Mr & Mrs Smith

We are a couple in our late 50s to early 60s and were looking for a long winter weekend, complete with roaring fire, which would meet all our wishes of ‘ancient, warm and friendly’. We chanced upon Woolley Grange, it was a calculated risk because it promotes itself as a family hotel, but we figured as it was post-Christmas the kids would be at school and we'd be OK. And OK we were. There were some families, but this was fine. In fact, it sort of added something to the weekend. However, I understand it can be pretty chaotic at peak times, such as during the summer holidays. The building was excellent and the staff, without exception, were very friendly. There was plenty of heat, as the two lounges had log fires and our room ‘East Gable’ even had a gas log fire which was excellent. Sadly, I understand a forthcoming refurbishment will remove the room's log fire, which will be a shame. We ate off the 'Fine Dining' a la carte menu the first night, which was faultless but expensive. Having decided we could not do this for all three nights, on the following night, we ate in a local pub, The Tollgate Inn. This was fine but not as good as the alternate 'light' menu in Woolley Grange which we had on the last night. The ‘light’ menu was superb and same price as the food at the pub. We should have eaten off this menu all three nights. We had a three nights for two deal, which was excellent value. However, the normal 'per night' price is probably very high if you don't have kids and therefore don't make use of the extensive kids facilities. Also, you get free access to the spa swimming pool, which we didn't use. The only two downers were there was no tea making facility in the room and also no wall mounted shower in bath, so you had to kneel or sit in bath for a shower. Maybe the refurbishment will address these issues.
 

Great place for families. We went as a couple with no children during the week. The children were all well behaved and not too numerous during the school term. Really enjoyed ourselves. The staff were brilliant, the spa was great, the food was nice but lacking in vegetables (maybe it was just what we ordered).

Our first hotel stay with our eight-month-old munchkin and we couldn't have been better catered for. The staff were friendly, helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them:  they washed all his bottles, coped admirably with his dairy allergy and made us welcome by the fire at 6am when he wouldn't sleep. The children's tea at 5.30 worked brilliantly as we didn't have to worry about his mess. The tea is served in the orangery – others were doing the same and could then have the evening as adults-only thanks to their baby listening service. The resident dog was fabulous with children and the spa a wonderful bonus, as was the nursery where you can leave children for a couple of hours or play there with them. Nearby Longleats kept babe and husband happily entertained for the day. However, as child-friendly the hotel was, this wasn't to the exclusion of adults and childfree couples probably wouldn't notice all the child-geared activities as they tend to leave the main dining room etc child-free so adults can just enjoy the wonderful food and log fires.

Excellent hotel. Very family friendly but still very luxurious. A real treat for the whole family.

Maples Delicatessen (www.maplesdeli.com) in the Shambles, in Bradford on Avon is excellent for lunch. Something different, reasonably priced, and lovely staff.

A great child-friendly hotel, the hotel has thought of pretty much everything! We just wanted to say how great the creche was for our little boy Jasper. Fantastic! A variety of lovely staff and open for dad to keep him occupied early in the mornings while mum slept.