I thought of her when I discovered that a Cotswold hotel has a chocolate-themed room. Decorated in rich brown, red and gold, it features cushions resembling giant chocolates, a painting of an opened box of chocs on the underside of the bed canopy, organic chocolate bathroom products, and a plentiful supply of choccie bars and drinks.
Selfishly, I then thought of me. The same place has another room dedicated to my favourite pud – a steaming bowl of traditional spotted dick.
If ever we stayed at Three Ways House, we’d clearly have to book separate rooms to each enjoy our own sweet-toothed fantasies. Mind you, the custard-coloured Spotted Dick Suite is decorated with murals of spotty dogs and there are spots galore on bedlinen and soft furnishings. That might prove too much of an acquired taste for me.
The hotel is based in the village of Mickleton, near Chipping Campden, and is home to the Pudding Club, famous for serving splendid old-fashioned puds. Needless to say, its themed rooms are popular with children and this summer Three Ways has an appetising family package.
Until the end of August they’re offering B&B in pudding-themed family rooms for two adults and up to two children for £200 per night (saving £40). Also included are family tickets to nearby Hidcote Manor gardens (worth £26) and a pack with children’s wildlife activities to enjoy there.
With schools breaking up for the summer hols, country house hotels are coming up with other options to lure families away from the seaside.
After indulging in too many puds and chocolate in the Cotswolds you may feel a more active break is called for. Families booking the three-night midweek Summer Special at Headlam Hall, near Durham, are encouraged to enjoy the Great Outdoors of glorious Teesdale.
Until the end of September, guests enjoy free use of the hotel’s spa, bikes and tennis court, a 50% discount on golf at its challenging nine-hole course and a complimentary picnic hamper for a day out exploring the countryside. Cost is £267 per person with dinner, bed and breakfast, while youngsters under 13 sharing their parents’ room are charged at £75 per day with breakfast and can enjoy a free 30-minute golf lesson with the hotel’s PGA pro.
Most kids – and adults – love steam railways and if a 40-minute chug through the stunning scenery of the Lake District appeals, check out Lakeside Hotel on Windermere. It is including several local attractions free for those booking four nights b&b for the price of three when two adults and up to three children share a premier family room.
In addition to the train ride between Lakeside and Haverthwaite, guests get a free lake cruise between Windermere and Bowness and entry to Lakeland Motor Museum. Total family cost for the four nights is £838.
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