Calcot Manor
Best for
Tots, toddlers, tykes and teenagers
Recommended rooms
13 rooms and suites have been specially kitted out for families, with plenty of space to sprawl in. The Large and Deluxe Family Suites are spread over two floors, and have separate kids’ bedrooms, dotted with teddies and toys.
Crèche
The Playzone is a fully staffed, Ofsted-accredited day nursery where you can leave little ones unattended for a couple of hours at a time (9am–12.30pm and 1.30–5.30pm, seven days a week). There’s a wealth of fun and creative activities available, including art, games and dressing-up, as well as a good selection toys. Booking recommended.
Activities
The Mez children’s area for over-eights is stuffed to the rafters with games, including table football, Wii, Xbox, PlayStation and a home cinema. For more outdoorsy diversions, there’s 220 acres of grounds featuring cycling trails (bikes with child seats are available free), walking paths, tennis courts and during the summer months, a maize maze.
Swimming pool
Older children will love the in- and outdoor pools and the outdoor hot tub; younger swimmers have a dedicated pool beside the main one. Children may use the spa pool between 3.45pm and 5.15pm during the week and 8.45am and 10.15am at weekends.
Meals
There’s an excellent children’s tea served in the Gumstool every day at 5.30pm. Under-eights are discouraged from the main Conservatory restaurant but the Gumstool children’s menu is one of the best we’ve seen – entirely home-made and organic. For the miniest of Smiths, organic baby purées are also available. High chairs are available, baby food or milk can be heated at any time, and staff will readily prepare a packed lunch.
Babysitting
Either crèche staff or members of the hotel’s known nanny network can be booked for babysitting, for £8.50 an hour (paid directly to the sitter).
No need to pack
Even if you forget everything but the children, the hotel will either provide or obtain all the essentials. Family rooms come with special baby boxes containing bottle warmers, sterilisers, changing mats, nappy bags and bottle brushes.
Also
Rooms have fridges, and travel cots can be booked in advance. Children staying in parents' rooms are charge at £30 a night, including breakfast and unrestricted use of the Playzone facilities.
