Most hotel chains pride itself on being family-friendly, writes Paul Warner (no relation).

But with Warner Leisure Hotels, its emphasis is on being exclusively for adults.

Having never visited a hotel where there would not be the familiar sounds of children throwing tantrums, crying or doing the things children do best, it left me with a few questions to ask.

Would a kid-free zone seem a little strange? Would it take away from the holiday atmosphere youngsters normally bring?

All these things would be answered as my wife and I made our way down to the company's hotel at Cricket St Thomas, near Chard, in Somerset.

I was prepared for the usual traffic jams and delays as we made our way down the M3 and away from the hustle and bustle of London life and hoping it would be replaced by the tranquil West Country atmosphere.

And we weren't to be disappointed.

The hotel lies in a valley, surrounded by rolling hills and it is what you expect to see in a picture postcard.

The spring lambs in fields adjacent to the hotel's long and winding driveway, only added to that relaxing countryside feel.

The original manor house hotel dates back hundreds of years while the well-manicured gardens were based on designs of Capability Brown.

Its grand splendour saw it used as the residence of Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton, played by Panelope Keith, in the hit BBC series To The Manor Born.

We stayed in the much newer purpose-built wing, which, although modern, did not look out of place.

Arrving at reception, we were greeted by friendly staff who checked us in swiftly.

Our room was a treat with a very comfortable bed while the added extras like a bottle of white wine and box of chocolates was a lot more than we were expecting.

The hotel was well laid out while the dining facilities could not be faulted.

As for there not being anyone under the age of, well, at least 25, it did not matter at all.

The company prides itself on providing short-break holidays.

The average age of those at Cricket St Thomas must have been at least 50.

But for someone, like myself, who had recently turned 40, I did not feel out of place.

In fact, all this added to the laid-back atmosphere of the premises.

People dressed up for dinner, with men in smart shirt and tie while the ladies looked decidedly elegant.

People reading the Sunday papers in the lounge area, or playing bowls in the shadow of the Manor House added to the lazy atmosphere.

But boring it certainly was not.

Apart from the ample facilities like swimming pool and gym, there was also quality evening entertainment on offer.

While we were there, the music was provided by Union Gap and the Fortunes, big names in the 1960s and 1970s.

The company has also added an experience break to its package.

And with a wildlife park with exotic creatures from around the world including lemurs and cheetahs situated within the grounds of the hotel, what better experience than to be able to feed the animals and experience them close-up.

The company offers more than 600 experience breaks at its dozen or so hotels situated from North Yorkshire to the Isle of Wight.

And closer to home, it offers experience breaks to Kew gardens in the summer and Hampton Court Palace during its annual flower show.

For more information visit warnerleisure.co.uk.