Calcot Manor, Tetbury, Cotswolds

This fairly intimate Cotswolds country house hotel combines pampering breaks with family-friendly facilities. The latter include two swimming pools (one outdoor and one in the spa, with dedicated kids' times) and supervised playzones for children of different ages, including The Mez with its own 12-seater cinema. Activities include cycling, pony-trekking, woodland walks, lawn games, and Junior Masterchef baking sessions, and both babysitting and baby-listening services are available.

Calcot Manor's main Conservatory restaurant serves classic and modern British food, or there's a more informal inn with open fires in winter. Afternoon teas and Sunday lunches are particularly decadent. The individually decorated rooms are chic but practical: family rooms and suites come with a choice of extra beds or bunks. Some rooms of this boutique retreat have freestanding baths.

Read our review of our family break at Calcot Manor.