Sleepover: The Ickworth Hotel

A bed for the night in Suffolk

Where is it?

Just outside Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.

Describe the setting

The publicity shot says it all: a young boy jumps for joy in front of the splendid 18th-century country pile, as though to declare: "This is all mine to play in." And, broadly, it is. The east wing of the former home of the Marquesses of Bristol, owned by the National Trust since the Fifties, is the latest family friendly project from the team behind Woolley Grange. Inside, country-house pomp has been inverted with jazzy furnishings from the latter half of the 20th century, contemporary art and an eclectic selection of ornaments. It's an inspired makeover that brings out the best of the glorious Italianate interiors. Stylish drawing rooms provide quiet retreats, and the old library and conservatory have been transformed into a modish restaurant. Below stairs, the cellars where the servants once toiled contain the bistro, the children's playrooms and the Aquae Sulis spa. The top two floors are given over to bedrooms and just across the park is The Dower House, with 11 self-catering apartments.

Does it have a USP?

Indulgence for all the family. Little ones can play in the supervised Four Bears' Den, while their older siblings enjoy the games room Club/ Blu, and you relax in the spa.

Comfort factor?

Seriously comfortable. Elegant yet squashy sofas in the sitting rooms are supplied with copious magazines and newspapers. Beds are generous in size and dressed with soft linen and bedspreads in sumptuous fabrics. The walls are thick (as you might imagine), so you won't be kept awake all night by crying babies.

What's in the bathroom?

Sparkling white porcelain and chrome, with bath/power showers and double sinks, supplied with fresh-scented Aquae Sulis toiletries.

I'm hungry

Take your pick: Frederick's for adults-only à la carte dining at night or Café Inferno for family lunches or suppers. Frederick's offers modern European cuisine with a good choice of fish, meat and vegetarian options. The food is inventive and top class: don't miss the ice-cream sandwiches. Dinner £43 per head. Café Inferno serves up gourmet pizzas, steaks, tasty salads and more.

What are the people like

The staff are helpful and attentive with the children. The clientele is made up of wealthy middle-class types. It's a favourite for family parties, which tempers the slightly snooty atmosphere.

Things to do?

As well as the above, hop on a bicycle (all sizes catered for) and explore the grounds, which include a great adventure playground. Take a dip in the pool. There are also tennis courts, a croquet lawn and horse-riding on site. Or take a guided tour of the park on a five-seater quad bike. Oh, and the other half of the National Trust property is open to the public.

What's the damage?

Bed and breakfast £130 to £345 per room per night. Children share their parents' room free, paying only for meals. Self-catering apartments £400 to £1,420.

Address?

The Ickworth Hotel, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk (01284 735350; www.luxuryfamilyhotels.com).