Family frivolity at The Goring

How many hotels do you know that have a Shetland pony in the family, on occasion to be found happily munching grass in the Garden? The sight of our Shetland pony Teddy tells you almost everything you need to know about family stays at The Goring, namely that our warm welcome comes with intriguing extras, not to mention giving you the runaround of one of London's largest private gardens. 

Filled with English character, your first step into the Goring will bring you face-to-face with our bowler-hatted doormen and scarlet coat-tailed footmen, who will whisk your suitcases away. Our peaceful corner of Belgravia is just a royal wave away from Buckingham Palace, the Royal Parks and Big Ben among other rather fabulous London sights. Settle in and let us look after you – Big John our all-knowing concierge is on hand to make sure your London stay goes perfectly to plan.

Family rooms and extra touches

Have you met Barbara yet? Our woolly, cuddly sheep has a habit of appearing in unexpected corners around the hotel, and families will find their own Barbara waiting in their room. Why do we have fluffy sheep dotted around the hotel (in sometimes the most extraordinary of places), you might ask? It all started when we wanted an ornament to liven up our Garden; Barbaras started appearing, and have never left. 

As well as our Goring mascot, children are given their own Goring passport, a Teddy activity book and a dressing-up box, providing hours of amusement. Our bedrooms can be interconnected for ease and families have fruit bowls and welcome treats on arrival. We also pride ourselves on providing all you might possibly need when travelling – just let us know how we can help.

A culinary treat at every age

We rise to the challenge of feeding our young guests at The Goring with a dedicated children’s menu. Our chefs are dab hands at adapting dishes to the fussiest of eaters, while adventurous mini-gourmands can try smaller portions of our signature dishes. 

Afternoon Tea is naturally a happy affair for all ages. Delightful little cakes, adorable sandwiches, fluffy scones and a glass of fizz for parents, all set in the light-filled Veranda  make for a very jolly afternoon. And if pizza, pasta and the like are called for, we have a rolodex of nearby pubs and laid-back restaurants to make children's supper go smoothly.

London adventures for little legs

The joy of staying at The Goring is that it’s really rather near to many of London’s greatest attractions, while also remaining a peaceful sanctuary in Belgravia. It’s an easy stroll to our neighbours at Buckingham Palace – time it right to watch the ceremonial spectacle known as the Changing of the Guards – then wander through Green Park and Hyde Park. Finish at Kensington Palace for ice creams and a trip to the Diana Memorial Playground, keeping the kids happy with its giant sand pit and pirate ship.

Literary London adventures 

From Paddington Bear and Harry Potter, to Oliver Twist and Peter Pan, London is the backdrop to some of the world’s best literary characters. Follow their steps through London, take in the “Paddington” or “Oliver!” musical, visit the film sets at Harry Potter World and pass by Peter Pan’s statue in Green Park. London is also home to some of the world's best museums including the inimitable Natural History Museum (where a huge blue whale skeleton resides) and the immersive Science Museum, which features an IMAX cinema showing films curated by David Attenborough. 

From Barabara the sheep to buttery scones and dressing up boxes, we do love it when our younger guests come to stay at The Goring. We'd be delighted to welcome your family soon.