The Elms Hotel

Many places claim to be child-friendly but this self-styled 'Luxury Family Hotel' just outside the village of Abberley, near Birmingham, is geared up for families. Everything you don't want to carry such as sterlisers and bottles can be borrowed and there is a crèche packed with toys and books. The staff instantly put my two-year-old at ease as did the resident dog, George, and the sleepy hotel cat, Tickle.

Our room, Judge Amphlett (they are named after local apples and pears) was decorated in soothing earthy tones with a sumptuous chocolate bedcover. Spacious enough for an extra child's bed, it had a lovely view from the front of the house to the hills beyond.

The oak staircase leads to a unique architectural jewel; a huge stained glass cupola featuring a badger, the symbol of the family who once owned it.

We played hide and seek in the bar and sitting rooms before heading to the annexe that houses the pool, spa and Pear Terrace where families can eat together all day. The main restaurant doesn't admit children after 7pm though.