Swinton Park

To the manor born? You’ll feel like it after a night at Swinton Park, refreshed after a sound sleep in your own gorgeous castle bedroom or even turret suite. Throw open the curtains and you have sweeping park and garden views, while the two-hundred-acre grounds are yours to explore after breakfast. It’s the brainchild of Mark and Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, who have turned their gracious family residence into a pretty special make-yourself-at-home-in-a-castle experience – whether it’s the family antiques and portraits in the rooms, private spa in the conservatory, afternoon tea on the terrace, the Victorian games room or food straight from the walled kitchen gardens. It’s fancy and grand for sure, but absolutely not snooty – perfect for a special weekend away or a celebration – and children are welcome (the playroom has Xbox, plus kites, bikes and games available, while most of the rooms are massive in any case). The rather extraordinary bar was once a family museum, then a chapel, and is one of the more unusual places to sample a local Masham beer, from the breweries just a mile or so down the road. Dining is a big deal – the in-house restaurant, Samuel’s, uses produce and ingredients from the estate, and there’s a renowned cookery school based at Swinton Park too.