COUNTRYSIDE HOTELS THAT ARE JUST AN HOUR AWAY

By Lotte Brouwer

These countryside hotels are so close to London; you can pick up the kids from school on a Friday and be enjoying some country views and country air before they can ask “are we there yet?”

1. Beaverbrook, Leatherhead

For sprawling views and country manor vibes just a hop and a skip away, Beaverbrook Hotel in Leatherhead is unbeatable. Just a 30 minute drive from Wimbledon, the lush hotel feels a world away from the hustle and bustle. The epic play area and treehouse at the bottom of the garden will keep adventurous kids busy for hours, and there’s also a Sharky & George kids’ club (activities include firemaking, den building and nighttime safari) to boot, as well as a cinema room and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. There are dog-friendly rooms, and extra kids’ beds can be added from £60 a night.

Beaverbrook hotel, Reigate Rd, Leatherhead KT22 8QX. www.beaverbrook.co.uk

2. Four Seasons Hampshire

With a scenic spa, a brilliant splash-park for kids, plus pony rides, games room, kids’ club, gym, large adventure playground, a treetop walk with a zip line and country pursuits (shooting, fishing, etc) for grownups, Four Seasons Hampshire is a paradise both for kids and their grownups. Just an hour’s drive from London, the restored 18th-century manor sits among the rolling hills of Hampshire’s countryside. The drive is almost as scenic as its setting: all thatched-roof cottages, canals and winding tree-lined lanes – and for those coming by train, the hotel is just a 10 minute taxi ride from Winchfield station. The swimming pools are the real highlight here, with an adults-only spa and pool that leads to an outdoor heated vitality pool, and Sharkie’s Reef kids’ splash park next door, complete with a four-metre water slide, rotating umbrella fountain and bubble jets. Should you wish to venture further outside, there’s a pretty 18th century walled garden and original Dovecote on the hotel grounds, or ask the staff for suggestions of various walking trails on the doorstep.

Four Seasons Hampshire, Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Ln, Dogmersfield, Hook RG27 8TD. www.fourseasons.com/hampshire/

3. The Ickworth, Suffolk

For those travelling from North London, the Ickworth hotel in Suffolk is as family-friendly as you can get. Part of the Luxury Family Hotels collection, the hotel offers a baby listening service (so you can enjoy your dinner in the restaurant), children’s play areas galore, and all the equipment you’ll possibly need. Aside from the crèche, heated indoor pool, tennis courts, games room, cinema room and playground, there are walled gardens and 1,800 acres of beautiful parkland to explore. Just borrow one of the all-terrain iCandy pushchairs from reception. Afterwards, put your feet up at the spa or sip champagne at the bar, while taking advantage of the hotel’s 90 minutes of complimentary childcare. To take the stress out of packing, the hotel comes equipped with cots, bed guards, high chairs, pool toys, potties, nappy bins and bottle warmers (they’ll heat bottles and bring fresh morning and evening milk to your room, free of charge).

The Ickworth has sister hotels in the New Forest, Bradford-on-Avon, Dorset and Cornwall, offering similar service.

The Ickworth Hotel, Horringer, Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5QE. www.ickworthhotel.co.uk

4. The Grove, Hertfordshire

Set in 300 acres of grounds, The Grove has the look and feel of a country house, but within easy reach of London (just 20 minutes by train from London Euston). This country hotel has it all, from an impressive spa and golf course to outdoor pursuits like archery lessons and clay pigeon shooting, and masses upon masses of children’s activities. Borrow a bike or Segway and tour the hotel’s woodland trails and gardens, in which you’ll find giant games of Jenga and Connect 4, or take a splash in the heated outdoor pool. In the summer, the Walled Garden houses Ralph’s Beach (a heated pool with sand and deckchairs), tennis courts, table tennis, a croquet lawn and mini football pitch, plus, this summer they’re setting up a big screen. The Everyman Secret Garden opens at The Grove from 14 July. Pull up a beanbag, grab a set of headphones and settle in front of one of the familyfriendly films; hotel guests can enjoy a complimentary screening as part of their stay. Need some time alone? Anouska’s Kids’ Club takes little ones off your hands so you can catch up on some needed R&R. Throw in interconnecting rooms, cot beds, a babysitting service, Disney+ in every room, and free dining for children aged three and under, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a genuinely relaxing weekend break.

