MY fearless six-year-old son, Alex, giggled as a large Asian brown owl landed on his gloved arm, just inches away from his face.
Neeka is so used to mingling with guests who visit the birds of prey aviary that she happily sat there for a few seconds, slowly twisting her neck, taking in the view.
And who can blame her, when the view is as stunning as this?
We were staying on the stunning Swinton Estate, set in the Yorkshire Dales within an incredible 20,000 acres of sprawling land made up of villages, farms and moorland.
At the centre of this is the Downton Abbey-style, ivy-clad ancestral stately home of Lord and Lady Masham which has been turned into a luxury hotel with 42 suites and bedrooms.
Despite its grandeur, I discovered it to be one of the most down to earth — and definitely the most child-friendly — places I’ve ever stayed in the UK.
What’s more, visitors are on the doorstep of explorable market towns, as well as just a 10-minute drive from historic Jervaulx Abbey (one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful historic sites) and 20 minutes from Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, home to mini rollercoasters, giant swings and a crazy golf course.
That’s if you can find the time to leave the estate.
Swinton has even more activities than overcrowded tourist traps such as Center Parcs — with comparable prices.
During our short stay, we enjoyed treasure hunts, children’s cookery courses, fishing, archery, escape rooms and cycling.
Most read in Best of British
There are complimentary meditation classes, tea tasting, clay pigeon shooting, history tours, movie nights and a birds of prey show.
Falconer Mandy explained that most of the owls, hawks and falcons on site were hand reared.
They even go on “walks” through the estate, high above your head.
And what a great place for a stroll, it is. Our dog Layla certainly agreed.
Unlike many hotels, Layla wasn’t just tolerated here, she was adored.
She walked alongside us as we explored some of the 63 miles of footpaths as well as the play area, wild swimming lake, shop and the Country Club.
She even plodded into the reception with me while I booked an amazing £50 back, neck and shoulder massage.
Although, I did leave her with the others when it came to enjoying my treatment.
This meant I could take full advantage of the amenities, which include thermal suites, a heavenly relaxation room and two pools, both of which have select adults-only times so the grown-ups can properly de-stress.
OLD-WORLD CHARM
Even those with kids can get their downtime thanks to the on-site babysitting service, available from £15 an hour.
The Estate itself is a charming mix of contemporary design blended with grand antiques and historical paintings of the family that once owned it.
This old-world charm continues into the bedrooms and suites too.
Our room featured high ceilings and large low windows where Alex and Layla sat together watching the deer roam freely in the fields.
Every tiny detail has been considered here.
There were coats and umbrellas to borrow, dog biscuits, a teddy bear on the bed and soft, squishy towels and dressing gowns.
While Alex was grateful for the bowl of apples and pile of shortbread biscuits left on the side, I was more appreciative of the smart coffee machine and the Estate’s home-made sloe whisky.
Whisky is just one of many things that comes from the grounds.
Pretty much everything from vegetables and meat to herbs and fruit does, too.
I am a sucker for a good brekkie and thanks to the outstanding estate sausages, this was undoubtedly my favourite meal of the stay.
A freshly-cooked plate of breakfast goodies also helped to ease my slightly sore head after the excellent mixologists rustled me up one too many spicy margaritas the night before.
You don’t need to be an overnight guest to visit the Estate.
Those popping in during the winter months can experience a new winter light trail which will lead them through a sparkling woodland and around the pretty lakes — tickets are from £7.50 per child, while those under five go free.
If you do fancy checking in for the evening, however, now is the time to book.
On selected dates this winter, you can bag a suite with breakfast and a bottle of house wine for £275 in total.
I am from Yorkshire originally, but I don’t think I’ve ever actually received such a Yorkshire welcome as I did here.
Even Neeka the owl was happy to see us.
GO: SWINTON ESTATE
STAYING THERE: The Red Hot Autumn package costs from £275 per night, including breakfast, a bottle of house wine in the room, spa access from 3pm on day of arrival until 11am on day of check out.
Dogs cost an additional £30 per dog, per night and a child’s bed costs an additional £50 per child, per night.
See swintonestate.com.