There’s nothing that fills me with joy quite like a hotel stay, and while, admittedly, I usually imagine them as a night away from the kids – it’s a pleasure to be able to bring them along and still return feeling relaxed and recharged. That’s exactly how it felt leaving The Grove behind – this gorgeous Hertfordshire hotel takes all the overwhelm away from travelling with little ones, thinking of absolutely everything they might need to stay well fed and entertained. So, if you’re looking for a luxury, family-friendly retreat just outside of London, The Grove could well be the answer.
From the moment we arrived, The Grove made a lasting impression. We were spoilt with gorgeous weather, but even more spoilt when we arrived at our room. My son, Otto, was presented with a soft toy—the hotel’s donkey mascot, Earl Grey—a toddler-sized dressing gown and slippers to match mummy and daddy’s, a wooden fishing game, and some chocolate chip cookies that went down a treat (a note prompted us to call for some complimentary milk to be delivered to the room, but they didn’t last long enough for that).
Food and drink at The Grove
The Grove houses five restaurants; from award-winning Indian food at Madhu’s to the beautiful Turkish restaurant Skewd within the Walled Garden. We dined at The Glasshouse for both dinner and breakfast as we knew a buffet would offer the most choice for our fussy three-year-old. You may recognise the restaurant from Million Dollar Buffet with Grace Dent, or indeed from its subsequent TikTok fame.
I’m confident I can attest to The Glasshouse having one of the “world’s most luxurious buffets”, despite trying precisely no others. I visited as a pregnant coeliac, and the head chef walked me around the many stations, explaining everything I could and couldn’t eat. Each dish was labelled perfectly well, but it added a level of security knowing I had the chef’s word.
My favourite thing about buffets is dining around the world in as many plates as I can manage. For dinner, I started with a veggie sushi course, followed by a delicious variety of cheeses and salads, before indulging in a gluten free pasta dish made especially for me—and in front of me—based on my very vague instruction to the chef (“I like creamy dishes, but also tomato is fine… and yes, I do like chicken, thank you”). Safe to say the chef knew my palette better than I do myself.
If I’d had the space, I could have made my way through a whole roast dinner section, a seafood station, a whole array of Indian and Vietnamese dishes, or the live-action Robata Grill. Dessert featured ice cream, a chocolate fountain and loads of gorgeous patisseries – the highlight of my kid’s evening, to no one’s surprise.
Breakfast was a treasure trove of fry-up accoutrements, a waffle and pancake station (with gluten free and vegan options available on request), as well as fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals, pastries and bread. An elevated hotel breakfast if ever I’ve had one.
Afternoon tea in a hot air balloon
You may spot a fleet of adorable red and white balloons on a stroll through the hotel’s gardens – to be honest, they’re difficult to miss. You’d be forgiven for thinking these balloons were simply for decoration, but they’re actually in partnership with Feast on Cloud 9, and you can book a seat inside one to enjoy an afternoon tea or a five-course tasting menu. Read more about the Feast on Cloud 9 experience here.
What makes The Grove so family-friendly?
The Grove has a bunch of activities for kids of all ages, including archery, tennis, axe-throwing, and an OFSTED-registered kids’ club. You can even hire bikes and explore the surrounding cycle trails.
But you don’t have to spend any extra money to entertain the kids, especially on a sunny day. There is absolutely tons to explore: there are woodland trails on site, a play area, arts and crafts – and the hotel’s gorgeous gardens are perfect for playing hide and seek in.
It’s the small things that really made it for us though: the staff always had an activity pack up their sleeves, and nobody rolled a single eye ball when Otto decided he didn’t want to sit still. Not what you’d generally expect at a high-end hotel, but nobody made us feel unwelcome.
Ralph’s Beach at The Grove
Seriously, who needs Ibiza when you’ve got The Grove on a sunny day? Bringing the Beach Club vibes to the English countryside, Ralph’s Beach ticked all the boxes – a warm outdoor pool for splashing about, sand to get between your toes, day beds for the ultimate relaxation (at an extra cost, mind), ice creams and other snacks and refreshments, and a separate shaded play area for when the kids need a little extra entertainment.
What is there for adults at The Grove?
The real question is, what isn’t there to do? The Grove is home to a prestigious golf course, as well as the mega-inviting Sequoia Spa. We didn’t use these facilities during our stay, but one day when we’re childless and free, we’d love to return and take advantage of them (well, perhaps not the golf course, but that’s just me – I’m all for post-round pints at The Stables though).
How do I get to The Grove from London?
A train to Watford Junction takes less than 20 minutes from Euston station, and then it’s a short taxi ride to the hotel. It would take around an hour to drive, depending where you’re travelling from. Parking is free.
So, whether you’re after a weekend of relaxation, a bit of outdoor adventure, or simply some quality time with your family away from the hustle and bustle, The Grove delivers on every front. It’s rare to find somewhere that pleases adults and kids in equal measure, but this place gets it right.
