BEST ACTIVITY HOTELS IN THE UK

From archery to alpaca trekking, quad biking to golf, there’s plenty to keep all ages amused at the Action Glen, which is part of Crieff Hydro Hotel. There are two day passes to choose from: one for the adventure play park; the other, for drop-in activity sessions such as swinging through the treetops on the epic high-rope and zipline course, and whizzing round the mini off-roader track (activities can also be booked individually). All the family can join in with past-times such as the Diamond Heist themed escape room or zooming around the estate on the electric segway-style EZ Raiders. There’s also a pool with dedicated splash times for children, the adults-only Victorian Baths and pampering spa treatments (while you’re at the latter, simply sign-up children for the Big Country Kids Zone). Once everyone has worked up an appetite, refuel with lunch (sausage rolls, sandwiches) at Basecamp, tuck into pizzas and pasta at family-friendly Piccolo Pizzeria or for something more grown-up, head to East, followed by cocktails at speakeasy bar The Hermitage.

This Yorkshire hotel certainly knows how to put its 1,400-acre estate to good use, with activities that range from fishing to the signature adrenaline-fuelled Land Rover adventure, across terrain that encompasses grassy hills, rock calls and water crossings (there are six versions of the latter, from a one-hour taster to an advanced full day and a Young Off-Roader Experience). The shooting ground is one of the best in the UK with archery and air rifle ranges, and a magnificent lodge that serves hot drinks, bacon rolls, burgers and sandwiches. Plus, you can also go on guided, tailormade bike rides around the Yorkshire Dales or pick up maps to explore – whether you fancy a stroll around the lake, pottering around nearby villages or a day-long trek in the country. Choose to sleep in the main house or a dog-friendly, self-catering cottage. The hotel also has a spa and a trio of restaurants, including The View, which has knockout vistas from the sun-trap terrace.

One of the most popular activities in the Lake District is walking – and its easy to see why. From easy rambles to hardcore hikes, there are spectacularly scenic trails for all abilities. Many fell routes start from Ambleside at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, making this hotel the perfect place to bed down the night before (and after). It’s also surrounded by 14 acres of manicured hilltop gardens and woodlands, and has its own rowing boats on a private tarn. For those who prefer to get active on water rather than land, Windermere has lots of watersports options too, from canoeing and paddleboarding to sailing. Henrock Restaurant, overseen by renowned chef Simon Rogan, is another big draw with menus (three-course set or tasting) based around produce from his regenerative farm in the Cartmel Valley. Or simply treat yourself to afternoon tea on the terrace, while poring over maps and planning the next day’s outing.

For keen golfers, the 18-hole, par 72 course is surely one of the highlights of a stay at this country house hotel on the edge of the Cotswolds. Adjacent to the site where the 15th-century Battle of Tewskesbury took place, it was built on a medieval deer park – hence its name, The Deerpark (in 2016, it was upgraded by former Walker Cup captain, Peter McEvoy OBE). There’s also a second, 9-hole par 3 course, The Acorn. But that’s not the only activity on offer. The hotel also has squash and tennis courts (lessons with a local coach can be arranged), a spa, pool and gym, and a croquet lawn in the summer. The hour-long Deerpark Walk loops through the grounds, neighbouring farmland and along the River Severn – ideal for a summer’s day. Further afield, you can book in for guided paddleboarding sessions on the River Avon with Wild Goose SUP and husky mushing experiences at Arctic Quest, both under 15-minutes-drive away.

Think of Fistral Beach and perhaps the first thing that springs to mind is surfing. Cornwall is the unofficial surf capital of the country and this is one of the main hubs. The Quiksilver Surf School is at the south end of the sand (the waves are less crowded meaning plenty of space for beginners attempting to stand up – and stay up – on a board). It also offers thrilling coasteering sessions, to explore smuggler coves and secret caves. For calming sea view stays, books into adults-only Fistral Beach, where you’ll find the beachfront Bay Bar (cocktail masterclasses can be organised for keen mixologists), the Dune restaurant and the spa, where treatments include the Gaia jade facial and a surfers massage – ideal for soothing sore and aching muscles.