The days are lengthening and restrictions are loosening, but with quarantine-free international travel still looking uncertain, there’s one word on everyone’s lips this spring: staycations. With summer holidays just around the corner, what better time to discover the hidden gems on our doorstep and book a getaway that will be fun, relaxing and indulgent for all the family? Located in the stunning Essex countryside just 45 minutes from London, luxury country house hotel, spa and estate Down Hall has announced a series of bespoke family packages for the perfect post-lockdown escape from 17th May.
During the closure, Down Hall has been busy upgrading its grounds and facilities to ensure that guests, big and small, can enjoy a happy, action-packed stay within the property’s 110 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland. Following the installation of a brand new Padel tennis court, Down Hall’s grounds have something for everyone with five-a-side football, croquet, boules, badminton, giant games, a children’s play area and a newly created ‘Trim Trail’ outdoor woodland gym. Dedicated kids football and tennis camps with professional coaching will also be available to book across May half term and the summer holidays as part of a stay.
Based on two adults and one child sharing*, the dedicated Family Staycation package (from £289 per room) has everything covered, including full and unlimited use of the hotel’s new sporting facilities, a fully fitted indoor games room, and a £30pp dining allowance to be used in the hotel’s restaurant and bars. What’s more, children under 12 stay and eat for free throughout the school holidays – so let them work up an appetite while you relax and enjoy some much needed R&R, whether that’s on the al fresco terrace, from the comfort of your room or at the hotel’s Eden Spa.
Fancy getting out and about? Then opt for the Paradise Wildlife Park package (from £319 per room), which includes all of the above amenities alongside family tickets to the park, where you can expect everything from big cats through to farmyard favourites.
Alongside their roster of outdoor and indoor activities, Down Hall offer a babysitting service which is bookable on request – perfect for a date night dining à deux in the restaurant. And if you’ve welcomed a four-legged friend during lockdown, why not bring them along for the ride? Down Hall is a proudly dog-friendly hotel and offers select rooms for guests with pooches in tow.
The hotel will reopen on 17th May in line with current government guidance, with pre-booking open now: https://www.downhall.co.uk/families.
