The Cotswolds is the perfect escape for families looking to swap city stress for rolling countryside, muddy wellies, and fresh air. Whether you’re after laid-back luxury, farm-to-fork feasts, or imaginative kids’ clubs, the Cotswolds is brimming with family-friendly hotels that cater just as much to little ones as they do to grown-ups. Here’s our curated list of the best places to stay in the region for a family getaway that balances style, comfort, and child-friendly charm.
Calcot Manor & Spa, Near Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Set in 220 acres of meadowland, Calcot Manor is a countryside haven that has truly mastered the art of keeping both parents and children content. The Calcot Kids’ Playzone offers childcare for tots to tweens, including a crèche, games room, and even movie nights. Outside, there’s a pirate ship playground, mini football pitch, and plenty of space to run free. For parents, there’s an award-winning spa and incredible dining options. It’s the ultimate family-meets-luxury retreat. www.calcot.co
Soho Farmhouse, Great Tew, Oxfordshire
Part members’ club, part rustic dreamland, Soho Farmhouse has an off-the-grid charm with all the bells and whistles. Families can stay in one of the spacious cabins or farmhouse cottages, and little ones are treated like VIPs with kid-sized bikes, a horse & cart shuttle, and the Little House – a kids’ club with activities from crafts to cookery. There’s also a heated outdoor pool, indoor cinema, boating lake, pony rides and tennis lessons available. Heaven, basically. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the epic sushi restaurant, Pen Yen. www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse
The Wild Rabbit, Daylesford, Kingham
If you’re looking for an eco-luxury bolthole that’s surprisingly family-friendly, The Wild Rabbit is a stylish inn with sustainability at its heart. While its tranquil vibe may seem tailored to adults, families are well-catered for in the beautifully appointed cottages nearby, part of the Daylesford Estate – think tasteful bunkbeds and cosy nooks. Children can explore the Daylesford Organic Farm with animal feeding, gardening workshops, and seasonal events. It’s an ideal choice for foodie families who also love a little farm-life education. www.thewildrabbit.co.uk
Lakes by Yoo, Lechlade, Gloucestershire
Lakes by Yoo is a luxury private estate that redefines family holidays. Think modern lodges and lakehouses with open-plan living, set beside serene freshwater lakes and ancient woodland. The Yoo Kids Club offers forest school activities, wild swimming, paddleboarding, and more. Families can rent bikes, go boating, or just enjoy nature on their doorstep. It’s an incredible mix of adventure and relaxation, ideal for unplugging and reconnecting. The spa is a treat for the senses and not to be missed. www.thelakesbyyoo.com
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Chippenham, Wiltshire (Cotswolds fringe)
A grand country house hotel with a seriously welcoming attitude toward families, Lucknam Park is a five-star gem. Their Hideaway Kids’ Club includes craft corners, games, and sensory play for younger children. There’s also an equestrian centre offering riding lessons, as well as tennis courts, a swimming pool, and woodland trails. Family suites are spacious and luxurious, and the estate’s sheer beauty adds to its storybook appeal. www.lucknampark.co.uk
Estelle Manor, Near Witney, Oxfordshire
New to the scene but already making waves, Estelle Manor is a magnificent country estate with a boutique edge. While the adults are pampered at the Roman-inspired Eynsham Baths spa or dine at the opulent Brasserie, kids are looked after in The Nook – a beautifully curated play space with active, creative and quiet areas. The grounds are expansive, making for exciting family walks and picnics. www.estellemanor.com
The Pig in the Cotswolds, Near Stratford-upon-Avon
One to watch, the recently launched Pig in the Cotswolds offers the same blend of relaxed luxury and garden-to-plate dining the brand is famous for. Family-friendly touches include garden trails, kitchen gardens for kids to explore, and welcoming rural vibes plus a small but perfectly formed spa and the hotel chain’s first ever pub. Expect rustic chic, impeccable food, and plenty of green space for kids to roam. www.thepighotel.com
Woolley Grange Hotel, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
Designed with families at the heart of its ethos, Woolley Grange is the gold standard for family-friendly stays. The Woolley Bears Den offers free childcare with everything from messy play to nature walks. There’s also a heated indoor pool, gardens with chickens and bees, and family spa treatments. Rooms are geared up for all ages – think bottle warmers, bed guards, and baby monitors on hand. This is stress-free parenting in countryside luxury. www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk