Mini Guest, Major Vibes: Staying Soho Farmhouse with a Toddler.
When you think of Soho House, “kid-friendly” doesn’t automatically pop into your mind. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how much Soho Farmhouse caters to families with babies & toddlers - it was one of the most magical winter holidays we have taken as a family.
We visited Soho Farmhouse in October 2023. We were exhausted after spending three days in London exploring the museums, parks and pubs, and were ready to do some much-needed relaxing in the countryside (well…as much “relaxing” you can do with a 15 month old!).
Soho Farmhouse Overview
Address: 1 Tracey Farm Cottages, Great Tew, Chipping Norton OX7 4JS, United Kingdom
Best for: Babies to kids under 5 years old.
Booking Link: Apply for Membership HERE
Photo credit: Mini Travel Club
About Soho House.
Soho House was established in 1995 in Soho, London as a members-only club for people in the film, media and entertainment industry. Soho Farmhouse was created in 2015 on a derelict farm spanning 100 acres across the Oxfordshire countryside. It was created with the intention of escapism for creatives - a place to relax, rejuvenate and connect with nature. The exclusive nature of the club doesn’t outwardly promote itself as being family friendly, but in our experience, was a perfect place to vacation with our toddler.
Who is it for?
As it is a members-only facility, you will need to become a member or need member to book and join your trip - unfortunately they are super strict about this. However, once you are a member, you’ll have access to other Soho Houses around the globe Check it out here.
Getting there.
By Car: Soho Farmhouse is a 2-hour (scenic) drive from London. We hired a car service because we thought it would be easier on our one-year (and need a toddler car seat).
By Train & Taxi: You can also catch the train from London to Charlbury station (approximately 1hour 10 minutes) followed by a 15-minute taxi ride to the Farmhouse (keep in mind that you’ll need a child seat for any cars you travel in for your minis).
What makes Soho Farmhouse perfect for toddlers?
Photo credit: Mini Travel Club
Teeny Barn: The onsite childcare at Teeny Barn is an absolute dream for kiddos! The’ve got arts and crafts, endless toys and books, indoor and outdoor play spaces plus friendly farm animals roaming the grounds. It’s open daily 9am-5pm and complimentary for little guests aged 2-16 staying at the farmhouse. Child members get two hours of access per day—giving parents that perfect window for a spa treatment or leisurely lunch.
Photo credit: Soho Farmhouse
Teeny Pool: Children under the age of 15 have a pool just for them called the Teeny Pool.
Kid-friendly Restaurant Hours: No need to order room service every night - children are welcome in restaurant spaces until 9pm each day - the last table reservation at 7.30pm).
Outdoor space: The lush green pastures of the Cotswalds are perfect for getting wiggles out. Babies can enjoy stroller rides through the fields (perfect for nap time) while toddlers can visit the lake, explore the grasslands and say hello to the animals in the barn.
Photo Credit: Mini Travel Club
Toddler-Friendly Bike Seats: We happened to snag a couple of bikes that had baby seats on the front. This was the first time my toddler sat on a bike - and he absolutely LOVED every minute of it.
Pony Rides: If your kid is 4 years or older, book in a private horse riding lesson or a leisurely pony ride across the grounds.
Crib, Bedding, Diapers & Lotion provided: Walking into our room to find a beautiful wooden crib already set up (with fresh bedding, spare diapers and lotion thoughtfully placed on top) was such a lovely surprise. The attention to detail is truly impeccable!
Photo credit: Mini Travel Club
Why parents love Soho Farmhouse?
Luxury Toiletries: Leave your toiletry bag at home – every bathroom at the Farmhouse is stocked with full-sized Cowshed bath products and the whole product line of Soho Skincare (moisturiser, serum, cleanser, eye cream etc). You’ll feel like a million bucks every time you come out of the bathroom.
Incredibly dining choices on site: There are 5 cafes & restaurants onsite making it the perfect place to bring your kids. You’ll find something for everyone - big and small appetites. Reservations are recommended.
Enjoy a Sunday Roast at Main Barn, a Japanese izakaya-style menu at Pen Yen, a more casual vibe serving homemade pasta, pizza, fish and meat all cooked in a wood oven at Hay Barn, Persian delicacies at Little Berenjak or sweet treats and pastries from Blake’s Kitchen Bakery.
Photo Credit: Mini Travel Club
Adult-Only Pool: The stunning indoor-outdoor pool is reserved for patrons over the age of 15. It is heated year-round and open every day from 6.30am to 10pm.
Spa: This is the ultimate spa experience is exactly what parents need to rest and rejuvenate (a great excuse to pop the kiddos into Teeny Barn or book a nanny service while you get pampered). They offer sunken hot tubs, a personalized salt soak experience called Omorovicza, saunas and more!
Hotel Bar: Grab some wine, beer or cocktails at The Main Barn (open until midnight), the Hay Barn (open until 11) The Mill Room (open until 1am). My recommendation - the Soho Mule (so delicious).
Outdoor Activities: Tennis, boating, clay-pigeon shooting, padel - there's no shortage of ways to stay active. Prefer something more low-key? The meadow walks are equally dreamy.
Photo Credit: Mini Travel Club
Soho Home: Take a piece of Soho Farmhouse back home with you at the Soho Home boutique. Book an interior consultation or peruse the exquisite homewares so you can recreate the Soho House aesthetic in your own home
Nanny Service: A nanny service is available for children under 2 years old for . £20 per hour.
Dog-Friendly: Yay, you don’t have to leave your kiddos’ bestie at home! There are a limited number of dog-friendly rooms available onsite (extra fees may apply) so check out their terms & conditions before booking.
Possible dealbreakers?
Limited Family-Friendly Rooms: The Soho Farmhouse doesn't always have kid-friendly rooms as they get booked up pretty quickly.
Etiquette and formality: As an exclusive members' club, the atmosphere leans refined—which means littles ones having big feelings might draw a few raised eyebrows. Here at Mini Travel Club, we know the reality: babies cry, toddlers meltdown, and that's just part of family travel. While many guests are understanding, others... less so. Just be prepared for the occasional snooty glance when your toddler forgets to use their indoor voice.
Overall
Soho Farmhouse with our toddler was truly special—one of those trips that instantly becomes a treasured family memory. Between the exceptional dining, thoughtful amenities, and stunning countryside setting, we actually felt relaxed while traveling with our mini - the ultimate luxury.