As a mum of two young girls, aged six and one, I once believed that spa trips were a thing of the past after having children. However, I discovered that numerous spa hotels across the UK warmly welcome families. While children may not be permitted in the actual spa areas, these properties offer dedicated menus, toys, and treats to ensure little ones are entertained. Here are some of the best family-friendly spa hotels I have personally visited.
Gleddoch, Near Glasgow
Located on the banks of the Clyde, this golf hotel impressed me with its warm welcome for children. Our Residence Four Poster room was newly renovated, featuring a sleek bathroom, stunning water views, a sofa bed for my eldest, and a grand four-poster bed for us. Dining in the room was a pleasure, with a delightful kids' menu and an excellent wine list. The highlight is the Imperia spa, a multimillion-pound facility that recently won 'best new spa.' It boasts the UK's largest outdoor sauna with panoramic views over the estuary and rolling hills to Ben Lomond. Children are not allowed in the pool, ensuring uninterrupted relaxation for other guests. The cosy Dram whisky and gin bar is perfect for a quiet morning. Prices start from £129 in low season and £189 in high season.
Cameron House, Loch Lomond
A Scottish institution where even Barack Obama has stayed, Cameron House offers exceptional service from the moment you arrive. The stylish, cosy interior features Scottish heritage touches, and staff remember names and engage warmly with children. Dining options range from the Michelin-starred Loma to the Tavern and Great Scots Bar, with chefs happy to accommodate off-menu requests for little ones. Our family suite was spacious and modern with undisturbed loch views. The adults-only spa is renowned, but we enjoyed the large family pool with a water slide, shallow areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows. A falconry lesson outdoors was equally captivating. Rooms start from around £275 per night.
The Midland, Manchester
Dating back to 1903, The Midland boasts a magnificent brick facade and grand interiors. The domed atrium houses the Champagne Bar & Lounge, offering a relaxed menu. Rooms feature panelled walls, comfortable beds, and stately sinks. The Rena Spa in the basement includes a Himalayan salt sauna, thermal experience shower, steam room, hot tub, and pool, with a full treatment menu and a relaxation room with hanging pods. Rooms start from £145.
Pan Pacific, London
Steps from Liverpool Street Station, this hotel offers exceptional service and delicious food at Straits Kitchen, especially the crab pappardelle and short rib. The small but perfectly equipped spa features an 18.5m infinity pool. Rooms are sleek and modern with Jo Loves products, and upper floors offer mesmerising views of iconic buildings like the Gherkin. For children, there are kids' menus, DIY biscuit icing afternoon tea, drawing materials, personalised bath flannels, toys, and play tents. Prices start from £395 per night.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere, Cumbria
Set right on Lake Windermere, this resort offers a jetty, beach, and hireable boats. We stayed in a Winander Club Suite with a sofa bed, cot, large bath, and gorgeous views. The wood-fired Blue Smoke restaurant and Langdale Lounge served top-notch food. The family pool has shallow areas and ledges for little ones, plus a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi for adults. The indoor/outdoor spa features infinity pools, hot tubs, a Finnish sauna, and ice therapy. Rooms start from £200 per night B&B, with spa entry at £65pp for a three-hour thermal journey.
Rudding Park Hotel & Spa, Harrogate
A strong contender for the best UK spa, Rudding Park features a rooftop pool and an entire floor dedicated to relaxation. Highlights include a cold water dip and sauna. The spa is adult-only, but children can use the main pool in the morning and evening. Staff treated our kids like queens, with welcome Jellycat toys and DIY pizza at dinner. The spa opens at 6.30am, perfect for early morning solitude. Dinner, bed, and breakfast starts from £179 per person.
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, Bassenthwaite, Lake District
Set in 400 acres of grounds sweeping down to Bassenthwaite Lake, this hotel offers forest bathing, moon bathing, and wild swimming on site. The spa has two indoor pools, an outdoor bubble pool, steam room, sauna, and rain rooms, with kids allowed at set times. Staff are attentive; one held my baby during dinner. Next door is the Lake District Wildlife Park with two-for-one adult tickets and free kids. B&B starts from £199 with spa access.
Daffodil Hotel & Spa, Grasmere, Lake District
Overlooking the lake, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat five minutes from the village. We enjoyed pink cremant on loungers watching the sunset. Afternoon tea was delicious with delicate pastries and sandwiches. Rooms were spacious with incredible views. The spa has a large thermal pool with jets and a long treatment menu. After a walk to Dove Cottage, an hour in the spa was perfect. Prices start from £160 room only.
The Langdale Hotel & Spa, Ambleside, Lake District
Set in the stunning Langdale Valley, this hotel is ideal for walks. On-site dining at the Stove restaurant is excellent, and the family pool includes a sauna, steam room, and infrared room. For adults, the Brimstone Spa offers an indoor/outdoor pool and full thermal suite, with ice rubs after the sauna. Rooms start from £175 per night including breakfast. The Afternoon Tea Spa Break costs from £350 per room per night for two sharing.
