Make your home a castle for a short break. Swinton Park is an elegant ancestral family home turned luxury hotel. It’s set in 200 acres of parkland, lakes and gardens so letting off steam is not a problem. Energetic youngsters can explore the Gothick orangery, Spring Gardens, lakeside paths and admire the deer herd.



Special room rates are sometimes available for families, or extra beds can be put in the spacious rooms for a small charge. Babies are well catered for and there is baby listening or baby-sitting can be arranged. There’s a playroom full of toys including an XBox (converts to a home cinema); and a boot room packed with bikes, kites and other outdoor games.



The renowned Cookery School at the castle runs children’s cookery courses on selected dates encouraging children to get the basics right and to experiment. Then they get to eat it! If that doesn’t appeal there’s always the all-day children’s menu at the hotel.