Chandler's Cross, Watford WD3 4TG, United Kingdom. www.thegrove.co.uk

5. The Ditchling Cabin

For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Ditchling Cabin, a private lakeside cabin where you can spend the weekend swimming, messing around on boats, and warming up by the fire with nobody but your family around you. Set on a private lake in the South Downs National Park, the cabin is kitted out with a roll top bath, a cot bed, bunk beds for the kids, board games galore, children’s books and toys, a fire pit, barbecue, outdoor wine fridge, boats, canoe and paddle board, a closet full of wetsuits, a hot outdoor shower and a hot tub / Jacuzzi. It’s everything you could need for a weekend of al fresco lakeside fun.

Ditchling Cabin, Whitelands Reservoir, Underhill Lane, Hassocks BN6 9PL. www.ditchlingcabin.com

6 The Pig at Bridge Place, Canterbury

Tucked away just outside the historic village of Bridge, near Canterbury, and surrounded by the lush meadows of the Nailbourne Valley you’ll find Bridge Place, a historic Grade II* listed Jacobean house in the Kentish countryside. Bringing its signature touches to this classic country house, The Pig has kept all the charm and period features (large fireplaces, secret stairways, panelled rooms and curious nooks and crannies), and added an enormous kitchen garden, two Potting Shed treatment rooms using Bamford products, an outdoor kitchen and ‘Garden Oven’ for flatbreads and outdoor eating, while the interiors are filled with eclectic finds, mismatched crockery and antique furniture. The two Lodge rooms, each with two bedrooms, are perfect for families.

The Pig at Bridge Place, Bourne Park Rd, Bridge, Canterbury CT4 5BH. www.thepighotel.com/at-bridge-place

7. The Mitre at Hampton Court

While technically not in the countryside, this waterside hotel in Hampton Court is a stone’s throw from Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace (and its incredible playground), making it a great place to stay with small children. Throw in the snazzy interiors and cool rooms with bunk beds, and it’s a great option for families with kids who don’t travel well. The characterful interiors make it a warm and cosy place to stay and it’s dog-friendly too. There is boat hire nearby, or enjoy river walks along the towpath. Hampton Court village is worth a visit too, with its old-school wine bar, family butcher and antiques shops. Hampton Ct Rd, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9BN. www.mitrehamptoncourt.com

8. Cliveden House, Berkshire

For a very swish and fancy mini break, Cliveden House is an opulent and stately property surrounded by 376 acres of formal gardens and woodland. The spa is the main attraction, with indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, while for kids there’s a maze to explore, as well as a play den. In Cliveden’s boathouse you’ll find two pretty boats for hire, perfect for sunset picnics.

Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF. www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

9. Rocksalt, Folkestone

If it’s seaside you’re after, take the high speed rail from St Pancras down to Folkestone for a coastal break. Perfect for foodies, Rocksalt is a restaurant with rooms. With a spot right on the harbour, it serves up fine dining with sea views. Folkestone's long pebble beach is five minutes' walk away.

Rocksalt Folkestone, 4-5 Fish Market, Folkestone CT19 6AA. www.rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk

10. Ashdown Park, East Sussex

Just an hour from SW London, Ashdown Park is a grand, stately house with a Hundred Acre Wood on its doorstep – perfect for Winnie The Pooh fans. While the hotel and grounds are elegant, children are welcomed. Aside from nature walks, there’s not much for small children, but older children (12+) can rent bikes, and there are tennis courts too, plus an 18 hole golf course.

Ashdown Park, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Grinstead RH18 5JR. www.ashdownpark.com