Party place that changed history
Nidd Hall Harrogate Three-night full-board stay from £242pp
RUMOUR has it that Edward VIII met Wallis Simpson at a party at Nidd Hall when it was owned by a wealthy racehorse owner. Now the venue is part of Warner Leisure Hotels, which is unlike any other hotel group in the UK. A stay here includes full board, for a start.
Think of Warner Leisure Hotels as adventure holidays for adults and you won’t go far wrong. Archery, which I remember doing on a school trip, is on offer, as is indoor curling. Film screenings and wine-tasting sessions also feature, while the more sporty can take a dip in the indoor pool.
The main house is grand and the grounds extensive. Built on a hill, a series of formal gardens lead down to a lake covering 45 acres. In summer there’s a man-made beach.
The most expensive rooms are in the original 18th Century building, all balustrades and views over the long gravel drive. I’m in the newer East Wing, where the rooms are spacious and feature state-of-the-art bathrooms.
There’s a big wi-fi upgrade in the works. Handily, since there’s plenty of smartphone addiction among guests, my room has a series of USB charging points.
This place won’t be to everyone’s taste. For a start, under-21s aren’t allowed through the door, which feels a bit odd. Like some cruise ships, you’re assigned a table for your stay, and a seat in the Pavilion Theatre where there are nightly cabaret and comedy shows.
The vast majority of guests are 50 and over and you’d struggle to find a nicer set of people. There is more hand-holding than at any hotel I’ve ever been to, and the place is packed, even during my midweek break.
The staff are young but intensely friendly. But then everyone is friendly. Everyone greets each other in the corridors, and they praise the food to the hilt.
The place: An imposing mansion, built by a Bradford wool merchant, a ten-minute drive from Harrogate.
The accommodation: There are 193 rooms and suites. Upgrading to one of the Historic rooms costs about £10pp per day. There is good provision for people with limited mobility, including walk-in showers.
The food: Most meals are served in The Rawson, named after one of Nidd Hall’s former owners. There’s always a buffet, but also table service.
Food is plentiful and the menu centres on British classics. The apricot sponge for pudding was delicious.