Go everywhere, Do everything

The hotel

The building dates back to 1665 and the Randolph family and has grown and been extended over the years. Like many other country houses it had it’s part to play in the war with the Grange being an antenatal hostel for evacuated women and was even home to the first ever ambulance station.

You can now get a glimpse in to the past and experience staying in a country house that is the most family friendly hotel we have ever been to.

There are a selection rooms to choose from, everything from a standard double to a two bedroom suite to sleep every sized family. The rooms are all individual with original features. We had a standard room with a double and folding bed for Pip with plenty of space for the 3 of us and beautiful views of the garden.

Food

The food is amazing and plentiful!

Breakfast:

Breakfast is served between 7:30 and 9:45 am in the dining room and orangery. There is a selection of cereals, fruit and yogurt as well as breads for toasting and condiments. Everything is else is cooked to order and we tried the cooked breakfast, porridge, avocado toast and boiled eggs and can certify that they are all delicious.

Lunch:

Lunch is an informal affair and served between 12 and 5 pm. The menu is a selection of sandwiches and lighter meals so is great for little ones who need an earlier evening meal. Picnics and room service can also be arranged.

Afternoon tea:

Afternoon tea can be taken between 2 and 4pm and is Matilda themed. There is also the option to have cake and a hot drink.

Dinner:

There is a selection of options for your evening meal. There is a children’s sitting at 5pm which then allows adults to eat later or you can sit down for relaxed family dining in the orangery at 6pm. Adults and older children are able to eat in the main dining room, with children able to choose from the kids’ menu or a smaller portion of the main menu.

We choose to eat at 7pm with Pip and were seated in the main dining room which worked for us as we know that Pip can usually be trusted to behave during a meal and sometimes likes to order from the main menu.

Sunday lunch:

Sunday lunch is served from 12 to 3 pm on a Sunday.

The dining options are endless so whether your little ones need to eat earlier and you prefer to eat later or you want to all eat together then there is an option to suit everyone.

The Spa

The Spa is located in the grounds of the hotel and houses a small pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms.

The pool is a 12 metre pool with step and ladder entry and is open 7am-9pm weekdays and 8am-8pm weekends.

The changing area is an open plan family area with 2 cubicles and 2 showers as well as toilets. There are lockers poolside which take a pound coin or trolley token.

Towels are available from reception and robes are provided in your room. They don’t have specific child sized robes but they did have some small ones that fitted Pip (aged 10) perfectly. It’s also perfectly acceptable to walk across to the spa in your robe which makes getting changed much easier especially when you have little ones.

There are a variety of treatments available which you need to book in advance. The full menu of spa treatments can be found here. I went for the Ishga Marine Experience which included a full body massage, express facial and body scrub and it was the most relaxed I have been for a long time, made even better by the fact the massage table was heated! They also do a range of children’s treatments and Pip had a massage and a facial which she loved.

The grounds

The hotel has a large lawn with a wooden swing tied in to one of the large trees, there is also a trampoline and games on the lawn and plenty of space for running around. In the summer months there is a 12 metre outdoor pool open for use. Behind the pool you can find the fairies in the fairy garden and if that’s not enough then there is the walled garden with the ducks, witch’s house, children’s playhouses and even a tractor to play on.

Child friendly?

The hotel is the most child friendly hotel I have ever stayed at. Pip enjoyed her stay but the activities are definitely more geared towards younger children. There is complimentary childcare in the Woolley Bear’s Den or a baby listening service. You can borrow a baby monitor that works in the old building. They offer a bottle washing service, a variety of menus and dining time options, there is an abundance of things to do including an evening film that Pip very much enjoyed so she didn’t have to hang out with the boring adults.

Pet friendly?

The hotel is completely dog friendly and dogs can be accommodated in your room. The hotel will also provide dog bad, food, poo bags and has a dog wash station and shampoo in the grounds. They even offer a dog listening service while you are in the restaurant eating!

We stayed at Woolley Grange in February 2023 when Pip was 10. Full details can be found on the hotel’s website here.