The Ultimate Family Getaway This Winter: Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire Launches a Family Adventure Pool, Sharkie’s Reef, in Addition to a New Skating Rink

As the nights draw in and the temperatures begin to drop, many start to plan their getaways to more exotic climates. However, this winter it might be worth exploring somewhere the whole family will enjoy a little closer to home. Located just one hour from London, on the picturesque Dogmersfield Estate, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is not only steeped with more than 1,000 years of history, but has a range of fun activities and facilities sure to keep everyone happy this winter.

For younger (and those just young at heart) guests, the Hotel's new Sharkie’s Reef, a fun packed family adventure pool, features designs by Disney and Warner Brothers sculptor Justin Pook. Justin's impressive portfolio has included work on sets for blockbuster hits such as Christopher Robin, Beauty and the Beast and Puss in Boots. Justin's creative sculptures have helped transform the pool into a water wonderland with a four metre (13 foot) slide, a rotating umbrella fountain and bubble jets.

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire already has a range of loveable characters for children to meet when they arrive, with the resident dog Oliver Beckington, the naughty Shetland ponies Milo and Dougal, along with a host of feathered friends in the falconry experience. Sharkie is the newest member of the family. Unlike normal sharks, Sharkie is much more smiley than scary, all set for splashing fun in his reef.

The frolics continue at the Hotel this December, with the opening of its first ever skating rink. Set within the rustic grounds, no matter how unimpressive one's skating skills, this outdoor rink will be the very definition of festive fun.

These new family offerings add to the Hotel’s already impressive range of recreational activities; active children can be kept busy with a rolling itinerary of tennis lessons, horses riding across the Hotel’s 500 acres (300 hectares) of stunning parkland, the Highwire Adventure – the ultimate tree-top challenge - and cycling. Meanwhile, those of a more passive disposition can be occupied with some classic British pastimes including clay pigeon shooting, croquet, falconry and fishing. From Carra Baker the Equestrian Manager, to Jon Bond the Angling Instructor, and Simon Wilson the Falconer, all delight in disclosing stories to guests about their horses, their fish and their birds, found on and around the Estate. For smaller tots, the Kids for All Seasons club is open throughout the school holidays, offering crafts, games and a variety of fun events, while teens can enjoy the Games Room, featuring a range of table games such as foosball and air hockey, as well as video games and films.

And with the kids occupied, parents can relax and enjoy some alone time for themselves, whether it be treatments in the Spa, a romantic cruise on the canal boat or a carriage ride across the rolling Hampshire hills.

For families looking for a “go-to” break this winter, the extensive offering at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire ensures families never have to leave the grounds, and with the launch of its new Experience More package, which includes a 6:00 pm checkout and a GBP 100 credit towards activities and spa treatments, guests are fully equipped to enjoy everything the Hotel has to offer.