My mum has had a tough few years looking after my terminally ill dad. With the past few months being the hardest we’ve ever been through as a family, watching my dad decline and then his final week spent in a hospice before he died. It’s still something I’m very much processing and planning to write about but for now it’s all still very raw.
With my dad being so ill, my mum had been unable to travel for the past few years and really needed a change of scene so we made a last minute booking for somewhere that had been on her bucket list for a while, The Four Seasons Hampshire. I myself was lucky enough to have already visited the hotel on a press trip a few years so I already knew how incredible it was. Back then was long before I had Oscar and Noah so this time I returned able to view the place with different eyes. Our usual travel companions were enlisted, Mr S, my sister and her boys and we booked quite a last minute trip.
What is Four Seasons Hampshire
The Four Seasons Hampshire is a classic English country house hotel set in an 18th Century manor on a stunning 500 acres of land. Rather conveniently, the hotel was only a forty minute train journey from London Waterloo into Fleet so we were able pick up the boys from school and head straight into the countryside for the weekend.
Our Room and Interiors at Four Seasons Hampshire
Now we travel as a family of four we have really discovered the importance of having space. I always think what’s the point of going on holiday if you’re going to be less comfortable than you are at home. That being said, the suites are very expensive and we discovered it was actually more economical to book two interconnecting rooms. Not only was it more spacious to have two rooms and two bathrooms but it was actually cheaper. The Garden Rooms we booked (one king and one twin) were incredibly plush.
Beautiful big headboards, sumptuous sofas, floral artwork and carpets, dramatic heavy curtains – all in a beautiful pastoral colour pallette reflecting the hotel’s country setting. Pillows and sheets were as soft and silky as clouds, it really was the ultimate luxury!
The bathroom is the ultimate in luxury marble with beautiful white panelling and a large soaking bath and rain shower. Children are not forgotten, quite the opposite in fact! We had a beautiful cot for Noah on request and the hotel also provided a nappy bin, children’s toiletries and robes. On the bathroom mirrors little messages were inscribed for Oscar and Noah.
I had organised for milk and cookies for Oscar in the room plus chocolate covered strawberries to share but the hotel had also thoughtfully left a little fruit pouch for Noah.
The hotel interiors are just stunning, it’s a elegant country house but with a cosy relaxed feel. 
There are fresh flowers everywhere, beautiful polished fireplaces, sweeping staircases, wood panelling and parquet flooring.
As well as beautiful interiors, the hotel has stunning grounds, there’s 500 acres of land as well as sculpted gardens and large-size artwork of Boxing Hares.
Experiences and Activities
There are so many fun things to experience at Four Seasons Hampshire. One rather unique element of the hotel is the equestrian centre. Oscar and Jackson had loved the pony riding at Sonnwies so we decided to book them in for a horse riding hack. Rather last minute, Mr S and I joined the hack too! As you can imagine an Equestrian centre at the Four Seasons is absolutely beautiful and the staff were incredibly patient with our nervousness, both Oscar and me!
Our little horse ride turned out to be an absolute highlight as we took a fun turn about the estate. You have to be at least aged 4 to ride the horses but the hotel offer pony grooming from aged 2! There’s plenty of other fun wildlife experiences for adults and children such as fishing, falconry and bird watching as well as other country pursuits like archery and clay pigeon shooting plus a court for private tennis lessons.
There’s two little playgrounds but the other big highlight for our boys was the kids swimming pool, Sharky’s Reef. With a four metre slide, umbrella fountain and bubble jets, Oscar was in 7th heaven and of course Noah got in on the action too!
There’s also an adult indoor conservatory style pool with outdoor vitality area (children are allowed to use this pool at 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM during the week and 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the weekends) as well as sauna and steam room. Plus an extensive spa and gym / fitness facility. Though I didn’t use the spa this time, I visited previously just to use the spa! There’s an extensive list of treatments many of which are by leading brands such as Barbara Sturm and 111Skin.
Childcare
Oscar and Jackson loved the ‘Kids For All Seasons’ kids club which is complimentary and available on a walk in basis on weekends and holidays for children aged 4 and over. They played games with the staff there and loved the arts and crafts. There’s a teen area too for older kids.
The hotel can also organise private babysitting.
Food
The Wild Carrot is the hotel’s main restaurant, overseen by Executive Chef Talha Barkin. Having visited the restaurant before, I knew that we were in for a treat. Firstly the interiors of the Wild Carrot and the adjacent bar must be praised! It feel so light and fresh in there mimicking both the colours of the countryside and the fresh flavours of the ingredients served.
The Four Seasons Hampshire is not a place where things are overly complicated so expect classic British cuisine with sustainable ingredients. Breakfast is the most beautifully presented buffet with thoughtful extras such as a Bloody Mary cart and options for both healthy wellness and delicious sweet.
Classic salads, pastas and grills are on the menu for lunch and dinner and we tried lots of different things including whole sea bream,. lamb chops, lobster pasta, mushrooms on toast while our kids loved ‘classics’ such as pizza, nuggets, pasta – all beautifully prepared.
The restaurant caters well for children and they have a children’s menu as well as toddler / baby menu which I’ve not seen many places. And kids under 5 eat free! On Sunday we booked the popular Sunday roast which is served as a buffet with soup, salad bar, starters, a selection of main courses and a dessert buffet. I’m not a huge buffet fan, but this was a very good one.
One of my very very few criticisms of the Four Seasons is that I do think it could do with another restaurant as we had all our meals in the Wild Carrot. The is a South East Asian restaurant called Cafe Sante but this a small space which feels like more of an add on to the spa. There is also a terrace serving pizza but I believe this is only open in the summer months and it wasn’t open when we were there.
Final Thoughts
We absolutely loved the Four Seasons Hampshire and it’s firmly on my list as one of the best hotel’s in the UK for children. Part of this is down to the extensive facilities such as the amazing Sharky’s Reef pool, the Kid’s Club and the pony riding but it is also the attention to detail especially when it comes to children. For example the messages on the mirror, the baby food menu and fully stocked baby changing tables in the bathroom. We felt so completely welcomed by the wonderful staff and just had the best weekend. We only wish we could have stayed longer!
Great For Kids
So many activities from pony riding to the amazing splash pool!
Great quality food for kids and babies.
Large rooms and inter-connecting rooms available.
Great For Parents
Stunning interiors and grounds
Top notch service
Spa, bar, gym.. what more do you need!
