Paul Castles is king as he enjoys a modern medieval experience.

As enchanting as the climb up the secluded tree-lined winding lane to Peckforton Castle is, it cannot begin to prepare you for the medieval treasure that finally awaits at its end.

Crumbling castle ruins are all very well of course but to experience one in its full splendour is something else entirely.

Peckforton Castle is one of Cheshire’s hidden jewels, immersed deep in woodland, it is one that you’re unlikely to see sparkle from the roadside.

Peckforton is something of a staple fixture for the Cheshire set who attend lavish weddings, and with the cutest of chapels on the premises, bride and groom are able to walk from chapel to banquet hall in the blink of an eye.

At least one high-profile Manchester United footballer took his vows here under the carefree gaze of the many peacocks that proudly strut their stuff on the meticulously manicured castle lawn.

While wedding parties provide a steady line of income for Peckforton, the castle is an absolute delight for children and as such is now being marketed at families perhaps seeking a weekend away with a difference.

Any kids glued to such Saturday night TV favourites as Robin Hood will instantly fall under the spell of Peckforton while a game of hide ‘n’ seek can last for hours here with more nooks, crannies and cubby holes than a witch’s coven.

It’s no surprise to discover that the 1991 film of Robin and his band of merry men, starring Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman, was filmed here while Peckforton may also look familiar to sharp-eyed TV viewers of both Dr Who and Sherlock Holmes.

My family spent a night at Peckforton just after it had undergone a lavish £1.7m investment programme which included ten additional en-suite bedrooms and the introduction of the atmospheric Tranquility spa facility.

In our luxurious suite we found old nestling alongside new in perfect harmony.

The traditional sandstone castle walls were complemented by a stylish new bathroom complete with chunky bathrobes, with wi-fi and flat-screen television at your disposal.

With a bed so big and comfortable that it would take more than a kiss from a frog to awake sleeping beauty no stone has been left unturned by Peckforton’s makeover maestros.

The castle offers two dining experiences, the 2010 Brasserie and, up the sweeping staircase, the more formal 1851 Restaurant where you can dine overlooking the central courtyard with magnificent wall tapestries adding to the atmosphere.