Hip Brit hotels for babies

Calcot Manor
Nr Tetbury
Gloucester GL8 8YJ
Tel: 01666 890391
www.calcotmanor.co.uk

The scene: Promoted as a cool alternative to fussy country house chintz, Calcot Manor has effortlessly mastered the art of adult glam. So it comes as no big surprise that this elegantly converted farmhouse in the Cotswolds is also a huge hit with families. A nirvana for kids, this is spot-on for parents craving all the charm of the Cotswolds.

Best baby-friendly features: Located in a converted barn, the Play Zone is fully staffed and superbly equipped with tons of toys and games (it is, after all, sponsored by Hasbro). Catering for newborns to 16-year-olds, there is also a special area for tiny babies. Unlike many hotel crèches, Calcot's Play Zone is open daily from 9am until 5.30pm, at no extra charge. The mezzanine floor (the Mez) incorporates a cinema and studio equipped with Playstations, X boxes and computers for older children. A yummier-than-average children's tea is served at 5.30pm, with nannies around to help or supervise.

Other baby services: All the rooms have VCRs (with a great selection of children's videos at reception) and there is baby listening available in the evenings.

Just for parents: Pricey, but utter bliss. The Calcot Spa creates a true sense of escape (the Calcot Manor Massage £30 was dreamy). Totally welcoming and unpretentious; the staff genuinely love children here.

Cost: Family room from £215 per night, plus £20 supplement per child per night for under-12s.

Babington House
Babington near Frome
Somerset BA11 3RW
Tel: 01373 812266
www.babingtonhouse.co.uk
The scene: Whilst an ultra-hip (media, mostly) clientele floats about in a weekend daze, the country arm of Soho House buzzes with the sound of their offspring letting off steam and having fun. Kids are perfectly catered to at this thoroughly modern manor - a grade II listed Georgian country house in Somerset.

Best baby-friendly features: The message at Babington is simple; babies are cool. Built on two levels, the family-sized Stable Rooms have been especially designed for families and boast a living area, microwave, baby bath and bottle steriliser. The hotel also has Little House, where between 9am and 5pm (9am to 6pm on Saturdays) they will entertain your sweet 'Little People' free of charge from age one upwards (with no need to book ahead). You can only leave your tot for two hours at a time and the management insist you remain on the premises for the duration.

Other baby services: There is no in-room baby-listening, but babysitters are available at £7 per hour (for a minimum of three hours). The hotel also has lovely family suites which mean you are guaranteed a decent night's sleep.

Just for parents: If tennis, cricket, horse-riding, shooting and golf sound too energetic, bliss out at the Cowshed - the hotel's sumptuous spa housed in a former cowshed. We recommend Pampered Cow (1 hr 10 mins; £60), a blissful full body massage using a choice of Cowshed aromatherapy oils.

Cost: Rooms from £395 per night (minimum two-night stay over weekends); weekdays from £360 per night.

Looking for more ideas for family friendly resorts or tips on how to reduce long-journey boredom? Join our Family Travel message board or take a look at the live discussions taking place there now:

Post a message and join in!