Just a hop and a skip across the channel this beautiful 16th century Normandy towered manoir and its cluster of pretty cottages is perfect for a low-stress overseas holiday. A mere 25 minutes drive from the port of Cherbourg, The Manoir's Grange cottage manages to be the perfect blend of style, luxury and family-friendly practicality. The cottage, a restored ancient farm building has three bedrooms, 1 double, 1 twin and a bunk bed room ideal for little ones. Downstairs there is a large oak beamed lounge with sofa bed, cosy soft furnishings and original washed stone walls. It's is the perfect evening retreat thanks to the tv (with english channels), video/ DVD player, hifi and of course internet access point meaning busy parents need no be entirely out of touch with the outside world. The kitchen is well equipped for families with dish-washer, microwave, toaster, coffee-maker, cooker, large fridge-freezer etc, though It should be said though that kitchens are rarely used since there are delicious breakfasts and dinners on offer in the manoir's bistro, which is also a nice place to enjoy a evening drink and is used by guests renting rooms in main house on a B&B basis. The cottage's family bathroom is a particular favourite with past guests thanks to the hydropower shower (baby bath available).
The Parker family moved here from the UK just a few years ago and set about creating the perfect escape for families in need of a relaxing and indulgent break away from home. Along with a comprehensive list of baby and toddler gear (see below), there's a heated outdoor pool (fenced), a hot tub, a lovely new indoor play area with games for ages from ball pools to basketball, and five acres of beautiful grounds to explore. The picturesque local village with its friendly bar and grocery store (great baguettes and croissants!) is just short stroll away, whilst a couple of busier towns and number of Blue Flag beaches are within 5-15mins drive.
Please note: In August there is a 14 night stay minimum required on all stays.
Be warned, a holiday at The Manoir, is truly a holiday for everyone and the fact that parents can simply relax, with the knowledge that the little ones are happy with so much onsite to play with and explore, plus a delicious meal will be made for you at the end of the day, can make it very very difficult to leave either to explore or to go home! However, for those who can tear themselves away, there are a selection of fun activities for little ones within a hour’s drive including the 'La Ville Enchante", which is great for younger children and close to Mont St Michel (50kms), and La Cite de la Mer - a sophisticated aquarium near Cherbourg (50kms) and a large Zoo with soft play and bouncy castles, near Granville (20kms). The picturesque fortified town of Granville with its pretty buildings, seafood bistros and seaside health spa is well worth a visit itself.
Along with the Bistro onsite, there are a wide selection of bars, restaurants and shops within a 7km radius, along with facilities for golf, fishing, cycling, canoeing, horse-riding and watersports, which are a little further afield at 15kms.
The nearest port is Cherbourg (25mins), whilst Caen is within an hour; Le Havre is around 2.5hrs away and Calais about 4.5hrs. Paris is just 2.5hrs by train and flights from the UK to Cherbourg are offered by flybe.
Click to enlarge
Check-in time: 17:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: GBP200.00
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 17:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: GBP200.00
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Arrival: , Departure:
Price: GBP
Unlet dates within 7 days are discounted by £400.00
![]() |
Sleeps 6 + infants in three bedrooms, 1 double, 1 twin & 1 bunk bed room |
||||||
![]() | a selection of Blue Flag beaches are within 15 minutes drive |
![]() | The outdoor heated swimming pool (May-Sept) has lots of fun inflatables for the children and separate deluxe hot-tub area for adults with a furnished wooden-decked terrace area for relaxing in the sun. French regulations ensure that it is extremely safe for children with fencing, child safety gates and life-saving equipment to prevent any mishaps. |
![]() | Babysitting may be pre-booked in advance |
![]() | Travel cots, highchair, stair gates, baby baths, baby monitors, plastic cups, plates, bowls, cutlery, hand blender, changing mat, potty, child toilet seat and step, mattress protectors, cot linen including mattress protector, cot sheets, blanket, are all available. |
![]() | A selection of baby/toddler toys, books and DVD are available in the cottages and teh new indoor play area has a mini climbing frame, slide, Tunnel, Play house, Trampoline, ball pit & balls, push toys & trikes. Also for older children air hockey, table football, table tennis, fun duo basket ball, |
![]() | A great pre-arrival shopping service is available. Home-made three or four course meals from the Manoir's Courtyard bistro can be served in the cottages. |
![]() | Baby Swings, general swings, toddler slide, general slides, climbing frames, see saw, sand pit, Trampoline, and paddling pools are all on site. Also, for older children and adults there is a football field with full size nets, supervised Archery three times a week, basketball and boules pitch. |
![]() | The Manoir's Courtyard Bistro offers everything from an ice-cold draught beer from the well-stocked bar, to children's snacks or home-made three or four course meal in relaxing surroundings or served in your own cottage. |
Please click the text to scroll through reviews.
Very relaxing stay in a comfortable, spacious and beautifully restored cottage. We had freakishly wet weather for most of the week we were staying but still managed to get into the pool 3 times with our 3 and 1 year olds. We also made good use of the outdoor playground and indoor playroom. Audrey and Jeff are very welcoming and the in-cottage dinner we had on our first night was absolutely delicious. However the location is pretty remote (part of its attraction) - it's a good 15mins walk to the local village which has a small grocery shop and restaurant (no cafe). For other places, you need to drive. There are some great towns and lovely sandy beaches within 15-20mins drive and D-Day beaches/museum within 30-45mins drive. Our only suggestion would be to provide a folder within the cottage with information on the local facilities and places to go with young kids.Review dated 20/07/2012
The facilites for our 1 1/2 year old were brilliant he especially loved the huge trampoline in the garden and in door play area with lots of toys
We loved the Bistro and in cottage serivice, it gave us a break too!Review dated 03/08/2011
We originally requested one of the cottages, but all were booked up. Instead we took one of the rooms in the tower (B&B) which was comfortable and very clean, and with the use of a lounge downstairs we were able to escape for a glass or two of wine whilst our son slept peacefully in the room. Audrey and Geoff were lovely hosts, being extremely helpful in suggesting things to do and see during a rather wet week in August. We would definitely go back there: easy to get to, clean, friendly, plenty for kids to do even on rainy days!Review dated 03/11/2009
Audrey the owner is so friendly and helpful - we had a problem with our shower not draining properly and the sky dish not working properly and they fixed them very promptly. The three course meals she cooked for us and brought to our cottage were scrumptious - my cooking seemed rather bland at home afterwards!Review dated 03/11/2009
A fantastic family holiday, lots for the children to do. Beach only 20mins away! Audrey's hospitality was excellent!Review dated 03/11/2009
Audrey made us feel very welcome. The cottage and facilities were perfect for my 2 young children. We used the bistro a couple of times where Audrey brought food over - very nice!Review dated 03/11/2009
We had a lovely holiday and the kids loved the play room, the play equipment and the chickens. The only areas we think could be improved would be providing a bath (rather than a baby bath - a bit difficult for a 3 year old to fit into), a toddler friendly swimming pool and information in the gite including how to work the appliances and giving some guidance to local attractionsReview dated 03/11/2009
We had such a super holiday. Geoff and Audrey are super hosts. The accomodation was flawless and facilities for children second to none.Lots of lovely beaches and facilities within a few miles, too. Can't recommend enoughReview dated 03/11/2009
*Ratings by verified BFB guests who stayed here with young children.
Rated by 4 guests.