A honeymoon for all the family

Striking the perfect balance between accessible and remote, the main house has an incredible setting high on a cliff with spectacular views over the bay and Driftwood's own private beach. From the exterior it may not appear anything out of the ordinary, but inside the furnishings have been given a great deal of thought; comfortable, homely, in blues and creams - all very tasteful. Whether you want a massage while the kids battle it out on the PlayStation in the games room or you fancy a picnic en famille, the owners will see to it that your every whim is catered to.

Rates: £190-£210.
Facilities: Private beach and seven acres of heritage coastline.
Children: There is no charge for children sharing parents' rooms, and breakfast is £5 a head. There is an early supper sitting, the chef will also adapt food on the acclaimed grown-up menu for children and kids are welcome in the dining room. There's a small games room with books and board games; babysitting can be arranged.
Driftwood, Rosevine, near Portscatho, Cornwall (01872 580644; www.driftwoodhotel.co.uk)

Ickworth
Georgian stately home from home in National Trust parkland

Set in the east wing of a National Trust property open to the public, when the tourists make their way home at the end of the day, no doubt guests can't help feeling a little smug. As well as enormous grounds with woods and lakes at their disposal, they get to enjoy the swimming pool, the wood-panelled restaurant (Frederick's for fine dining while the kids have Cafe Inferno), beautiful lounges decorated in an impressive collection of art deco furniture, and a bedroom which comes with all the mod cons you could wish for. The hotel is part of Luxury Family Hotels, which also has properties in Wiltshire, Conrwall and Dorset.

Rates £180-£595, including breakfast.
Facilities 1,800-acre parkland (quad-bike tours and horseriding available), tennis courts, indoor pool and spa.
Children: There's a creche and playroom supervised by a nanny from 10am-6pm. Club Blue, for older children who don't want someone watching over them, offers bikes, adventure playgrounds, sporting activities during the holidays, nature trails and also swimming and tennis lessons can be arranged. Many rooms are interconnecting or have special child-friendly features; baby-listening and babysitting also available.
The Ickworth Hotel, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk (01284 735350; www.luxuryfamilyhotels.com)

Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons
Gourmet grandeur in a magnificent Chilterns manor house

Le Manoir, one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in England, provides a gold-plated experience for your family. Le Manoir is the biggest and oldest house in a very small quiet village. It sits regally among beautiful lawns, walled 17th-century and Japanese ponds and its own extensive organic herb and vegetable gardens - all of which feature on Raymond Blanc's incredible menu. His mission is to deliver the absolute best in cuisine and service in a friendly atmosphere. It's the perfect setting to celebrate a special occasion or better still, make the most of a weekend away and sign up for a cookery course. A day's tuition for children is also available thanks to La Petite Ecole de Cuisine; so while you relax, your little ones can be trained in how to make you the perfect lunch back home.

Rates: £380-£1,340 (for the two-bedroom suite), including breakfast
Facilities: Helipad, croquet lawn, bikes, 26 acres of grounds
Children: An extra bed can be provided for £45 (not available in deluxe or standard rooms). A special menu is provided for children; babysitting, listening and nanny services available by prior arrangement.
Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford (01844 278881; www.manoir.com)

Mr & Mrs Smith hotel guidebooks give you the low-down on boutique hideaways. To order books or to book any of the hotels featured in this article, go to www.mrandmrssmith.com