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ON a particularly warm and sunny October day at Nidd Hall a couple are playing croquet while, just a few feet away, a squirrel sits on the lawn, looking at them quizzically while munching on a nut.

How idyllic does that sound? Sadly I wasn't able to get to my phone camera quickly enough to capture this incongruous trio before the latter scampered off - but there were certainly more idylls to be photographed during our stay at this luxurious adults-only Harrogate hotel.

We were there for the venue’s weekend Motown and Soul Festival break, which saw three nights of marvellous music from fantastic visiting acts in addition to all the other activities a typical Warner Leisure Hotels break brings. But more of that later.

Nidd Hall is a Grade II Historic Hotel on the edge of the Yorkshire moors set in 45 acres of landscaped gardens, manicured lawns, ornate hedges, a picturesque lake and a calm and serene woodland area. Being there in October meant the vast amount of flowers were not in bloom, but I imagine a riot of colour during spring and summer.

Luxury break: sensational soul and Motown magic at Nidd Hall in Harrogate