EXCLUSIVE: We discovered the most child-friendly hotel in Britain, perfect for a delightful mini-break. Our weekend at Moonfleet Manor on Dorset's famed Jurassic Coast revealed breathtaking coastal views, charming local villages, and fascinating historical tales.
A Coastal Gem Steeped in History
Moonfleet Manor sits proudly on England's Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its literary connections, stunning scenery, and stories of smuggling and shipwrecks. This Georgian manor in Weymouth offers a magical experience, especially for families with children.
As one of the most child-friendly establishments in Dorset, if not the entire country, you could easily spend your entire stay within the hotel's beautiful grounds. The property is peppered with nods to its literary and smuggling past, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
Despite typical British weather limiting our outdoor adventures, the area surrounding Moonfleet Manor is truly beautiful. The hotel's location near Chesil Beach provides picture-postcard scenery perfect for coastal rambles. For those who forget their wellies, the hotel thoughtfully provides Hunter boots at the front door.
When inclement weather keeps you indoors, Moonfleet Manor becomes the perfect cosy retreat. We enjoyed lazy afternoons in the main lounge rooms, curled up with a good book and glass of red wine in front of a roaring fire while wind and rain lashed outside. On sunny days, the Jurassic Coast opens up for exploration, with potential dinosaur fossil discoveries awaiting on beach walks.
Endless Activities for Children
The variety of activities available for children at Moonfleet Manor is truly mind-boggling. A huge play barn adjacent to the main hotel building features trampolines, a mini football pitch, climbing walls, pool tables, arcade machines, ping-pong tables, and a specially fenced area for younger children.
Indoor Entertainment Galore
Beyond the main barn, children can enjoy dinosaur-themed indoor crazy golf, a bowling alley, and various Escape Room experiences available for booking upon arrival. The gaming room features a huge PlayStation 5 Slim, while raised areas with comfortable sofas and coffee machines allow adults to supervise their brood comfortably.
Outdoor play areas include sandpits and climbing frames, perfect for keeping children entertained while parents enjoy cocktails on the terrace. During school holidays, seasonal activities run throughout the week, and the Four Bears Den offers childcare from 9:30am to 4:30pm for children aged three months to eight years.
Special Activities and Amenities
The hotel's friendly staff organise adorable activities including lunchtime sessions where children can feed and cuddle little chicks, woodland rambles with marshmallow toasting around fires, and cosy cinema screenings complete with popcorn, milk, and cookies in a dedicated cinema room with beanbags.
Accommodation for All Family Sizes
Moonfleet Manor takes its name from the 19th-century pirate novel, with different versions of the book and quirky artefacts displayed throughout the hotel. Nestled deep in the Dorset countryside just across from Fleet and a stone's throw from Chesil Beach, it provides the perfect base for exploring Portland's distinctive lighthouse and Weymouth itself.
As part of the Luxury Family Hotels chain, rooms primarily located in the main manor house offer views of the Fleet lagoon and accommodate everything from couples to families of up to six people. Family suites feature separate rooms for children and adults, with some boasting beautiful four-poster beds.
Facilities for All Guests
While child-friendly touches abound throughout the hotel, including charming drawings of local wildlife that delighted our children, those without children shouldn't feel they're missing out. Multiple lounges provide perfect spaces for post-dinner drinks, and the location is ideal for those who enjoy head-clearing hikes.
The hotel also features a spa and swimming pool, where we enjoyed refreshing dips followed by relaxing sessions in the sauna before lunch. Dog owners will appreciate that pets are welcome, with biscuits, water bowls, dog washing stations, goody bags, and comfortable dog beds available in rooms.
Dining Experiences to Remember
While there are plenty of lovely dining spots to explore in the local area, Moonfleet Manor's restaurant more than satisfies culinary needs. The light-filled dining space offers beautiful views out to the lagoon, creating a stunning setting both day and night.
Menu Variety Throughout the Day
Breakfast features a buffet plus hot dishes made to order, while lunch menus focus on comfort food including burgers, battered fish and chips, and tasty pastrami sandwiches. Dinner becomes more sophisticated with simply-prepared local fish, steak, Sunday roasts, and an afternoon tea menu.
For those wanting to experience true local cuisine, we recommend Catch at the Old Fish Market in Weymouth. This unique sea-to-plate dining experience draws from the clear waters of the Dorset coast, serving freshly caught fish and shellfish at a working quayside.
Practical Information
Rooms at Moonfleet Manor start from £140 per night, offering exceptional value for a luxury family experience on Britain's stunning Jurassic Coast.
