Can you imagine asking for beans on toast or fish fingers in the restaurant. For the first two years of having our son we protested and tried to maintain our previous standards - you face two blatent facts of life - the kids don't to be there and the hotels do really want your kids.

I have only been top one michelin star restaurant that actively encourages kids - as the owner put it in 20 years time they will be paying my son's invoices. Good marketing, get them young.

If you have got kids go down market or go self catering.

Hi kaztez; Still thinking of what the 'boys' might enjoy. Just north of the Cotswolds is Warwick and there is a great castle to visit. Open 10am to 5pm. Richard http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warwick_Castle

While I agree that Thornbury Castle would not be appropriate for young children ... I'm so grateful it was suggested because it looks PERFECT for this little boy and my young playmate: ages 53 & 57 ;-)

We'll probably stay a couple of nights and seek self-catering the remainder of the time. Apparently they offer "last minute" deals--which have made it possible for us to say off-season/midweek at some extraordinary places that would have otherwise been beyond our financial reach. We'll be there mid-week in early March ... so I have a feeling that last-minute accomodations will not be a problem.

I LOVE this forum!

I was so focused on the Thornbury Castle as a family hotel reccy :) - I forgot to post a couple of really good agencies w/ cottages in the Cotswolds

http://www.manorcottages.co.uk/
http://www.cottageinthecountry.co.uk/

Couldn't place Von Essen hotels - just rung a bell - looked at their website and they bought out our two best local privately owned hotels - The Samling and Sharrow Bay.

Their current line up looks a little like Real Madrid's team sheet - Galacticos all of them. Haven't heard any bad reports locally of our two which is saying something for their management control - private to chain ownership is never a smooth ride.

Thank you janisj for coming through with suggestions for cottage agencies as mine are limited.


markrosey,

Interesting and I agree with the difficulties in transitions, but perhaps these will work.

The list includes some of the highest value property in each of their resident counties - I presume at that level they must know what they are doing!

Thankyou, thankyou so much to you all........I am passing all this information onto my daughter.