HEALTH SPA WEEKEND BREAK

For anyone wanting to get away from it all - and 'all' includes children - a long Health Spa weekend at Nidd Hall Hotel comes highly recommended.

On arriving at the impressive baronial-style mansion just a couple of miles outside Harrogate, it quickly became apparent we were the youngest people there...by about 20 years.

But don't let that put you off. While images of boules, ballroom dancing and lights out at ten quickly sprang to our narrow minds, we were gladly mistaken.

By breakfast, many fellow guests had already been for a dip in the hotel's pool and were gearing up for the variety of activities throughout the day.

And everyone took full advantage of the late-night entertainment on offer which included a great live band, Freeway, comedians and dancing into the small hours.

Nidd Hall Hotel Spa  itself is a grand old building, parts of which date back to the 14th century, set in grand Victorian and Edwardian gardens with tennis courts, a bowling green, fishing lake and plenty of surrounding fields to explore.

Our room was in a sympathetically-built extension and boasted all modern indulgences like flat TV screen, super kingsize bed and DVD/CD player.

Breakfast and dinner are served in the hotel's atmospheric restaurant and the full English breakfasts, carvery and ? la carte menu on offer every day failed to disappoint.

There was plenty to do to burn off all those extra calories consumed over the weekend. The leisure centre boasts a full-equipped gym, beauty rooms (facial with Jessica a must!) and spa facilities, while a vast range of activities are organised including air rifle shooting, quizzes, pool competitions and even cocktail demonstrations.

We were invited, but not hassled, to join in events and tried our hand at salsa and archery amongst other things.

Location-wise, the hotel is situated neatly between Harrogate and Knaresborough, well within reach of local sites such as the Dales, Mother Shipton's Cave and fantastic shopping in York and Leeds.

Anyone looking for a wild weekend of partying or family fun with the kids should look elsewhere, but if it's a relaxing and entertaining retreat in an idyllic setting you're after, I'd give Nidd the nod.

* Guests can choose from three night weekend and two and four night midweek packages at Nidd Hall Hotel. Prices start from £153 per person including dinner, bed and breakfast, nightly entertainment, leisure facilities and a choice of recreational activities. lFor further information about any of the Warner hotels call 0870 6016012 or visit www.warnerbreaks.co.uk

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