LUXURIES and surprises make a fun family weekend for LESLEY OLDFIELD at a hotel near Leeds. STAYING on a business park in clear sight of the M1 might not seem like a treat . . . but Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa proves that it is a treat to be relished. Built five years ago, this four-star hotel both seems newer, in its pristine-ness, and older, in its solidity and sheer class. “Pish posh” was how my seven-year-old, Eve, summed it up. Its position close to junction 26 of the M1 suited our family break perfectly. Although Leeds is a great adult destination, famed for its shops, restaurants and galleries, the more family-friendly destinations are scattered around the city. Staying at Thorpe Park meant we did not have to negotiate the notorious city traffic at any point, but could simply hop from one main route to another. We managed to visit Eureka! — a museum for children 30 minutes away in Halifax — Harewood House, a stately home with large grounds, many birds - including penguins, and an adventure playground, and, on our way back North, the Forbidden Corner, a garden of mysteries, challenges and surprises. Each outing was prefaced and completed with a trip to the hotel’s level-deck swimming pool, whose shimmering surface is overlooked by the large windows of a lounge area on one side, and of a terrace and gardens on the other. Many fellow residents were enjoying birthday visits or spa days, padding round in soft white slippers and robes. I joined them at the spa one morning, while my husband took our son and daughter for what was their fourth trip to the pool during our two-night stay. I lay on a giant hot water bottle-style bed as an expert masseuse worried away at tight knots between my shoulders until they dissolved in a heady haze of clove bud, peppermint and eucalyptus oils. But I confess, it seemed the knots had been preparing to melt away as I waited for my treatment in the relaxation room, feet up, glossy magazine in hand, sunshine glinting through the wooden blinds, a crystal glass of iced water by my side. The children, meanwhile, had decided it would be fun to live at Thorpe Park. Young visitors are soon to get their own fluffy robes, but in the meantime I think the breakfasts decided it for my two. A conventional buffet arrangement exists with hot drinks and toast brought to each table. But the large spread on offer is lifted by the inclusion of touches like the fried eggs coming fitted perfectly onto toasted muffins, a fresh compote of berries being served as well as a fruit salad, and pancakes being cooked to order. The two tellies in our room also made a big impression on the children. We were in a suite which could be divided by a curtain, with the kids on a bed settee. Furnished luxuriously with dark, beautifully grained modern furniture, the room had stainless steel fittings and muted colours, given character with giant framed prints and oversized light fittings. We also enjoyed an evening meal in the restaurant, which filled up despite the rugby world cup final. Italian dishes dominate both the main menu, and the Trekkers children’s menu — £9.95 including a drink — and the hotel prides itself on having many local suppliers. The kids both chose pasta with garlic bread and parmesan cheese, and a starter which they deemed to be a misnamed pudding, consisting as it did of melon, berries and citrus sorbet. That did not stop them having pancakes with chocolate sauce to finish! My starter of creamy goats’ cheese fritters contrasted well with its earthy bed of beetroot and walnuts. A rich risotto of butternut squash followed, given added texture with parsnip crisps, and we shared dishes of green beans and baby carrots, initially forgotten, perhaps due to that rugby match.With puddings our bill came to £64, not including wine. We were spoilt for choice when it came to deciding where to spend our days, but I would recommend families making a trip to Eureka!, 30 minutes away in Halifax, which is stuffed full of things for kids to do as they learn about their surroundings, and, in my favourite section, their bodies. A giant nose, mouth and ear are among displays which get them to think about how their own bodies work . . . and others’ don’t. I caught sight of someone on crutches passing as I stood watching a brief film about how disabled people cope with everyday obstacles. That someone turned out to be my daughter! Another surreal moment came when my children stood chatting matter-of-factly to Scoot as he asked them about their visit. Scoot is a small robot with a colander head, camera-lens eyes and other recycled attributes, attached in some not-obvious way to a friendly chap with a microphone. As it was nearing Halloween, we were able to join a potions class where we could change liquids into myriad colours with the addition of substances like dragon spit (muggle’s lemon juice). Harewood House is also great value for all the family. Inside, you can be amazed by priceless gaudy heirlooms, while outside red kites circle beyond the terrace, displaying their 170cm (5.5ft) wingspans. But our most unusual outing had to be to The Forbidden Corner at Tupgill Park near Leyburn, North Yorkshire. We stopped off there on our way back North having booked in advance . . . a require- ment of entry. This millionaire’s playground is part garden, part fantasy theme park, and filled with quirky illusions and oddities to puzzle over. Families charge round, wide-eyed with excitement, trying to find all the “clues” on their maps, losing each other and discovering hidden passages, exits and entrances along the way. Some emerge spooked, others a little wet . . . but to describe it in detail would be to give away its secrets and spoil the thrills. VISIT the Forbidden Corner. Tickets £8 for adults, £6 for children. Telephone 01969-623069 or see their website at www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk TAKE a trip to Eureka! Tickets cost £7.25. Call 01422-330069 or 07626-983191 or see www.eureka.org.uk WITH loads to do, Harewood House is much more than a stately home. Call 0113-218 1010 or see www.harewood.org The Royal Armouries is a museum for the boys. Admission free. For details, call 0870-034 4344 or see www.royalarmouries.org RELAX by the ruins of Bolton Abbey near Skipton, North Yorkshire. Telephone 01756-718009 or see www.boltonabbey.com PRICES at Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa start from £74 per person per night in an Executive room, including breakfast. Children can stay free in their parents’ room, with a breakfast from £4. FAMILIES can also stay in two interconnecting rooms for two nights'’B&B for £396 including discounted entrance to one of Yorkshire’s Great Attractions. For more information see www.shirehotels.com or call 0113-264 1000. THE hotel can also book a nanny from Safehands. | 
