FOWEY

What it is: A seaside chateau on a hill above the town of Fowey and with five acres of walled gardens and a view of the estuary and sea.

The rooms: There are 36 bedrooms in the chateau itself and eight guest rooms in the Court, a coach house located just feet from the main house.

Amenities: There is an indoor swimming pool, as well as a hotel restaurant that offers traditional Cornish fare with a focus on fresh local seafood (children's options are also available). The Four Bears Den provides complimentary day-care services for kids up to age 8, while older kids might enjoy the hotel's game room and movie screenings (held nightly during school holidays). And in the afternoons, everyone will enjoy Fowey Hall's thoroughly English high tea.

Activities: The hotel is partnered with Fowey Town Tours, which stop by the waterfront to offer tourists the option of embarking on a river cruise or exploring local wildlife with Fowey Marine Adventures.

Details: Hanson Drive, from 120 GBP for a double room.

HERTFORDSHIRE

What it is: A sister property to the Athenaeum Hotel in London with the same family-oriented services in a lush country-estate setting.

The rooms: Stay in one of 227 luxury rooms in the mansion, each decked out in sumptuous fabrics.

Amenities: Simulate a tropical getaway at "the beach," a sandy expanse within the walled garden complete with cabanas, a volleyball court, and poolside access. The on-site Anouska's Kids' Club (for kids 3 months and up) is open daily and engages children with organized activities such as face painting and cake decorating. Romp areas include an outdoor playground, a bouncy castle, and a children's pool. For after-club-hours entertainment, the hotel also offers a customized toy box upon arrival, a game room, and a DVD lending library.

Activities: Grab a trail map and explore the estate's wetlands, meadows, and wooded glades. For those who want to trek further, the Whipsnade Zoo, Bowman's Farm and Falconry Center, Thorpe Amusement Park, and horseback-riding facilities are all located within a 30-minute drive of the Grove. And don't forget to visit the estate-owned beehives.

Details: Chandler's Cross, from 260 GBP for a Superior room (with a young child).

LONDON

What it is: A five-star, family-owned boutique hotel on London's bustling and easily accessible Piccadilly, with connecting red brick townhouses that look out onto quieter side streets.

The rooms: In the main building, there are 111 well-appointed rooms and 12 suites, but you'll probably prefer one of 33 family-friendly apartments in a connected townhouse. Each apartment sleeps up to four, and you have the option of booking adjacent apartments with connecting doors.

Amenities: Apartments are specially suited to children's needs, offering fun features such as toy boxes tailored to your child's age, diapers and assorted baby products, a DVD lending library, Xbox, iPod docks, and even cookies and milk in the evening. You'll also have a fully equipped kitchen and a washer and dryer. The hotel restaurant specializes in traditional British fare, including an afternoon tea and snacks.

Activities: The Athenaeum is located within walking distance of Buckingham Palace and other central London attractions, and it overlooks Green Park, which is perfect for walks and picnics.

Details: 116 Piccadilly, from 430 GBP for a Classic British Apartment.

What it is: An elegant hotel perched on the edge of the fashionable Belgravia district.

The rooms: Each of the 149 rooms and 65 suites boasts its own tailored color palette—often consisting of calming neutrals complemented by splashes of color. Family packages are often available, providing discount deals on the room prices as well as added family bonuses, and all rooms allow you to add a rolling bed to fit an extra guest.

Amenities: The hotel is perhaps best known for its upscale gastronomic offerings. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay oversees the hotel's Boxwood Café, and the svelte Blue Bar is a popular evening destination for guests and locals alike. Check out the children's book, game and videogame library and the selection of family CDs and DVDs—and don't miss the rooftop pool. Particularly convenient amenities include high chairs, bottle warmers, an on-site currency exchange, and an on-call doctor.

Activities: The Berkeley offers a picnic-packing service for an afternoon lunch on the grass at Hyde Park. The hotel's central location also provides easy access to many London museums, landmarks, and shopping districts. Ask the concierge to suggest and book your visits to child-friendly museums and shows.

Details: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge; from 405 GBP for a Deluxe King room.

