Top 10 spas for half term with the family

Historically half term holidays have been renowned for resulting in the exhaustion of parents, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 10 of our favourite spa hotels that offer families the chance for quality time and relaxation for all this half term…

The Belfry, Birmingham

Spabreaks.com ambassador Denise van Outen visited The Belfry last year with her daughter and said: “there is simply so much to do and so many options for how to spend your time. It’s really a spa experience for everyone.” It is widely known for tis three impressive golf courses, but in addition, it’s array of activities and its spa means that for a family on half term there’s something for mum, dad and children of all ages.

New Park Manor Hotel and Spa, Hampshire

In the heart of ancient woodland, New Park Manor is a welcoming and peaceful escape in the New Forest, where wild deer and horses roam the grounds and parents can relax in the outdoor hot tub with a glass of Prosecco in hand. Meanwhile, children can explore the 16th century manor house, there are activities for children as well as a creche, and you’re within driving distance of Peppa Pig World.

Chewton Glen, Hampshire

The perfect example of having it all on half term holidays, with something for the children without compromising on luxury for parents, Chewton Glen is a five star hotel in a beautiful country house, but also offering family rooms and activities for children. The spa is well known as an exemplary thermal experience, and on a sunny day few things can beat a stroll in the sweeping grounds of the hotel.

The Grand, Brighton

A jewel of a hotel on the Brighton seafront, The Grand has a history as an iconic hotel. Inside it is grand and inspiring - historic touches meeting renovation, while the spa is a boutique experience designed as if it’s a Hollywood starlet’s private escape. Quite literally a stone’s throw from the beach, the position of the hotel could not be better for exploring Brighton making it an idyllic escape for those with children who are growing up and may relish a touch of sophistication and the freedom to explore Brighton.

Celtic Manor, Wales

Crazy golf, steak dinners at The Grill while the kids colour in, enjoying the outdoor space and playing on the giant Connect 4, archery, forest walking, and swimming in five star surroundings are just a few of the elements that make Celtic Manor such a blissful escape for families. Surrounded by extensive golf courses and grounds, it is brimming with possibilities for everyone to enjoy, including its renowned spa with a particularly special steam room complete with constellations in the ceiling.

Trump Turnberry Resort, Scotland

Set in 800 acres of grounds, Turnberry Resort looks out onto the beautiful Ayrshire coast. It is home to the Championship Ailsa course, and has been welcoming guests since 1906.Recently redesigned, it’s a fusion of rich mahogany furniture, sparkling chandeliers and lavish Italian marble bathrooms, but it also offers a crèche and kids’ club activities, as well as 800 acres of grounds to explore, making it the perfect mix of family friendly and sophisticated.

Anantara Vilamoura Resort, Portugal

From the breakfast buffet feast to the kids club and football academy, Anantara Vilamoura Resort is a family holiday destination in the truest sense of the words. It is not somewhere that offers endless activities for children, nor does it edit the overall experience and compromise it. It is a family escape that really brings you all together for quality time, taking care to incorporate Portuguese culture in all the details rather than simply being another holiday resort. A particular highlight was hiring a tug tug and going to Falesia beach, which is the most famous in Vilamoura.

Fota Island Resort, Ireland

A glorious outdoor adventure for families looking for a getaway this half term, Fota Island is a small island in Cork Harbour, and home to Ireland’s only wildlife park. Activities both indoors and outdoors are in abundant supply whether the children are interested in swimming lessons or ballet, golf or tennis, but the wildlife park itself is a wonderful experience. Stay in the hotel or self catering lodges, take in picturesque views and in general enjoy an awe-inspiring fusion of relaxation and adventure.

Fowey Hall, Cornwall

A family friendly hotel and part of the Luxury Family Hotels Collection, Fowey Hall in Cornwall overlooks the Fowey estuary and is a little bit of bliss for guests of all ages.  The palatial property is the stuff of fairytales, and is rumoured to have been the model for Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame’s childhood classic, The Wind in the Willows. Children can run around the grounds and on the beach.  There are also plenty of activities, buckets and spades and an indoor pool as well as two hours of free childcare available for every day of your stay. Meanwhile, adults can sip fine wines, dine in splendour and relax in the spa complete with a hot tub and sea views.  There’s a sun deck with loungers and treatment rooms offering a beautiful array of face and body therapies.

Kenwick Park, Lincolnshire

ClubSpa@Kenwick is a complete fitness and relaxation facility that’s a haven for mum and dad and also offers classes for children in the form of Kenwick Kidz.  In these classes children are encouraged to enjoy physical workouts as well as to develop positive associations with the water. Furthermore, one of the estate’s unique factors is the lodge accommodation. Surrounded by beautiful grounds and allowing an opportunity to have your own space, they are perfect for families to enjoy a full and relaxing mini break.