Why Calcot Manor & Spa Is the Ultimate Family-Friendly Retreat in The Cotswolds.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Calcot Manor & Spa is more than just a luxurious countryside escape, it’s a place where every member of the family feels genuinely welcomed, seen, and catered for. In all our travels, across countless hotels and spas, Calcot stands out as the most genuinely family-friendly place we’ve stayed. It doesn’t just accommodate children, it truly welcomes them, all while maintaining a sense of calm, style, and grown-up luxury. It’s a rare and beautiful balance: where little ones are embraced, parents are cared for, and every detail has been thoughtfully designed with families in mind.
It’s elegant without being precious, relaxed without being chaotic, and stylish while still putting children at the heart of the experience. From the very first moment you arrive, there’s a feeling that someone has thought through what travelling with children actually entails. The kind of thoughtfulness that takes the edge off parenting-on-the-go and replaces it with joy, connection, and a lot more peace than most family getaways offer.
Whether you’re escaping with a baby, curious toddlers, or older kids in need of freedom, Calcot wraps it all up in a package that feels both indulgent and incredibly easy. You don’t have to choose between a memorable experience for your children or one that leaves you feeling relaxed and recharged, you get both.
Here’s why Calcot Manor & Spa stands out as one of the UK’s best destinations for families, and how it manages to turn the chaos of travel into something truly special.
By Alice Codford
Our Initial Impression of Calcot Manor & Spa
From the moment we arrived at Calcot Manor & Spa, we felt like we’d stepped into a peaceful pocket of countryside calm. Walking through the grounds, surrounded by beautifully kept greenery, colourful blooms, and the gentle hush of the Cotswolds, it already felt like a retreat in the truest sense of the word. There’s an almost instant exhale, this is somewhere you can breathe.
The interiors are just as special. Luxurious, chic, and unmistakably cosy, the décor manages to strike that perfect balance between refined design and relaxed comfort. It doesn’t feel like a hotel, it feels like being welcomed into someone’s stunning country home. The kind of place where everything is beautiful, but nothing is off-limits.
It quickly became clear just how much there is to do for the whole family. Whether you're sipping a glass of fizz or a well-earned cup of tea while admiring the gardens, heading off on a long walk through the surrounding woodland and fields, swimming in the heated outdoor pool, or getting a rare moment to yourself at the spa, every kind of experience is thoughtfully provided. And if you’re with little ones? The outdoor playground is a joy, and there's a gentle rhythm to everything that means you don’t feel the pressure to plan or overthink. It’s all right there, waiting.
What truly ties everything together is the people. The staff at Calcot are genuinely warm, kind, and always ready to help. There’s no performative hospitality here, just real friendliness, which makes all the difference when you’re travelling with children and juggling a million little things.
It’s this blend of natural beauty, considered design, abundant activities, and heartfelt service that sets Calcot apart from the start, and it only gets better.
Because once you begin to explore what’s actually on offer for families, it becomes clear that Calcot isn’t just family-friendly, it’s family-focused. Every detail is designed to make travelling with children not just easier, but genuinely enjoyable, and we’ve experienced that ease firsthand. Here’s exactly what makes it stand out, and why it deserves a spot at the top of your list for your next family stay:
The Magical Playbarn & Mez: A World of Fun for Every Age.
Photos Courtesy Of Calcot Manor & Spa
Calcot’s Playbarn isn’t just your typical kids' club, it’s a carefully designed space where children of all ages can play, create, and relax. Housed in a beautifully converted barn, the Ofsted-registered, purpose-built crèche caters to little ones from newborns all the way through to teens, ensuring every family member is looked after.
For the youngest guests, the crèche is a paradise, packed with toys, arts and crafts materials, and everything needed for a day full of exploration. Lovingly run by a team of wonderful nannies, it’s a fun and safe environment where babies and toddlers can enjoy their time while parents take a well-earned break.
For older children (aged eight and over), the Mez offers an Aladdin’s cave of entertainment, featuring PlayStations, Wii consoles, Xboxes, computers, and even a 12-seater cinema. It’s the kind of space that guarantees you’ll hear no complaints when you book them in for a few hours, actually, they might not want to leave!
And the best part? Complimentary childcare sessions mean you can enjoy some guilt-free me-time, whether you’re at the spa, enjoying a quiet meal, or simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. The Playbarn gives parents the rare chance to enjoy a little holiday time of their own, whether that’s a peaceful lunch, a glass of something on the terrace, or a well-deserved break in the spa.
Spacious, Thoughtful Family Rooms & Suites.
Photos Courtesy of Calcot Manor & Spa
At Calcot, family stays are not only made easy, they’re made beautiful. The Family Rooms are thoughtfully designed to give families the space and comfort they need, with layouts that make travelling with kids feel effortless. Each room offers a master bedroom with a king-size bed and a separate sleeping area for little ones, featuring twin beds or bunk beds, depending on the setup. Some rooms even open out onto their own private garden, perfect for early morning energy bursts or winding down with a bedtime story in the fresh air.
