FEELING rough after the Christmas excesses? Rather than wallowing in your hangover, pretend you're the Lord or Lady of the manor and head to Thoresby Hall says ELLA BUCHAN

FEELING rough after the Christmas excesses? Rather than wallowing in your hangover, pretend you're the Lord or Lady of the manor and head to Thoresby Hall.

As we arrived in the grounds on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, our first thought was how huge this place is.

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You would have to walk for about 20 minutes just to get to the entrance gate, past the croquet lawn and woodland trails.

One of 13 Warner Leisure Hotels specialising in "adults only" breaks, the fact that it seems to be always full speaks volumes.

It also says a lot about how many people want to get away from kids every now and again - whether their own or everyone else's.

A break here is a bargain, starting at just £229 for four nights midweek - including breakfast, evening meals, leisure facilities and most of the activities on offer.

The Ambassador rooms are the cheapest but they're still pretty luxurious - lovely big beds, en-suite bathrooms, plus all the facilities you'd expect like tea and coffee, ironing board, telly etc.

But the more you pay, the more you get. Stay in one of the classy Signature rooms and you get better toiletries, LCD TV and digital radio.

You can also dine in candlelit cellar restaurant Fenocchi's, a favourite with younger couples on romantic weekends.

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We opted for total hibernation in one of the historic suites in the Old House. Right at the edge of the hotel, it felt like our own wing.

There are bathrobes, luxury toiletries - and an incongruously modern Nespresso coffee machine.

Otherwise it's about traditional touches - four-poster bed, chaise longue and reproduction antiques.

In fact, the entire Old House felt like living in a different era.

In the Great Hall, older couples expertly swept their partners across the plush carpets while others sipped classic cocktails in front of the log fire.

You can work off all the food with free activities such as archery and dance lessons.

Or just retreat to the spa with its hydrotherapy pool, ice cave, steam room and sauna.

We had the rassoul, where you smother detoxifying muds on your face and body, relax and let the steam rinse it off, leaving smooth, glowing skin.

I followed that with an ESPA facial and as I drifted away, cocooned in the soothing scent of essential oils, my winter blues just drifted away.

Fact File
THORESBY Hall Hotel & Spa, in Nottinghamshire, is a Grade I listed mansion built in 1875.

Four-night midweek breaks in January start at £229 and three-night weekend breaks start at £237. Prices are based on two people sharing an Ambassador room and include dinner, bed & breakfast.

Visit warnerleisurehotels.co.uk or call 0800 1 388 399. Ella travelled by train with East Coast from London. Book online at eastcoast.co.uk