A London South Bank staycation with twins, Twits and the River Thames

A city break in London Marriott Hotel County Hall’s new family rooms was a mini-break to remember as well as a great introduction to South Bank hotels for Tara Lewis and her family.

London Marriott Hotel County Hall

Trying new things on a South Bank staycation

As busy parents to our six-year-old twins Taliah and Ezrah, constantly juggling work and domestic responsibilities, my husband Edd and I don’t get to travel as much as we’d like. But as a family we like trying new things as the kids reach every new age and stage, and at six, they love London as much as we do, and are old enough to enjoy a nice hotel without causing (much) chaos.

So an overnight stay at London Marriott Hotel County Hall in one of its new riverside family rooms seemed like the perfect way to break up the holidays and introduce us all to the cosmopolitan world of South Bank hotels. Which also meant viewing our favourite city from a whole new vantage point as well as spending some quality family time together, before going home to pick up our new kitten (which the kids were beyond excited about, and definitely needed distracting from).

Double Family Room with Balcony

Old city glamour meets modern comforts at Marriott County Hall

Arriving at the Marriott is a fun adventure, especially with excited kids in tow. Just a few minutes’ walk from Waterloo station, the entrance is on Westminster Bridge Road, with a grand, circular courtyard accessed via a stone archway, like a spectacular secret.

With Beefeater statues standing guard alongside shiny Lamborghinis for a sense of stately glamour alongside modern cool, the hotel is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1922, and retains all the gravitas befitting the old local government London headquarters: a wonderful way to feel connected to important moments in the city’s history.

These days, the Marriott presides over the busy bustle of South Bank, and is the perfect spot from which to enjoy river views of top city landmarks including the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The buzzy location means you don’t even have to leave your room to feel part of the excitement – although with so many attractions close by, you’d be crazy not to.

Balcony views at London Marriott Hotel County Hall

Excited kids on our London mini-break

The kids’ eyes were saucers of excitement before we even got inside, and so were Edd’s as we were smoothly relieved of our luggage by a smiling doorman – not our usual style at home in Newbury, but one we could definitely get used to.

In the chic lobby we were offered champagne and soft drinks, whilst the kids discovered the County Hall Candy Shop – with a free bag for every guest.

Then it was up to our lovely room on the 6^th Floor, one of the 35 new rooms and suites overlooking the river, with the wow factor of stepping out onto the balcony to see the London Eye stage right, and Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament directly opposite.

It’s an amazing view that you can’t tire of, with the meandering boat traffic and crowds wandering the South Bank, as red buses pass up and down the bridge and the big clock sounds the hour. At night, it reminded me of one of the London scenes from Harry Potter: quite magical, yet full of cosy familiarity.

Two large king-sized beds meant the kids could share, and they were delighted with their child-size dressing gowns and slippers and little London-themed gifts. Edd was equally delighted with a chocolate Big Ben, while I eyed up the bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket, in other words, pampered already.

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Gillray’s Restaurant

A perfect afternoon and evening in half-term London

We left for sightseeing in the February sunshine, an easy task with so many attractions in walking distance.

The Tate Modern is a favourite, with the spacious Turbine Hall and public galleries which are ideal for energetic kids to run around and expend energy. Taliah wasn’t quite ready for the thrills of the London Eye, so we earmarked that one for next time, ditto Shrek’s Adventure.

We had dinner at Gillray’s, Marriott County Hall’s new restaurant and grill. It’s a long and elegant space, with those river views stunningly lit. Edd and I had the roasted half-lobster, chili fried squid, and the Cote de Bouef with truffle and loaded fries sides. The kids loved their choices from the children’s menu, and Ezrah, who has a dairy allergy, was thrilled with his dessert – big scoops of dairy-free, chocolate ice-cream. Edd enjoyed some quality alcohol-free beers, whilst I indulged in the most delicious Sauvignon Blanc: all crisp gooseberry flavours that zinged on the palate. After that feast we were ready for bed!

South Bank hotels with swimming pools are the best kind

We took breakfast in Gillray’s for more river views, although you can also have it in the historic Library, which was the former home to London County Council and has welcomed politicians and royalty for centuries. Though now of course, it welcomes guests for Eggs Benedict or Afternoon Tea, a no less important function!

After enjoying our leisurely breakfast we headed to the 5^th Floor pool area, housing a 25-metre pool and decked out with loungers and tropical foliage, with lanes to separate the serious swimmers from those enjoying a splash around. Being firmly in the latter camp, the kids took full advantage of the free floaties and had a great time.

Relaxing with the props at the Twits Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea with The Twits

While Afternoon Tea is served in the main Library, the adjacent space is currently decked out for a full Roald Dahl-themed experience: The Twits Afternoon Tea.

All the best bits of the book are represented: the tree where they get stuck; Mr Twit’s beard; all manner of fake foodstuffs, including a plate of Wormy Spaghetti. The tea itself continues the theme, with potentially horrid-sounding elements that tasted great, such as Skillywiggler Lemonade with Frogspawn, Mrs Twit’s Bird Pie and Marmite Scones (practically indistinguishable from the regular ones). Ezrah had a vegan Tea from the Library menu, so he didn’t feel left out at all. There was so much that we ended up with a doggy bag, which is never a bad thing!

Twits Afternoon Tea, London Marriott Hotel County Hall

A short but memorable trip

We felt refreshed after our night at the Marriott, a cute family adventure we will all remember. South Bank hotels are a great way to be close to all the best attractions, and we definitely picked the right one.

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