Winter can be a tricky time if you have kids of any age: darker, shorter days and bad weather inevitably mean they’re stuck indoors, with everyone getting bored, angry and arguing about screen time. Why not banish those winter blues with a change of scenery and take them on a spontaneous weekend getaway? After all, spontaneity is now a major travel trend – recent research from Hilton* found that only 22% of British travelers consider themselves meticulous planners.
You don’t have to travel far or be particularly extravagant – there are some fantastic indoor and outdoor attractions in Britain that are perfect for keeping the kids entertained during the winter season. Plus, if you’re planning a vacation in November or December, you can get them (and you) in the festive spirit with a Christmas-themed visit full of Christmas lights and perhaps a glimpse of Santa Claus himself. And when you return exhausted in the evening, Hilton Hotels ensures everyone has the perfect base to relax and enjoy, with family-friendly amenities such as connecting rooms, casual dining options and kids’ lounges. Having recently experienced a Hilton stay myself, I can vouch for them…
It’s never easy taking three young children for a night, but when we arrive at the Hilton London Metropole I know this will be more of a treat than a trial. We arrive there late – and a bit grumpy – on a Friday evening after a long day of school and train. With my youngest on the way to a meltdown, I ask the front desk if we can move up our dinner reservation and it’s done, no questions asked. We go to our room, through gleaming gold and marble hallways and up a state-of-the-art glass elevator, which captivates my children. A big plus of the Metropole is its interconnecting rooms, which allow you to keep your kids close while giving you a little privacy when they go to bed. My son is obsessed with the sights of London and soon sees Big Ben from one of our fourth floor windows.
Eating in public can be stressful with little ones, but Carmelita, our waitress in the Tyburn Kitchen, gives the kids coloring pages to keep them busy so we can relax with our scallop and squid starters. The children enjoyed their tomato soup, followed by fish strips and main courses of steak – a big hit on all counts. While my husband almost faints at the sight of the hotel’s enormous signature burger, I enjoy a delicious grilled sole, which Carmelita expertly debones while the children look on in amazement.
We’re all a bit exhausted by dessert, so we ask if we can get them as room service. Carmelita and her team oblige and soon our giant chocolate sundaes are eaten in pajamas in front of the TV, before the kids fall asleep in what they say is “the biggest bed we have ever seen”.
Now that the kids are sleeping for the night, it’s our turn to enjoy. I relax in the roll top bath and treat myself to the complementary AromaWorks bath bombs, while my husband watches the rugby with hot chocolate. Bliss.
After a refreshing night, we head to a breakfast of cereal, pastries and toast. My husband and children go for a full English breakfast, while I have a made-to-order omelette cooked right in front of me.
The Hilton London Metropole was voted the best British family hotel at this year’s International Travel Awards and it’s easy to see why: we all felt pampered and left the hotel feeling fresher than when we arrived. Plus, it’s also within children’s walking distance of the shops of Oxford Street, Hamleys on Regent Street and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, making it the perfect way to show kids the capital’s festive sights.
You don’t have to stay at the Hilton London Metropole to experience such treatment. Hilton has 176 hotels in the UK and Ireland, where reliable service and a comfortable night’s sleep come as standard – perfect for a winter weekend with the whole family…
Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour
While a trip to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour will always be magical, visiting with the kids at Christmas makes it that little bit more special: the Great Hall is decorated with giant Christmas trees that would dwarf even Hagrid; the Gryffindor common room is decorated as it was for the film’s festive scenes; while Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts Castle are all covered in snow. As well as seeing the festive sets used in the film, there’s also the chance to learn Neville Longbottom’s dance routine for the Yule Ball, spot Christmas cards made by the crew during filming and discover how the set designers ” never melting” snow. . Plus, you can ride a broomstick, take a ride on the Hogwarts Express, and see many of the costumes, models, and sets from the films.
Where to stay: Hilton London Watford
This hotel is the perfect base if you are visiting the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour with the whole family. It is a 10-minute drive away and has child-friendly facilities such as interconnecting rooms.
Festive lights in Kew Gardens
Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there’s something for everyone at Kew Gardens’ festive light show. Along the Christmas route you will see dozens of magical displays that combine music, lights and lasers with the natural landscape of the gardens. Wander through tunnels of glittering lights, watch lasers dance from the Palm House, enjoy the flickering flames of the fire garden and watch the lights twinkle to the beat of your favorite Christmas carols. No matter your age, you will see these incredible botanical gardens in a whole new “light”. Kew is the perfect spontaneous activity; it’s packed with wonders for all ages and there’s no need to book in advance.
Where to stay: Hilton London Syon Park
After an evening of enjoying Kew’s Christmas lights, make the short drive home to the Hilton London Syon Park. Situated on the edge of the 80-acre Syon House Estate, this hotel offers all the luxury you would expect from a country house hotel, yet is within easy reach of Kew and central London. Children will enjoy the games room and four restaurants, serving everything from sushi and modern British cuisine to classic afternoon teas, while adults can take advantage of the Kallima Club Spa with its treatment rooms, indoor pool and hot tub.
Legoland
Legoland doesn’t do things by half when it comes to Christmas. The little ones get the chance to see the big man himself as Santa wanders around the park in his sleigh, while Miniland, with its world monuments in miniature, gets a festive makeover. Landmarks like Big Ben, New York’s skyscrapers, and Amsterdam’s canals are covered in pristine white snow, providing the perfect opportunity for a Christmas card-worthy family photo. Elsewhere there will be a Duplo puppet pantomime and festive activities for enthusiastic little builders in the Brick. And that’s before you even get to the awesome Lego-themed attractions like Hydra’s Challenge, Haunted House Monster Party, and Laser Raiders.
Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton St Anne’s Manor
Set in 25 acres of landscaped gardens, DoubleTree by Hilton St Anne’s Manor in Wokingham offers you a well-deserved rest after a busy day of rollercoasters and rides at Legoland. If they have any energy left, the children can use it in the 14-metre indoor pool or with a game of tennis, while you relax with a spa treatment or relax in the sauna and steam room (if you still have energy left (there is also a 24-hour gym). For family meals, you can’t beat the food at the Omnia Restaurant, where the award-winning chef prepares classic British dishes such as a trio of lamb or a sea bass fillet.
Bear Gryll’s Adventure
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your kids can’t get outside, get active, and get off their screens. At the Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC, younger kids can try archery, rock climbing and iFly (that’s indoor skydiving in case you didn’t know), while older adrenaline junkies might prefer swimming with sharks, ax throwing and air rifle shooting or the escape room. A great way for children to challenge themselves physically and mentally in a safe, all-weather environment. If you want an adventure without having to book weeks in advance, try one of the many downloadable scavenger hunts available in Birmingham. Usually all you need is a smartphone and a pair of comfortable shoes, and they’re a fantastic way to get to know the city at your own pace.
Where to stay: Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Just a five-minute walk from the NEC, the Hilton Birmingham Metropole is a great family hotel. In addition to a babysitting service, interconnecting rooms and an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room, the hotel also offers a family and children’s lounge during the high season holidays. Here you can relax as a family with games such as a giant Connect 4, Jenga, Uno and coloring books, or enjoy family-friendly food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
*Opinium survey, July 2023 (among 2,000 British adults)
Be spontaneous with the kids this winter and book a child-friendly Hilton hotel