The Best: Places to Stay with the Kids

The Great West Way has plenty of options for families, from funky campervans and cosy narrowboats to super-luxury hotels that are set up with kids in mind. Check in to one of these for a memorable holiday.

Brooks Guesthouse, Bristol
Brooks Guesthouse is hiding a secret on its roof – four Rocket Caravans in shiny silver overlooking the rooftops of the city centre. Each Rocket is a self-contained room, complete with separate bathroom, full-size double bed and flatscreen TV. Most will only sleep two but the 20ft Retro Rocket has a seating area at one end that can be converted into two single beds for children up to 8 years old. Breakfast is served in the open kitchen area downstairs each morning and you’re right in the heart of the city here, just a few minutes from the Floating Harbour. 

Red Hatch Campers, Bath
Rather have a camper that can actually motor? Book one of Red Hatch Campers’ classic VW campervans and you and the kids can hit the road in retro style. Choose from bright orange Tallulah, powder blue Milo, mint green Lil or savannah beige Binky and you’ll get one full-width bed plus a pop-up roof with additional sleeping berths that can take two children. The campers are also equipped with a fridge, gas hob, sink and removable table, as well as an electrical hookup, so you can even cook and eat your meals on the go. You’ll pick up the camper in Bath, so most of the Great West Way is within easy reach.

Woolley Grange, Bradford on Avon
Woolley Grange is a luxury hotel where all the family get to relax – thanks to two hours of free childcare every day, a free baby listening system and in-house babysitters. There’s tons for kids to do too, from swimming lessons to egg collecting from the ducks and chickens, plus indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a spa. In the restaurant much of the food comes from the kitchen garden, while the bedrooms are stylish and spacious, with room for everyone. Babies are well catered for and all the baby paraphernalia you might need can be organised in advance, including cots and nappy bins, so you needn’t bring it with you. You’re close to gorgeous Bradford on Avon here too, with its canalside walks and cute cafés. 

The Farm Camp, Church Farm
Get the whole family back to nature with a stay at this family-run camp on a Wiltshire farm just two miles outside Bradford on Avon. Owner Tim is your host, his sister Becky can get the kids learning bushcraft or sheep herding, while Jess is on hand for relaxing yoga classes or a massage. Other activities include wild swimming in the River Avon, archery, organic vineyard tours and boating on the Kennet & Avon Canal. The three bell tents here are each named after a West Country phrase (Eesorite, Wossnem and Ispecso) and are entirely off-grid – no losing the kids to yet another game of Fortnite here. Hot showers are shared with the other tents and the main farm buildings have an indoor heated pool. 

The Wagon, Puckshipton
In the heart of Pewsey Vale, close to both Stonehenge and Avebury, is this wonderfully rustic cabin, built by hand by woodworker James Noble. Inside the wagon there’s a double bed plus two singles for the kids, as well as a two-ring gas hob and a small fridge. Outside is a compost toilet and an al fresco shower heated by wood burner, plus a campfire pit, barbecue and pizza oven. There’s no power here, so don’t forget to bring a torch. Right outside your front door is a lake, which you can swim in.

Big Box, Cotswolds
Cabins don’t have to be rustic, as this luxurious glass-fronted home from home attests. This is rustic luxe, with two comfortable bedrooms decorated with Indian murals, a beautiful bathroom with rolltop bath and a fully equipped kitchen which has an induction hob, oven and fridge. Outside is a barbecue and you’re in the heart of 35 acres of private land, owned by your hosts Peter and Kimberly. There’s peaceful woodland, gorgeous wildflower meadows and a small lake with a rowing boat just a short walk away. It’s just five minutes to the Cotswold Water Park too. 

Narrowboat, Kennet & Avon Canal
Narrowboats are ideal for families, with plenty of space to settle in to life on the canal and a bed that moves with you, no packing required. There are numerous companies hiring out boats for travelling the Kennet & Avon Canal. Those based at Bradford on Avon, such as Sally Narrowboats and Black Prince, are ideal for cruising to Bath, while those hiring out from Honeystreet, such as Honeystreet Boats and Moonraker Canalboats, offer the chance to plod up and down a stretch of canal without having to tackle any of its 105 locks. 

Whoever you hire your narrowboat with you can expect at least one separate bedroom, a bathroom with shower and a galley kitchen with oven and fridge. Be aware that on many boats an additional bed is made by converting the dining table – check how many separate bedrooms you’ll actually get before booking. You don’t need a licence to drive a narrowboat and it’s relatively easy once you get the hang of it.

Cliveden House, Berkshire
Children are well catered for at this luxury hotel on the edge of the Chilterns – and the estate that surrounds it (owned by the National Trust) is a wonderful place for walks by the River Thames and picnics in the woods, as well as organised nature trails and activities during the summer school holidays. The hotel itself is five-star all the way, with a gorgeous outdoor pool (kids are welcome 9am-5pm in summer), an indoor pool with dedicated children’s hours and a babysitting service so that you can dine a deux if you prefer. The hotel can also lend games, toys and family-friendly DVDs. 

For some more help on planning your family journey along the Great West Way, take a look at our family fun guide. You can also have a look at our Stay pages for a wider range of accommodation.