by Winter can be a tough time if you have kids of any age: shorter, darker days and inclement weather mean they inevitably end up stuck at home, with everyone getting bored, angry, and arguing about screen time. Why not banish those winter blues with a change of scenery and take them with you on an impromptu weekend trip? After all, spontaneity is now a major trend in travel: recent research from Hilton* found that only 22% of UK travelers consider themselves meticulous planners.
You don’t need to go far or be especially extravagant – there are fantastic indoor and outdoor attractions in the UK that lend themselves perfectly to entertaining children during the winter season. What’s more, if you’re planning a vacation in November or December, you can get them (and you) in the holiday spirit with a Christmas-themed tour filled with fairy lights and maybe a glimpse of Saint Nicholas himself. And when you return exhausted at night, Hilton hotels will make sure everyone has the perfect base to relax and enjoy, thanks to family-friendly amenities like connecting rooms, casual dining options and children’s lounges. Having recently experienced a stay at Hilton, I can attest to them…
It’s never easy taking three young children away for the night, but when we arrive at the Hilton London Metropole, I know it will be more of a pleasure than an ordeal. We arrived late (and a bit cranky) on a Friday afternoon after a long day of school and trains. With my youngest son on the verge of collapsing, I ask the front desk if we can advance our dinner reservation and be done with it, no questions asked. We went up 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 about the Metropole is its connecting rooms, which means you’ll be able to keep your kids close and have a bit of privacy once they go to sleep. My son is obsessed with London’s landmarks and quickly spots Big Ben from one of the fourth-floor windows.
Eating in public can be stressful for little ones, but Carmelita, our waitress at Tyburn Kitchen, gives the kids coloring sheets to keep them busy, allowing us to relax with our scallop and calamari starters. The children happily devour their tomato soup, followed by fish strips and meat mains, a big hit with all. While my husband nearly faints at the sight of the hotel’s enormous signature burger, I enjoy a delicious grilled sole, which Carmelita expertly bones while the kids watch in awe.
By dessert time, we’re all a little gutted, so we asked if we could have them as room service. Carmelita and the team obey, and soon our giant chocolate ice creams are being devoured in pajamas in front of the television, before the children fall asleep in, according to them, “the biggest bed we have ever seen.”
With the kids asleep, it’s our turn to treat ourselves. I relax in the bedroom’s clawfoot tub and treat myself to complimentary AromaWorks bath bombs, while my husband watches rugby with a hot chocolate. Bliss.
After a refreshing night we headed to breakfast of cereals, pastries and toast. My husband and kids opt for a full English, while I have a made-to-order omelet that’s cooked in front of me.
The Hilton London Metropole was named the UK’s best family hotel at this year’s International Travel Awards and it’s easy to see why – we all felt pampered and left feeling more refreshed than when we arrived. What’s more, it’s also within walking distance of the shops of Oxford Street, Hamleys on Regent Street and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, making it the perfect way to introduce kids to the capital’s festive hotspots.
You don’t have to stay at the Hilton London Metropole to experience this deal. Hilton has 176 hotels across the UK and Ireland, where reliable service and a comfortable night’s sleep are standard – perfect for a family winter weekend…
Visit to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios
While a trip to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour will always be magical, visiting the kids at Christmas makes it a little more special: the Great Hall is decked out with giant Christmas trees that would outshine even Hagrid; the Gryffindor common room is dressed as in the film’s festive scenes; while Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts Castle are covered in snow. As well as seeing the festive sets used in the film, there is also the opportunity to learn Neville Longbottom’s dance routine for the Yule Ball, see Christmas cards made by the crew during filming and discover how the set decorators created snow that “never melts.” . In addition, you can ride a broomstick, take a trip 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’re visiting the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour as a family – it’s a 10-minute drive away and has kid-friendly facilities such as connecting rooms.
Festive lights at Kew Gardens
Whether you have young children or teenagers, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Kew Gardens’ festive light show. Throughout the Christmas route you will see dozens of magical shows that combine music, illuminations and lasers with the natural landscape of the gardens. Wander through tunnels of brilliant colored lights, watch lasers dance in the Palm House, enjoy the flickering flames of the fire garden, and watch the lights twinkle to the beat of your favorite Christmas carols. Whatever 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 you don’t need to book in advance.
Where to stay: Hilton London Syon Park
After a night enjoying Kew’s Christmas lights, take the short drive home to the Hilton London Syon Park. Located on the edge of the 200-acre Syon House Estate, this hotel offers all the luxury you would expect from a country manor hotel, but with easy access to Kew and central London. Kids will love the games room and four restaurants, serving everything from sushi and modern British cuisine to classic afternoon tea, while adults can take advantage of the Kallima Club Spa with its treatment rooms, pool deck and jacuzzi.
Legoland
Legoland doesn’t do anything halfway when it comes to Christmas. Little ones will have the chance to see the big man as Santa wanders through the park in his sleigh, while Miniland, with its miniature world monuments, gets a festive makeover. Landmarks like Big Ben, New York skyscrapers, and Amsterdam canals are covered in pristine white snow, providing the perfect opportunity to take a Christmas card-worthy family photo. Elsewhere, there’s a Duplo puppet pantomime and festive activities for keen little builders at Brick. And that’s before you even get started with the amazing 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 (10 hectares) of landscaped gardens, DoubleTree by Hilton St Anne’s Manor in Wokingham offers you a well-deserved break after a busy day of rollercoasters and attractions at Legoland. If they have any energy left, the kids can burn it off in the 14-metre indoor pool or playing tennis, while you relax with a spa treatment or some downtime in the sauna and steam room (if you still have energy left over) . , there is also a 24-hour gym). For family meals, there’s nothing better than the food at Omnia restaurant, where the award-winning chef prepares classic British dishes such as lamb trio or sea bass fillet.
Bear Gryll’s Adventure
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your kids can’t get outside, stay active, and stay away from screens. At Bear Grylls Adventure at NEC, younger kids can do archery, rock climbing and iFly (that’s indoor skydiving in case you don’t know), while older adrenaline junkies might prefer to swim with sharks, ax throwing and air rifles. shootout or 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; Typically, all you need is a smartphone and some comfortable shoes, and they’re a great way to see the city. at your own pace.
Where to stay: Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Just a five-minute walk from the NEC is the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, a fantastic family hotel. In addition to babysitting services, connecting rooms, and an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room, the hotel also offers a family and children’s lounge during peak holiday seasons. Here you can relax as a family with games such as a giant Connect 4, Jenga, Uno and coloring books, or enjoy a family meal in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
*Opinium Research Survey, July 2023 (survey of 2,000 UK adults)
Be spontaneous with the kids this winter and book a kid-friendly Hilton hotel