What it is: Founded in 1837 and composed of 11 adjacent townhouses in London's prestigious Mayfair neighborhood, a hotel with a rich history (past guests include Teddy Roosevelt, Alexander Graham Bell, and regular client Agatha Christie).

The rooms: Rooms are sophisticated and "quintessentially English," fully equipped with modern comforts such as broadband Internet access, LCD televisions, and On-Demand movies. Each room is also outfitted with a selection of books that are historically relevant to the hotel, such as Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book (written during Kipling's stay there).

Amenities: The family package offers a discount on room rates and children's meals, as well as complimentary breakfast, welcome gifts, toiletries, and use of the gym. Adults will also enjoy the decadent hotel spa.

Activities: Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to Green Park and the West End theater district. Ask the concierge to arrange event tickets (try Stomp or The Lion King at nearby venues), transportation, and restaurant reservations.

Details: Albemarle Street, from 499 GBP for two Deluxe rooms (the It's a Family Affair package).

What it is: Modern on the outside and classically English on the inside, a lavish nine-story abode in the heart of London's Mayfair neighborhood.

The rooms: Out of the hotel's 215 richly decorated rooms, the Superior, Deluxe, and Conservatory rooms and all suites sleep two adults and one child. You can also reserve connecting standard rooms for larger families.

Amenities: The concierge is happy to provide complimentary children's games, books, DVDs, and assorted baby products, and the hotel will childproof your room upon request. The upscale on-site restaurant boasts an extensive children's menu, but you can also order a picnic hamper and take your meal to the neighboring Hyde Park. When booking, look for the Kids' Package to nab a discounted price for two nights and enjoy added bonuses such as complimentary breakfast for the whole gang and five free tickets to a local attraction of your choice.

Activities: Nearby landmarks include the Apsley House, Buckingham Palace, the Cabinet War Rooms, and the Wellington Arch (all within 20 minutes' walking distance). The hotel can also arrange for off-site swimming and horseback riding at nearby locations.

Details: Hamilton Place, Park Lane; from 285 GBP for a Superior room.

LONDON

What it is: A stately Regency-period manor located in London's exclusive Knightsbridge neighborhood.

The rooms: All 49 rooms and 46 suites are decked out in antique 1820s-style furnishings with warm lighting and rich colors. Rooms also have Internet access, a music system, an On-Demand movie library, and unlimited phone calls to the U.S. and Europe.

Amenities: Day-care service is available for children of all ages. For expecting parents, the Lanesborough offers a "BabyMoon" weekend package which includes joint massages, a choice of deluxe afternoon tea or an evening of dinner and dancing, and a local baby-shopping guide provided by the concierge.

Activities: For strolling, picnicking and all other sorts of outdoor lolling and leisure, Hyde Park is just across the street. Buckingham Palace is just a 10-minute walk away.

Details: Hyde Park Corner, from 575 GBP for an Executive Double room.

What it is: A hotel in London's centrally located Covent Garden with a delightfully quirky exterior and a ultra-hip and modern interior.

The rooms: Choose from 105 elegant and well-equipped rooms with the possibility of reserving connected rooms for larger families. In addition to the luxury bedding, quality bespoke furniture and power shower, look forward to an in-room CD library, eco-friendly REN bath products, and a mini-TV in every bathroom. Fresh fruit and flowers are replenished daily.

Amenities: Kids will love the complimentary refreshments and surprise storybook waiting for them upon arrival. Make use of the children's DVD, CD, and games library or arrange for a private movie night in the posh screening room—popcorn included. The hotel's impressive swimming pool has underwater music.

Activities: Upon request, the kitchen will pack a picnic basket for your day out. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Globe Theater and the London Eye.

Details: One Aldwych, from 190 GBP for a special-promotion Aldwych room.

What it is: A quiet retreat in the style of an English country manor, located just behind Green Park yet close to bustling downtown hot spots.

The rooms: The Stafford's 105 rooms and suites are spread out over three houses: the spacious Main House, the quaint Carriage House, and the newly developed Stafford Mews. The Mews Junior Suites tend to be best for families, as each suite has a sofa bed that sleeps one or two children. Check out the Family Package for the chance to book two interconnected suites at a highly discounted price.

