Baby-friendly holidays in the UK
These are places put together with littles in mind: for gatherings with grandparents-turned-sitters, or star-crossed babymooners seeking slumber. With blocks and books, cots and stairgates, luxury baby-friendly holidays in the UK can only happen in homes as curated as these.
You might be surrounded by tiny socks, wooden rattles, and bassinet blankets, but these are the days when memories are made. British babymooners, now is the time to retreat to a luxury family-friendly home in the country and make flump on a miles-deep sofa ‘til long past lunchtime. We know that baby-friendly holidays in the UK come with a longer checklist, so whether you're new to the parenting thing or three children in, these homes are kitted out for all your little one's needs; think cots and stairgates, wooden toys and story books, and cottages so close to the coast that the ocean soundscape will send them to slumber.
Perhaps now is the time for a big group gathering to introduce a little bundle to the whole clan? With grandparents chomping at the bit to have their turn holding the bottle, and siblings waiting in the wings with fairytales and fables up their sleeves, there's nothing like having all hands on deck to calm the laser-like focus that tiny babies bring. At these luxurious country houses, you'll have the option to indulge in cold water therapy in wild swimming lakes, embrace all the healing benefits of the sauna, or simply slink off for an early supper by the garden pizza oven while the big cousins do cot-side duties in the cinema room.
Supernova
An idyllic writers' retreat, this luxury chapel conversion on the Isle of Skye in Scotland is a mountainous sanctuary, offering a spa bath, sauna, and views over Loch Harport.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,850 per week, £1,350 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Sauna
Elemental
Pitlochry, Loch Rannoch, Scotland, UK
Quietly stylish and perched above a sparkling Scottish loch, Elemental's remote location promises hideaway magic for nature-lovers: just what faraway weekends are all about
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,995 per week, £1,495 per short break
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Four kayaks for the loch (available from March - October)
Usonia
Like a New York loft with white bricks and polished oak floors, but tucked away in Scotland's Melrose, Usonia is a luxury forest home with a sauna and hot tub on St Cuthbert's Way.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests (4 adults and 2 children)
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £2,250 per week, £1,695 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Sauna, hot tub, yoga deck, and compact kettlebell gym
Solas
Luskentyre Beach, The Isle of Harris, Scotland, UK
Settled above the paradisiacal shores of Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris, Solas is a modern self-catering home seemingly perched on the edge of the world.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £3,450 per week
Pets: One medium well-behaved dog will be considered on prior request
Features: Wood-fired hot tub, spa area with sauna, shower and yoga deck