out, with garden space for kids to play and big cozy corners for winding down after a long day outdoors. There’s no pressure to overplan here because bike rides, spa visits, and slow lunches unfold at their own pace. I especially like how the hotel strikes a balance between relaxed and refined, with food that’s fresh, local, and unfussy enough to keep little ones happy.
From Lime Wood, you’re right in the heart of the New Forest, with walking trails and charming villages just minutes away. It’s the kind of retreat where every part of the day feels like quality time.
6. Cliveden House
- 📍 Location: Countryside estate near Taplow, Berkshire
- 💰 Prices From: $640/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Maze garden, outdoor pool, Spring Cottage, family dining
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: History-loving families, garden adventures, London weekenders
Just outside London, Cliveden House offers a countryside escape that doesn’t require hours of travel. The River Thames runs nearby, and Windsor is only a short drive away, giving families plenty of reasons to explore the area. That said, many never feel the need to leave the grounds once they arrive.
The estate is full of charm, with grand staircases, sun-dappled gardens, and woodland trails made for wandering. Kids love the outdoor pool and maze, while the adults can carve out a peaceful moment in the spa’s serene indoor pool or relax in the outdoor hot tubs overlooking the walled garden.
Spring Cottage is a favorite for families, offering a bit more space and privacy by the river. Meals at The Astor Grill are approachable and family-friendly, and during school holidays, children stay free – just one more reason Cliveden remains a classic for effortless family escapes.
7. Moonfleet Manor
- 📍 Location: Jurassic Coast near Weymouth, Dorset
- 💰 Prices From: $310/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Sea-facing spa, kids’ club, escape room, fossil hunts
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Coastal adventures, rainy-day play, laid-back family downtime
Moonfleet Manor is where salty air, creaky floorboards, and wild coastal views set the tone for a proper family escape. This quirky Georgian manor leans into its setting on the edge of the Fleet Lagoon, giving you that windswept, tucked-away feeling without being cut off from fun.
Kids can dive into fossil hunts, explore the indoor play zone, or take on the hotel’s mini escape room, while parents get a moment to reset in the spa overlooking the sea. Treatments here use seaweed-rich products, and there’s even a gentle menu for kids who want to join in. Family swims in the indoor pool are a favorite, especially when the weather gets moody outside.
The Jurassic Coast stretches out just beyond the lawn, perfect for breezy walks and rockpool rambles. Moonfleet isn’t fussy or formal. It’s easygoing, hands-on, and full of surprises that make each day feel different from the last.
- Read next: Why Go on a Wellness Retreat
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8. The Ickworth
- 📍 Location: Near Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
- 💰 Prices From: $360/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Elegant spa, cinema room, kids’ club, National Trust gardens
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Grand country escapes, woodland wanders, family-friendly heritage stays
The Ickworth feels like a stately home where muddy boots and scooter races are just as welcome as afternoon tea. Set deep in Suffolk parkland, the estate offers a rare mix of grandeur and playfulness. From the moment you drive through the gates, there’s a sense that this is more than just a hotel – it’s an experience for the whole family.
The spa is calm and softly lit, with soothing treatments made from British-grown ingredients. Kids can try their own gentle versions, and everyone can splash together in the indoor pool during relaxed swim times. There’s even a private cinema for evening movies and plenty of nooks filled with books and board games.
Step outside and it’s all wide-open skies, garden paths, and friendly sheep in the distance. Families can explore the historic rotunda, wander through woodland trails, or pop into nearby Bury St. Edmunds for coffee and cobblestones. The Ickworth makes classic country life feel surprisingly easy, even with kids in tow.
9. Fowey Hall Hotel
- 📍 Location: Overlooking the Fowey Estuary, Cornwall
- 💰 Prices From: $350/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Indoor pool, family spa time, kids’ club, coastal views
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Seaside escapes, Cornish exploring, relaxed family luxury
Fowey Hall Hotel looks like something out of a storybook perched high above the Cornish coastline. The view alone is worth the visit, with the estuary stretching out below and salty breezes drifting through the gardens. Inside, the mood is light and welcoming, with grand staircases, cozy corners, and just the right amount of seaside charm.
Families settle in fast here. The kids’ club is packed with creative activities, and there’s a library and cinema room for laid-back afternoons. Parents can ease into the spa for a quick treatment or unwind in the relaxation room that looks out over the sea. The indoor pool keeps everyone happy, especially on cooler days.
The Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan are just around the corner, perfect for day trips that mix learning with adventure. But honestly, with beach walks, warm scones, and a view like this, you may not feel like leaving at all.
10. Another Place, The Lake
- 📍 Location: Shoreline of Ullswater, Lake District
- 💰 Prices From: $390/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Lakeside spa, forest school kids’ club, kayaking, relaxed dining
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Active families, lake swims, nature-filled bonding time
The adventure in Another Place starts the moment you wake up. Set right on Ullswater’s shoreline, it blends sleek modern style with the rugged beauty of the Lake District. You’ll see paddleboards stacked by the boathouse, wetsuits drying on the rails, and families kicking off their shoes after a morning swim.
