Ickworth Hotel

It’s a lovely child-​friendly hotel with lots of extra amenities — the National Trust Property adjoining, a swimming pool (a quick dash from the main door), enormous grounds (including a 7mile walk/​cycle), a dining room for families in the Conservatory and a smarter option in-​house: the Frederick. There’s a cinema room downstairs which shows films (DVDs — familiar ones) at 6pm and 8pm. Children’s games-​room down the hall (air hockey table, ping-​pong, Wii and Playstation, and a football table), a crèche (babies & toddlers) and a den (child care and activities for older kids). Hire bikes, big or small, and
Beds are lovely and (a little too) soft, pillows are all synthetic so a bit hot at night in winter, but you feel cosy and the décor includes some beautifully chosen pieces from the fifties and sixties — the desk lamp in our room was all-​Thunderbirds-​Are-​Go! Loved it.
A few annoying things — staff are all a bit spaced out, harassed or very young (experience is important). It’s difficult to get their full attention. It’s an old house, so it’s a bit of a warren of halls and staircases. That can go either way, depending on you. It does affect storage options so don’t expect modernity — practical? Yes. Sleek and easy to open & close? No.
The pool needs more changing rooms, and at least one more shower (it ONLY HAS one). But it’s a good size and a good depth (1.4m) — you can swim some decent lengths. Complimentary towels come to you all warm & toasty. The glass windows make it a lovely indoor/​outdoor space. Bean bags at the poolside — a winner.
If you’ve for the cash then this is an ideal getaway for tired mums & dads. Romantic dinners a deux, kids kept busy, family-​fun things to do (rain or shine), you could make some great memories here!

We spent a wonderful weekend at Ickworth in Suffolk. The hotel is located within a former private residence of eccentric aristocrats, in a very large park which is now managed by the National Trust. The hotel is part of a small hotel group who has spotted a nice niche with affordable luxury hotels targeting families with young children. Compared to many small, charming boutique hotels where children are not necessarily very welcome, at Ickworth everything has been thought for children and for the parents at the same time. The staff was super nice, very flexible (late check-​out, help with activities, organising dinner in the lounge rather than the restaurant etc.). We made the most of the park (Italian gardens visit, jogging in the forest, ride on bikes with the children, poney) and of the hotel (restaurants, swimming pool, kids activities, lounge for parents). We also visited the market at nearby Bury St Edmunds which was great. We will be back and will probably try to get friends with us to share such a great experience. Only downside to note was the entrance of this wonderful castle filled by prams… (they need to hide them!), wifi isn’t free (com’on!) and the service for the Sunday lunch was veeery slow as the place is so popular with locals on Sunday.