Amenities: A kids'-movie library, complimentary bread for feeding park ducks, iPod docking stations, and baby-care kits are among the thoughtful goodies provided. Also find in-room Internet and fax capabilities and a complimentary pass to the Third Space, a nearby fitness center (with pool!).

Activities: The Stafford boasts 350-year-old stone wine cellars and its own Master Sommelier, who leads the candlelit cellar tours. The hotel is conveniently close to the Royal Parks and is within walking distance of Buckingham Palace.

Details: St. James's Place, from 375 GBP for a Deluxe Double room in the Main House (with extra bed).

SANDBANKS

What it is: A white-trimmed beachside resort nestled on the sandy shores of Southern England's Poole Harbour.

The rooms: Choose from 110 guest rooms in an endless variety of family configurations, including multiroom suites and family rooms with children's bunk beds. Decor is simple and summery, with an emphasis on maximizing light and floor space, and many rooms include balconies and views of the water.

Amenities: Water-sports enthusiasts will be thrilled by the availability of on-site windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, sailing, of course, safe swimming in the calm and shallow harbor waters. The hotel is also happy to arrange mini golf, basketball, and bike rentals.

Activities: The Stafford boasts 350-year-old stone wine cellars and its own Master Sommelier, who leads the candlelit cellar tours. The hotel is conveniently close to the Royal Parks and is within walking distance of Buckingham Palace.

Details: Sandbanks, Poole; from 158 GBP for an Inland Room with a young child.

STAFFORDSHIRE

What it is: Eight brick cottages—each named after an English flower-clustered around private gardens and 330 acres of farmland overlooking a peaceful valley.

The rooms: Each cottage is family-ready, with a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer and a patio and grill, as well as an assortment of toys, games, books, and movies. Book the Buttercup or the Cowslip, which sleep four.

Amenities: The hotel has a game room as well as the variety of outdoor games (badminton, anyone?) and a giant trampoline. The cottage grounds are also home to cows, hens, pigs, and other roving wildlife.

Activities: Visit the Hawkstone historic park, the Aerospace Museum at Cosford, or the hands-on Engenuity invention center nearby.

Details: Norbury, Stafford; from 250 GBP for the Buttercup Cottage.

WINDMERE

What it is: The former 19th-century hunting lodge of Lord Lonsdale, converted to a 23-room hotel in 1973.

The rooms: Rooms are available with queen-size or king-size beds and feature fresh flowers, LCD televisions with satellite, and CD and DVD players.

Amenities: The hotel's two restaurants, the oak-paneled restaurant and the new Terrace restaurant, both offer incredible mountain and lake views. The dishes at both are of high quality and flexible for pickier palates. The Holbeck Ghyll Health Spa offers face, scalp, and massage services, as well as a sauna, steam room, and fitness center with treadmills, bicycles, step-up machines, and free weights. There's also an all-weather tennis court, croquet lawn, putting green, and jogging trail.

Activities: Explore the Lake District surrounding the hotel to take in the sites that inspired Beatrix Potter, visit the nearby award-winning Aquarium of the Lakes, or take a ride at the Hipshow Riding Stables. You can also book a Windermere Lake Cruise or explore the Levens Hall and Gardens.

Details: Holbeck Lane, from 100 GBP for a double.

WINDMERE

What it is: Formerly owned by Beatrix Potter, this 28-acre estate is now a lovely hotel.

The rooms: The hotel offers two Standard Family rooms, each with a double bed and a single bed. The Superior Family Double is a larger room with a double bed and two single beds.

Amenities: Guests can enjoy a full English breakfast every morning.

Activities: The Lake District offers opportunities for nature walks, golf, fishing, mountain biking, sightseeing, and sailing and boating. The concierge can help you rent equipment or reserve tee times. Visitors can also explore famous writers' homes, such as John Ruskin and William Wordsworth, or visit the Aquarium of the Lakes or the Cumberland Pencil Museum.

Details: Lindeth Drive, from 160 GBP for a Standard Family room (includes breakfast).