UK Family Breaks: A Winter Stay at The Elms, Worcestershire

by Take The Family

We spent a cold December weekend at The Elms – part of the Luxury Family Hotels        group – to learn why it’s such a popular retreat for families. It isn’t blessed with the extraordinary grounds you’ll find at the Ickworth in Suffolk, nor does it boast the beach (Moonfleet Manor in Dorset or Fowey Hall in Cornwall) on its doorstep, but it is in the most beautiful countryside with lots of footpaths and a ruined castle on the doorstep. And it does does offer a truly wonderful, luxurious, treat-filled weekend that we and our 3 young children absolutely loved.

The 23 spacious, if expensive, bedrooms are scattered throughout the main building and adjoining (disabled friendly) coach-house. The food in the main dining room was absolutely delicious and the service outstanding. As in its sister hotels, children are offered dinner in the early evening. Parents can eat with them too but will likely prefer to put them to bed first, turn on the listening monitors (linked to the hotel’s reception) and dine later, in peace – and with food of this quality, the opportunity really shouldn’t be missed. There is a welcoming bar and a couple of lounges with roaring fires, board games and newspapers.

Two further features help this hotel stand out. The first is the crèche, where, for our eldest son, the Xbox 360 was the main draw. Our middle boy preferred challenging other kids to air hockey, and our youngest drew and cut and played – there are plenty of toys and activities on offer. The other wonderful feature is the spa, with an enticing indoor pool, indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi, bistro and lots of spa treatments. The treatment rooms are perfect and there is a relaxing recovery and chill-out area.

We had no desire or need to leave the hotel and its grounds, but if we had, we could have enjoyed the Worcestershire countryside (with a hamper supplied by the Elms) or rode on the Severn Valley steam engine.  

We were struck by how relaxed our fellow parents were and how everybody seemed to be relishing the unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere, including the children. The only unrelaxing thing was the pain of leaving and the schlep back to London (2½ hours by train), but it was definitely worth it. The Elms is thoroughly recommended (if you can face the bill).

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