The kids’ club here is more forest school than playroom, with outdoor learning woven into everything they do. Parents can sneak in a massage at the Swim Club spa or relax in the glassy indoor pool with views of the fells. The energy is upbeat but never rushed, making it easy to do your own thing while still spending time together.
From kayaking and hiking to pizza nights at The Glasshouse, days flow naturally here. You’re just minutes from Aira Force waterfall and the quiet village of Pooley Bridge, where lakeside cafés and gift shops line the water. And when the light hits the lake just right, with ripples stretching into the hills, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve found something special.
- Read next: Places to Visit in the Lake District
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11. Bedruthan Hotel and Spa
- 📍 Location: Clifftop above Mawgan Porth Beach, Cornwall
- 💰 Prices From: $320/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Sea-view spa, sensory garden, creative kids’ club, beach access
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Ocean-loving families, wellness breaks with a view, creative kids
If you’re looking for a place where the sea breeze does half the work of relaxing you, Bedruthan is it. Perched high above Mawgan Porth Beach, this colourful, design-forward hotel manages to be both playful and peaceful. The view from the spa is something you won’t forget, like waves rolling in, gulls overhead, and nothing but blue stretching to the horizon.
Families are genuinely welcomed here, not just accommodated. There’s a creative kids’ club with everything from craft sessions to garden games, and during school holidays, a full program that keeps little ones busy while you sneak off to the thermal spa or find a quiet corner in the sensory garden. Even the indoor pool feels thoughtful, with dedicated swim times for families.
The beach is just a short stroll downhill, perfect for tidepool hopping and salty-haired sunsets. Sandy shoes, tangled hair, and smiles that last longer than the tide – somehow, it all just works here.
12. Langdale Hotel & Spa
- 📍 Location: Wooded valley near Elterwater, Lake District
- 💰 Prices From: $370/night
- ✨ Top Amenities: Scandinavian-style lodges, indoor spa, family pool, nature trails
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect For: Nature-loving families, woodland adventures, lodge-style comfort
Langdale wraps you in quiet the moment you arrive. Tucked between mossy boulders and fern-covered trails, it feels like the kind of place where time stretches just a little slower. The lodges are sleek and full of light, with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto rustling trees and bubbling streams. Some families go for the stone cottages with wood-burning stoves and private hot tubs, perfect after a crisp morning hike.
The spa blends in beautifully with its surroundings. Warm stone floors and earthy tones create a space that feels calm and grounded. There’s a family pool as well, so kids can splash nearby while parents soak up a slower rhythm.
Ambleside is only a short drive away for lakeside cafés and gear shops, but the real magic is right outside your door. Langdale makes it easy to unplug, explore together, and trade screen time for forest time.
- Read next: Family Activities in the Lake District
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Best Spa Hotels for Families in Britain
Are you looking for more content about where to stay in the UK as a family? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about the best kid-friendly spa hotels in Britain.
What is a family-friendly hotel?
A family-friendly hotel is designed to cater to the needs of families traveling with children. From my experience, these hotels go beyond just providing a place to sleep. They offer amenities and services tailored to make stays comfortable and enjoyable for both parents and kids. This includes having spacious rooms, child-safe facilities, on-site activities geared towards children, and often, special meal options for little ones. Family-friendly hotels also typically offer additional conveniences like cribs, high chairs, and sometimes even strollers.
What is a family room in a hotel?
A family room in a hotel is a larger accommodation designed to comfortably fit parents and children in a single space. I’ve found these rooms to be incredibly convenient for family vacations. They often come with one large bed for parents and one or more smaller beds for the kids, or sometimes bunk beds, which the kids absolutely love. The best family rooms also include amenities tailored to family needs, such as a mini-fridge for storing snacks and milk, a microwave, and sometimes a separate seating or play area to give everyone a bit of their own space.
Do spa hotels in the UK allow children?
Yes, many spa hotels in the UK do allow children. Some have certain restrictions to ensure the relaxation and comfort of all guests. From what I’ve seen, some spa hotels offer specific family swim times in their pools. Others might have designated areas where children can enjoy spa-like experiences tailored for younger guests. It’s always a good idea to check the hotel’s policy before booking. Some spas have age limits for treatments or restrict access to certain areas like saunas and steam rooms for children’s safety.
Where is the most beautiful place to visit in the UK for a spa break?
For a truly unforgettable spa break in the UK, I’d recommend the Lake District, one of the top destinations to visit in Europe. The natural beauty of the area, with its stunning lakes, mountains, and forests, provides a tranquil backdrop for relaxation. One of the most beautiful spa hotels in the UK is Langdale Hotel and Spa. Here, you can enjoy luxurious treatments with views of the breathtaking landscapes.
