Then it’s time to create handmade chocolates of your own, watching our chocolatiers as they showcase the art of chocolate making. It’s muddy stuff, but kids can dry off on a train ride through the adventure playground, to the woods and back. Venture back in time to discover legendary Sherwood Forest and The Major Oak on one of our exclusive private experiences. Admire the wonky late-medieval and Tudor facades that Hitchin generally seems to have in abundance, a 16th-century coaching inn and the imposing Victorian-era former corn exchange, complete with weather vane and tower. Be sure to take the time to explore every floor. Now, hear its stories, told by our expert stewards, who bring the Castle's heritage to life. Plus, each season brings its own joys here, wander the lakeside grounds in summer and drink wine by our roaring fires in winter. It all makes for a lovely scene when viewed from the opposite banks of the river, with the church, its lawn and the water joined, in shot, by a weeping willow. Set on the banks of the River Swale, its Georgian facades clustered around a commanding Norman castle, you’ll soon see why this town has provided inspiration for artists down the years. At Experience North, we specialise in creating hand-crafted and personalised private journeys through northern England, delivering unique, unforgettable experiences in the nation's historic and cultural heartland. Take a seat at one of our handcrafted oak tables, beneath flickering chandeliers, to be served roast meats, pottage and flagons of wine and ale. Take a look, too, at some of our incredible 40,000 archaeological finds. Some are toxic, and come with red warning signs, but don’t let that put you off, for no matter what time of year you visit, something will be flowering, although the garden is at its most colourful and fragrant in early summer. We're on the doorstep of many of the area's best sights, but our sumptuous period bedrooms and cosy lounge, its fire lit in cooler months, are such comfortable places to relax you may prefer to stay in. Royal history is woven into this spectacular house, largely built by the 1st Earl of Salisbury on Hertfordshire’s largest private estate. Unlock the door to Newcastle's medieval heart as you explore our fortress, home to Britain's best-surviving example of a Norman stone keep. This convenient location and a choice of 265 bedrooms makes it a great choice for a city break. Even if you don’t have a concert ticket, enter (for free) to admire the audacious curves and excellent acoustics, listen to music on the concourse or grab a coffee overlooking NewcastleGateshead’s quay. Fill up with hearty, home-cooked food in our restaurant, which offers daily specials using local ingredients such as local game and shellfish. Upstairs our beautiful Long Room hosts regular music concerts, talks and events. Free to visit, it’s a welcoming place where you can discover local stories, stretch your legs and even enjoy a pint brewed on site. Cusworth Hall offers a great, green gulp of fresh air close to industrious Doncaster. What's more, our weekly community cafe on Wednesday's serves up delicious meals made from surplus supermarket food, helping to avoid food waste. For a tasty meal and a pint of real ale, call by our traditional 17th-century inn, named ‘Best Pub in the Midlands’ by the Countryside Alliance in 2017. Just outside the centre, Westpark Nature Reserve covers 121,000sq m with wetlands, wildflower meadows and a series of striking sculptures firmly rooted in the region; materials include locally sourced steel and stone from Teesside quarries, while all the structures are inspired by the park’s resident water voles, dingy skipper butterflies and little ringer plovers. We've a passion for beer and brewing and the setting of our brew house in the centre of York is almost as enjoyable as the beer itself. Rockliffe Hall blends bygone elegance with contemporary luxury, with parts of the property dating back to the 18th century. Then return to unwind in our large period drawing room, where you can curl up with a good book on a Chesterfield armchair by the fireside. Take a seat in the library or conservatory restaurant, where we serve delicious a la carte or our seven-course tasting menu. Sweep up the grand staircase to reach our 19 luxury bedrooms, where you can sleep with a sense of Victorian refinement. There’s a miniature world to explore inside. Set in beautiful landscape gardens and woodland in the small village of Escrick only six miles from York, you'll have easy access to the historic city and can return to the Parsonage to be pampered like a country squire, thanks to our top leisure facilities and fine dining. Imagine yourself living the life of a miner, quilter or wartime Land Girl as you travel through the areas, which are brought to life with vivid attention to detail that fools the senses and ignites curiosity. Here at Stillingfleet, you can enjoy our efforts, admiring eye-catching herbaceous borders that change with the seasons and attract many bird and insect species. With our extensive fleet of elegant and iconic cars – from sleek MK2 Jaguars to retro-chic 1970s Triumphs – we will add a touch of sophistication to your driving experience. Escape to our family-run guesthouse in the tranquil surroundings of rural Byers Green, just outside Durham. Our recent sympathetic refurbishment of the inn has ensured it's a supremely comfy place to eat and drink yet has kept its connections with the Lytton family history. Britain's oldest working theatre still in its original form, The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond is both a community playhouse and living theatre museum. The Clubhouse, which offers views over the golf course, serves up classic dishes and traditional Sunday roasts. Legend has it that one of the monastery's priests was tried and hanged in the building during the Reformation, and there have been sightings of the affable character in the building ever since. Try one of our bat walks or watch birds, including Peregrine Falcons.
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