Luxury family holidays in the UK
Children do find wonder in the little things, but luxury family holidays in the UK have a lot more to offer than muddy puddles and rock pools. Think cinema snugs, games rooms, garden parties, and tennis courts.
Little ones see everything through rainbow-tinted spectacles, making travelling with children and babies an eye-opening experience. What was once mundane becomes a shiny sparkle, the smallest puddles can become a tumultuous ocean voyage, and those gnarled and twisted trees on the wilderness walk are now tall, turreted towers that must be scaled. While there's nothing like the magic of exploring a new place through the little ones' eyes, luxury family holidays in the UK happen when there's just as much enchantment to be found inside as out.
Outside, there's secret gardens and topiary mazes. Inside, there's fairytale four poster beds and movie projectors. Head out with sunhats on, pointing in awe at clouds shaped like giraffes, then return to pizza and playgrounds. All the better enjoyed with grandparents in tow, multi-generational group gatherings allow parents to sneak off for moonlit dips in heated swimming pools, or pop open a bottle of bubbles in the hot tub under Cornwall's starry skies. Time spent together is time well spent, after all, and memories are made of this.
Mulberry Mill
Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK
There’s something quite special about this romantic old mill on the River Arun. Sandwiched between the High Weald and South Downs AONB with beautiful topiary gardens, this charming country home on the edge of Billingshurst is a rural idyll.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 guests
From: £1,950 per week, £1,395 per short break
Pets: Two pets are welcome
Features: Canoes for the river, football table, fishing is available year round outside of April and May
Mill of Arun
Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK
A tranquil spot on the Arun River sets the scene for a grand self-catering getaway here in rural West Sussex. Throw in a magical four-story millhouse for the family, a romantic couples' barn and English topiary gardens - and the whole family are guaranteed a ball.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
From: £3,195 per week, £2,350 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, two kayaks for the river, table football in the games room, fishing is available year round outside of April and May
The Gallerist
Haywards Heath, West Sussex, UK
A former 1850s brewery, The Gallerist is now a fittingly outré home for a culturist; a luxe country house with a rebellious streak, where a cinema, pool, and tennis court call seekers of laissez-faire living to Haywards Heath in West Sussex.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 guests
From: £4,950 per week, £3,750 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool (available April - October), woodfired hot tub, tennis court, and cinema room
Studio Fold
Nutbourne, Pulborough, West Sussex, UK
Meticulous design and eco-friendly credentials have seen this former water pumping station in Pulborough's sought-after village of Nutbourne transform into an award-winning self-catering home.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
From: £2,595 per week, £1,950 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Pool table and cinema room
Cadence
A 70’s sci-fi film was the unlikely inspiration for this playful modern retreat. Award-winning for its design and settled within poetic South Downs scenery; this architect's private home is a fine example of the new English country house.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £5,250 per week
Pets: Two well-behaved pets are welcome
The Art House
Sutton, Pulborough, West Sussex, UK
An idyllic private retreat where art deco architecture sits in manicured lawns and wildflower meadows, you'll feel far removed from the everyday at The Art House with its outdoor pool, tennis court and natural swimming lake.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £10,495 per week, £9,995 per short break
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: 17-metre heated outdoor swimming pool (June - September), sauna, 50-metre wild swimming lake with jetty, tennis court, air hockey, pool table and fire pit
Ariabelle
Iping, Midhurst, West Sussex, UK
Found at the end of a sweeping tree-lined drive, Ariabelle is the ultimate private country house, affording a luxury stay with lavish indoor pool and all the trimmings, all wrapped up within glorious South Downs countryside.
Sleeps: Up to 14 guests
From: £18,395 per week, £14,695 per short break
Pets: Pets are considered on prior agreement
Features: Indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, tennis court, steam room and sauna, gym and bar
