If you are looking to stay in a great family friendly hotel by the sea or you would like to dine somewhere that serves amazing food then you need to know about the Knoll House Hotel in Studland.

During half term we visited this little gem to find out what makes them so family friendly and we were all pleasantly surprised with what we found.

We started our day in the Spa and were shown around by a lovely gentlemen before heading for the changing rooms.  They have an indoor pool, hot jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and mini gym.  I really tried getting out of the jacuzzi a few times but it was just too nice so I stayed there while my husband dipped in and out of the pool with the kids.  Just outside, there a huge hot tub which was bubbling away but we spent so long indoors that we didn’t have time to try it.  Other guests we spoke to had though and thoroughly recommended it.  For the better weather they even have an outdoor pool with plenty of space for sun loungers and the most wonderful views.  



Once we were dressed we headed into the hotel and found the Bistro which has been recently refurbished to a high standard.  There’s big solid wooden tables and chairs, cool vintage lamp shades and faux driftwood flooring.  If like us you can grab a table by the window then you’ll have views of Old Harry Rocks.



The menu is extensive with something to please everyone.  I’m always keen to look at the children’s menu and was delighted to see there was much more than the bog standard 3 choices of beige food with chips.  Myself and my husband fancied a burger so I had the New Yorker with bacon and cheese and Mr had the Smoked burger which was served with onion rings and Applewood cheese.  Both of us were very impressed with the quality and there wasn’t a morsel left at the end.  Our son chose sausage and mash which he devoured and our daughter who won’t do a whole meal justice had a little bit of everything.



For pudding the kids had a fresh fruit salad which was very poshly served in a martini glass plus a warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream.  Both were scoffed in seconds!



Other dishes on the menu included sandwiches, salads, light bites, curry, pizza, seasonal dishes and homemade cakes.   The afternoon tea which was served to another table while we were getting ready to leave looked divine and that’s definitely going to be on my list of to do's.  (Please note a Dorsetmums offer which is detailed further down).



Not only was the food great but the Bistro also has a side play room for the kiddies which I love.  Once we discovered it was there the kids were off and they had a whale of a time playing with the toys and books.  Daddy even had his first tea party much to his daughters delight.  For the older ones there a huge sofa and tv for them to kick back and relax while the grown ups enjoy themselves in the restaurant.



After our meal we had a good wander around the hotel and found a games room, several lounge areas, a bar and large restaurant.  Luckily for us the rain had stopped so we got the kids thick snow suits on and went out to the pirate themed play park where they used up their last little bit of energy before getting in the car to go home.

Good to know………… 

The Bistro and play area are open to non residents making it a perfect place to go for a child friendly meal. 

The Knoll House Hotel offer day passes for the Spa however they are currently running a ‘Dip and Dine’ deal which is valid from Monday to Friday up until the 30th March 2018.  The offer includes up to 2 hours swim time followed by afternoon tea in the Bistro.  The cost is £15.50 and bookings must be made directly with the hotel on 01929 450450 quoting 'Dorsetmums'.

The hotel has a good number of family rooms with a very reasonable room rate.  During holiday periods staying guests can enjoy a number of activities which are laid on.  The area is stunning and guests have a private access path down to the beach, the ferry over to Poole and Bournemouth close by and the seaside town of Swanage not far in the other direction.  

If you would like more information on the Knoll House Hotel please visit the Website or call 01929 450450.  

Please note - Dorsetmums was invited to the Knoll House Hotel for the purpose of a review however all thoughts are my own.