When I mentioned we were heading to Calcot for a January staycation, the reaction was immediate. “I’ve heard amazing things.” “Is it really that good for kids?” That gap between reputation and reality was exactly what we wanted to test.

We stayed for two nights with a five-year-old and a 15-month-old, driving from North London in just under two and a half hours. Far enough to feel like a proper escape, close enough not to feel exhausting. Located just outside Tetbury and easily accessible from the M4, it feels genuinely achievable, even with small children in tow.

First Impressions: Calm From the Start

Arrival was smooth and unhurried, something that matters more than you realise when travelling with young children. Staff were warm, organised and quietly efficient, setting a reassuring tone from the outset. Calcot is vast. As you drive through the estate, the scale becomes clear, with the 14th-century manor at its heart and accommodation spread across the grounds. Inside, roaring fireplaces (all sensibly fitted with child-safe guards) give the hotel a lived-in, welcoming feel, elegant without being precious.

The Rooms: Space That Actually Works for Families

We stayed in a Generous Family Suite, which worked perfectly for our setup. Two separate bedrooms — a king-size room for parents and a children’s room with twin single beds — each with their own bathroom, are connected by a central lounge area with sofas.

The main bathroom deserves a special mention. Spacious and beautifully designed, with both a deep bath and an oversized walk-in shower, it worked equally well for adults and children. The children’s bathroom has a shower rather than a bath, a small but useful detail for parents to note.

Thoughtful touches were everywhere. Our children’s names written on their bedroom door, personalised bags with homemade gingerbread, a Toniebox ready to use, fresh fruit, a Nespresso machine and a fully complimentary minibar stocked with soft drinks, chocolate and savoury snacks. It all felt quietly generous rather than performative.

For families travelling with babies, Calcot really stands out. A proper travel cot — sturdy, spacious and genuinely comfortable — along with child-friendly toiletries, bath toys, a nappy disposal bin, sterilisers and good lighting made a noticeable difference. Our youngest slept well both nights, even while sharing a room for the first time.

Childcare: The Game Changer

Calcot’s defining feature for families is the four hours of complimentary childcare each day, and it is what truly sets the hotel apart. The Ofsted-registered Playbarn caters for younger children with supervised play, crafts and activities. For older children (aged eight and over), The Mez offers PlayStations, Xboxes and even a 12-seater cinema.

Leaving a 15-month-old anywhere new always brings hesitation, but the Playbarn felt calm, organised and reassuring. Staff were attentive, communication was clear, and both children settled quickly. That uninterrupted time — whether spent swimming, walking, or simply reading a book with a hot coffee — is what transforms a family stay into something genuinely restorative.

The hotel also offers an excellent in-house video monitoring system. You are given a tablet-style screen that works across the hotel, allowing you to relax with a drink or dinner while keeping an eye on your child. Babysitting with qualified sitters can also be arranged at any time of day, leaving you free to spend some time recharging without worry.

Food: Family-Friendly Without Feeling Compromised

Dining is often where family stays unravel, but Calcot handles it well. The Brasserie is the main restaurant, light-filled and overlooking the grounds. Breakfast combined generous help-yourself options including pastries, fresh fruit, cheese, cereals and more with cooked dishes ordered from the table, from pancakes and eggs to avocado on toast and a full English. A separate children’s menu mirrors the same dishes in smaller portions.

At every meal, a highchair was already waiting, complete with bib, plate, sippy cup and Doddl cutlery. Children are expected here, not accommodated as an afterthought.

We ate after the kids went to bed both nights in the restaurant and were pleasantly surprised by the menu which focused on seasonal produce and fresh flavours including Sea Bream with Cornish Mussel and lemon mash and West End Pork Chop with creamed potato, apple and kale.

Desserts tend to be rich and indulgent alongside a solid cheese selection. The service was attentive and while a little more variety would be welcome for longer stays, the quality was consistently good.

For something more relaxed, The Hive offers an all-day café-lounge with fires, cosy seating and a flexible menu.

Kids’ Tea, served from 5–6pm, was ideal. Child-friendly mains, generous portions, a help-yourself buffet of bread and crudités while you wait, plus easy desserts and purée pouches made early evenings much less stressful.

Activities & Facilities: Space to Burn Energy

Calcot’s 220 acres include adventure playgrounds, nature trails and wide-open countryside. The indoor pool offers dedicated family swim times, along with a shallow children’s pool for little ones.

There is also an outdoor heated pool in warmer months. One practical note: there are no family changing rooms, so it is worth planning ahead if swimming solo with more than one child.

For Parents: Spa, Gym and Proper Downtime

During childcare hours, there is plenty to enjoy depending on how active you feel. The spa includes an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub. Although we did not book treatments this time, there is a full menu available, from facials to massages, alongside calm spaces to relax afterwards.

The newest addition, the Grain Store gym, is particularly impressive. Housed in a repurposed barn, it includes Technogym equipment, free weights, a spin studio, fitness classes and even a sled track. It is a serious setup that will satisfy committed gym-goers.

The Verdict

Calcot gets the balance right. It is genuinely child-friendly without being child-centric. Children are welcomed, not indulged, and adults never feel sidelined.

Is it as good for kids as everyone says? Yes. More importantly, is it good for parents? Absolutely. That combination is what makes Calcot somewhere families return to, and somewhere we would happily revisit as our children grow.

Rooms from £334 per night. For more information and bookings, visit www.calcot.co.

Address: Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8YJ
Tel: +44 (0)1666 890 391
Instagram: @calcot_and_spa

All images courtesy of Calcot & Spa

Calcot & Spa Review: The Family-Friendly Staycation Where Parents can Actually Relax