You develop an eye for it. Kids’ activities that have been developed by people who have, or at least know and interact with, children. And those that haven’t. The Belfry hotel in Sutton Coldfield falls into the former category – hooray! Predominately known for golf and, I’m told, a banging spa, I did neither and still had a great time. I visited with my husband and two children aged seven and three in August 2024.
Rooms at The Belfry
We were allocated a ‘double double’ room, which is worth it for the great name alone. Ours was a spacious room with two double beds and plenty of space around them for general kid clowning. It also had one of the biggest TVs I’ve seen in my life, a kettle with tea and coffee, plus a Nespresso coffee machine, some biscuits, and two chairs.
My toddler felt anxious about sleeping in the big bed and so staff quickly provided a camp bed for her to sleep in. Which, somehow, meant my seven-year-old son was luxuriating in a double alone. Not quite sure how that came about.
The bathroom was super clean and had complimentary shampoo, ESPA bodywash (fancy) and handwash, all in big containers playing into the hotel’s green credentials.
I did find the lack of windows in the room a bit of an issue: we had a door onto a shared balcony instead, but a Dyson fan was provided.
The downside of a double double room, of course, is that you all have to go to sleep at the same time. The advantage of that is I like to go to bed as early as possible and would happily turn in at 8:30pm. Reader, we did not turn in at 8:30pm which is in no way related to the children being given free range at the buffet dessert station. Oh no. Speaking of which…
The Belfry restaurant
We ate breakfast and dinner at The Ryder Grill. There’s an a la carte menu available in the evening, as well as a buffet option which is what we plumped for. In the summer holidays there’s also a kids’ buffet, which is a great idea, and it’s mainly at kids’ level which is one of the thoughtful touches that shows The Belfry are genuinely mindful of their younger guests.
The buffet was great: I’m vegetarian and had a satisfying range of beautifully presented salads to choose from, as well as two hot mains. Grown up desserts are ordered from the menu as they’re made to order and there are two words you need to know when choosing dessert: banana bread. Seriously, you won't regret it.
The restaurant is stylish but not stuffy and the waiters a delight. I was pleased to see some interesting mocktails on the drinks list as well as some zero alcohol wines.
Breakfast was clearly set up for the golfers: hearty, traditional, fare including sausages, hashbrowns, and three (three!) types of eggs. There was also a ‘continental’ station with yogurt, fruit including a really good tropical fruit selection, and cereal. If I’m being super fussy, the decaf coffee was instant, which is a no from me. And, yes, I’m spoiled.
Things to do
The Belfry is a great choice for families and has lots of activities for little ones. There’s two playgrounds including one with a zip line, and a well maintained mini golf course, but the real outdoor draw for my two was The Green.
It’s a large outdoor space that has football golf, football football, swing ball, a sand pit and…go karts. Reader, I have finally found my sport and it is go-karts. There are also a bar and picnic tables so you could have a beer and watch the kids play. Genius.
Inside there’s a games room that my kids were absolutely wild for. There’s table tennis, cornhole, giant Jenga and a colouring station with – holy moly- fresh crayons. Another example of someone in the hotel really caring about the provision for children.
The hotel’s pool is surprisingly large for a hotel pool, with generous kids’ splash times. There was also a roped-off single lane for swimming for the people trying to get in an actual swim in splash time. Like everywhere in the hotel, it felt very clean.
Drayton manor
It’s £10 away from The Belfry in a taxi and a strong recommend for those with kids. My toddler was delighted with Thomas Land and my (tall for his age) seven-year-old loved The Wave. We probably could have done two days there and still not have exhausted the possibilities.
Would we go back to The Belfry? Without a doubt.
The BelfryDrayton Manor tickets start at £27.40 per person.
Georgina Terry is group editor of Closer and heat online and a mother of two. She's been with Bauer since 2015 working at titles including Mother & Baby and would quite like to become a hotel reviewer full time if anyone is offering. Child friendly or otherwise.