Lashes and Little Ones: Calcot Manor

Last week, we had a little family getaway to Calcot Manor in Gloucestershire. If you have never heard of it, Calcot is a beautiful country hotel that's really geared up to families. We'd heard some fabulous things, and been meaning to visit for ages. It boasts a spa, creche (called the Playzone), two restaurants (one that is very child friendly) and tastefully decorated rooms and suites, with baby listening.

To be honest, it all sounded a little too good to be true. After 4 months with two children under two, we were champing at the bit for a few hours of time off, me at the spa, Mr G yomping across fields, shooting at clay pigeons and generally getting very muddy. But, it really did live up to the hype. It was everything we had hoped for, and more.

We arrived after a quick drive down the M4, checked in to our gorgeous two bedroom suite, and, dropped the children off in the creche. As we walked away from the amazing Playzone, full of toys, paints and friendly staff, Mr G and I had a moment. No, not a romantic moment, but an actual moment of thinking 'what shall we do with the next two hours?' No thought of nappies, milk or naughty steps....an unusual situation. So, we hurriedly made our way to The Gumstool, the on-site pub, and spent the whole time laughing.

The Gumstool is the location for high tea for children. Surrounded by other little ones, throwing bolognaise and smearing ketchup over their parents, made the whole experince fun and stimulating for children. Fifi got very adventurous with corn on the cob, while I worked my way through the wine list. That evening our babysitter arrived and we headed off for a delicious supper in the fancier restaurant, The Conservatory. All in all, we were on cloud nine (albeit a slightly tipsy cloud nine).

The following day was filled with spa treatments, clay pigeon shooting and lots of family time, enjoying the wonderful pool, and the outside playground. My Rodial sculpt facial was sublime, leaving my skin plump and dewy, and the Aromatherapy Associates massage was the epitome of relaxing.

As our stay drew to a close, Mr G and I were slightly shocked to find ourselves wishing could stay longer. We never want to stay longer, our children invariably get sick, we get stressed and tend to arrive home days earlier than planned. Holidays for our family are rarely successful, and never hugely relaxing. This time though, as we signed the bill, Mr. G, with a sparkle in his eye, smugly asked the receptionist if they had availability in December. So, I guess we'll be seeing you very soon Calcot Manor!