Discover one of the best family-friendly hotels in the south of England this February Half Term (15th – 23rd  February) at Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate (AA Hotel of the Year 2025 – England). Just 45 minutes from central London, a fun-filled staycation awaits with newly renovated Estate Family Rooms and a bespoke ‘Activity Retreat’ for little ones. What’s more, those under 12 stay for free!

Nestled amongst 110 acres of lush green countryside surroundings, the new family rooms feature a vibrant and stylish colour palette, complete with built-in bunk beds, family board games, a Nintendo Switch, as well as robes and slippers for all, offering the perfect home away from home, where everlasting memories can be made.

Mastering Magic

The engaging overnight Activity Retreat*, available on the 17th February, includes a ‘Mastering Magic’ session from 1.30pm – 4pm where children learn the art of magic – providing parents with time to unwind at the Eden Spa, before returning to watch their little ones show off their new tricks in a captivating performance. The following day, kids can unleash their creativity with a tie-dye t-shirt and lava lamp workshop and make use of the games room and chill out area, whilst adults tuck into afternoon tea in the hotel’s Grand Hall with some well-deserved respite.

Whilst staying at Down Hall, families are also encouraged to enjoy the outdoors and explore the impressive grounds surrounding the hotel. From tennis and padel courts, giant chess boards and a dedicated children’s playground, to mapped woodland walks and a Trim Trail with balance beams and monkey bars, adventure and play is at the heart of your stay.

Prices for the new Estate Family Rooms start from £212 per night including breakfast (based on two adults and two children under 12) and from 15th – 23rd February, children under 12 stay completely free. To book, please visit: https://www.downhall.co.uk/offers/kids-stay-free-february-half-term/51-34/

*The Half Term Activity Retreat inclusive of one overnight stay is bookable on Monday 17th February from £355 (based on two adults and one child– with a supplementary charge of £40 for an additional child as rooms cater for up to two children), visit here: https://www.downhall.co.uk/offers/half-term-activity-retreat/51-61/

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
Matching Road, Hatfield Heath
Essex CM22 7AS
T: 01279 731441 | www.downhall.co.uk

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.