Stylish family friendly places to stay in Europe

Today “family” means different things to different people and their families are made up of all sorts of dynamics. Whatever yours looks like if you’re travelling with younger members of the tribe then you need to find somewhere that suits everyone. From beach holidays to ski chalets, city breaks to country cottages, our selection of stylish child friendly places to stay are designed to keep everyone happy.
Farmhouse of the Palms, The Algarve
A more family friendly approach would be hard to find. Frank and Veronique make the upmost effort to welcome all families to the point that under 3s stay for free in 2019. There are two larger rooms sleeping up to four as well as easier access rooms for multi generational groups. The beach is just down the road and the farmhouse spacious and with private terraces so you and yours can enjoy your own space.
Hotel Aiguaclara, Costa Brava, Spain
In the funky seaside town of Begur, just north of Barcelona, is this family run boutique guesthouse. Eclectically decorated and run with a sense of fun (there’s a cool bar and restaurant on site) most of the bedrooms can accommodate extra guests. There’s also a two bedroom apartment attached to the hotel (https://www.hotelaiguaclarabegur.com/en/begur-apartments) which is ideal for families from which you can also partake in the hotel’s great breakfast service.
Hip Hideouts, Val d’Isère, French Alps
These luxury catered chalets provide the perfect base for group skiing holidays for up to 20. They are incredibly well decorated and you have the services of chalet maids and drivers in some of the chalets. Some are perfect for multiple family occupancy – one to look at for that is Chalet Gran Teras (https://www.hiphideouts.com/chalet?chalet=chalet-grand-tetras). Check the kids into ski school and you’re off.
Casa Albariño, Lanzarote, Spain
Lanzrote is a smashing destination all year round and this villa is the perfect family retreat. The pool is heated bar round and the patio private and secure plus things like cots and high chairs can be provided with notice. There are some great safe beaches on the island as well as family fun venues, including Lanzarote Aquarium , Costa Teguise.
Manor Cottage, Liskeard, Cornwall
The Botelet estate is one of those magical places that you wish you’d grown up on. Masses of space including wild meadows to explore, plus a beautiful and child friendly Cornish beach just 15 minutes away. The Tamblyn family are happy to share their corner of paradise and there’s all sorts of things aimed at all generations – including yoga for children.
Molino Rio Alajar, Aracena, Huelva
This little known corner of Spain is natural and rugged, but has an awe inspiring beauty to it that’s hard to imagine. The activities on offer include biking, riding and hiking plus nearer to home there’s a nice pool and a tennis court too. Importantly each of the six cottages are lovingly designed and furnished with plenty of space inside and out for whatever the weather.
Tredethick Farm Cottages, Cornwall, England
The thing about Tredethick Farm Cottages is that they have been designed with a child’s view of what makes a fun holiday at the forefront, but with careful consideration for what makes adult members of the group happy. Think farm animals running around. Goats to feed. Eggs to collect. Child sized tractors to play on. But also think stylish interiors. Hot tub. Ready made food on hand if you can’t face cooking (you are on holiday too after all). We love this place.
Georgian House, Pimlico
So this one is a flight of fantasy for children of any age. In the depths of what is a daily friendly London hotel with super stylish rooms and a great food offering, there are also the Wizard and Enchanted chambers. These rooms are straight from the pages of a children’s classic and set the scene for a wonderful London weekend whatever else is on the agenda.
Lagacio Hotel Mountain Residence, San Cassiano, South Tyrol, Italy
The scenery at this amazing Italian hotel is stunning year round and offers superb family accommodation. Whether you’re skiing or hiking in spring, the hotel offers so much you might want to plan a couple of days when you don’t leave the building. Spa, sauna, restaurant.. plus the apartment style rooms offer you independence should you prefer it.
The Peren, Hay On Wye, Welsh Borders, Wales
The magical setting of the converted barn holiday cottage on the Welsh borders makes for a child’s heaven. The huge back garden is beautiful and secure, offering plenty of space to run off excess energy before bedtime after a day exploring or kayaking maybe? If your family includes a canine he will be in doggy bliss staying here.
SeaSunset Cottage, Whitstable, Kent
What kid doesn’t like the beach? Staying at SeaSunset Cottage on the Kent coast is like camping out on the beach – only not because you’re actually staying 5 star luxury… but you get the gist. There’s glass across the front to take in the views and step outside and your have Whitstable’s safe beach quite literally on the doorstep. The town is also famous for its great food so that’s covered off too…