What really sets Calcot’s family accommodation apart is the attention to the small but crucial details. You’ll find an in-room listening monitor, and you can request a baby video monitor if needed. There’s a Toniebox audio story player for cosy wind-downs, and practical touches like a bottle warmer, steriliser, and changing mat, making the entire experience smoother for parents.
Alongside that, each room is kitted out with all the grown-up luxuries too: Nespresso machine, fluffy robes, Sky TV, and even fresh fruit and homemade shortbread on arrival. It’s a space that feels as considered for adults as it is for children, with comfort and calm at the heart of the experience. Whether you’re travelling with a toddler or a team of siblings, these rooms are built to give your family room to just be together. Explore Calcot’s Rooms & Suites here.
Easy, Elegant Family Dining.
Photos Courtesy of Calcot Manor & Spa
Dining at Calcot is exactly what every parent hopes for on holiday: delicious, seasonal food in a relaxed setting where kids are genuinely welcomed, not just tolerated. From afternoon teas and lazy lunches to celebration dinners or snack breaks between adventures, every mealtime feels easy and enjoyable for the whole family. There are two main spots to eat:
The Brasserie offers an elevated dining experience that still feels warm and welcoming. Overlooking the beautiful grounds, it was here that we experienced truly impeccable service and some of the most delicious food of our stay. Every detail, from the menu to the atmosphere, made dinner feel like a treat for the grown-ups, while still being completely accessible with children in tow. It had all the hallmarks of an upscale restaurant, without ever feeling too formal or fussy.
For something more casual, The Hive is your all-day go-to. It’s a stylish, laid-back café lounge where you can graze and gather throughout the day, with cosy nooks for quiet family moments and a buzzing atmosphere as the evening sets in. It’s also where you’ll find the daily children’s tea at 5 pm, ideal for winding things down early or keeping to nap-friendly routines.
Best of all, Calcot makes dining with kids genuinely easy. High chairs are ready and waiting at your table if needed, and there’s child-sized cutlery and colourful tableware to make little ones feel right at home. Menus are approachable and thoughtful, with options for even the fussiest eaters, so the whole family can enjoy mealtime without stress or compromise. Explore Dining at Calcot here.
Spa Bliss. (Yes, Even for Parents!)
Photos Courtesy of Calcot Manor & Spa
Tucked away in the heart of the countryside, Calcot’s award-winning spa is one of its most treasured gems—and yes, parents can actually enjoy it. Thanks to the on-site Playbarn and Ofsted-registered crèche, a proper dose of me-time becomes a reality, not a wishful thought.
Surrounded by the idyllic Cotswold landscape, the spa is designed to soothe and restore from the moment you arrive. Whether you’ve got an hour or an entire afternoon, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Slip into a fluffy robe and begin your escape with a visit to the outdoor fireside hot tub, where warm, enveloping waters and gentle countryside air combine for instant calm.
Inside, you’ll find tranquil treatment rooms, a deeply relaxing indoor pool, plus a steam room and sauna to melt away stress. The spa menu offers everything from indulgent massages and glow-boosting facials to full body rituals designed to leave you feeling completely renewed.
Everything here is thoughtfully designed so that you can just turn up, relax, and let someone take care of you for a change. No logistics, no multitasking—just time to exhale. It’s the kind of luxury that feels not only indulgent but well-deserved. Explore Calcot’s Spa here.
Family Swim Time in Two Gorgeous Pools.
Photos Courtesy of Calcot Manor & Spa
Swimming at Calcot is as family-friendly as it is luxurious, offering designated splash time that fits beautifully into your day. While the main spa remains an adult-only sanctuary for most of the day (ensuring true calm for guests and spa members), little ones are warmly welcomed to enjoy the water during dedicated family swim sessions—and trust us, they’re worth planning around.
The indoor pool, located within the spa, is open for bookable 45-minute slots at 3:45pm and 4:30pm daily, with extra morning sessions on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:45am and 9:30am. These slots are popular, so pre-booking is essential, and totally worth it for a cosy, calm swim in a warm, inviting space that still feels elevated and serene.
From May through mid-September, Calcot’s heated outdoor pool becomes the heart of family downtime. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a splash under the sun or unwind poolside while the kids make the most of the water. Surrounded by loungers and landscaped gardens, it’s an al fresco highlight of the summer stay.
Whether it’s a refreshing morning dip or an afternoon cool-down, swimming at Calcot strikes that rare balance: indulgent for grown-ups, exciting for kids, and entirely stress-free.
Outdoor Adventures, Big and Small.
Photos Courtesy of Calcot Manor & Spa
