THE FACTS ABOUT THE ICKWORTH

England Suffolk

Ickworth occupies the east wing of the elegant stately home until recently owned by the Hervey family of Lady Victoria fame. It now has a new life as part luxury hotel (under the Luxury Family Hotels umbrella), part National Trust attraction. In addition, the Dower House apartments - 11 beautifully decorated, self-contained holiday flats - recently opened on the estate. Prepare to be treated like aristocracy from the moment your car crunches up the gravel driveway. Guests leave their car to be parked, their luggage to be taken up to their room and - if they wish - their children to be looked after in the Four Bears play den. Ickworth's formula revolves around keeping parent and child happy in equal measure: adults can swan around the funky-but-elegant state rooms, stroll in the 1,800 acre park, or enjoy a facial in the spa. Children are indulged with a dazzling array of toys, games and activities - all supervised by nannies. The whole family can enjoy the stylish indoor pool, tennis courts and horse riding. Grand dining is on offer in Frederick's restaurant; Café Inferno is more informal. The Ickworth Hotel was featured in UK Hotels. WHEN TO GO When you need guilt-free pampering WHICH ROOM TO BOOK Grand Tour; or Ludwig's, the grandest apartment in the Dower House CONTACT The Ickworth Hotel, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk (01284 735 350; fax: 736 300; www.ickworthhotel.com). Doubles £130-£495; apartments £400-£1,420