YEARS of sitting on the sidelines at social occasions while practised couples – many somewhat older than me, it has to be said – glide their way across the dance floor have weighed heavily on my wife’s mind for too long.

So with no little pride, I can now say that I can jive.

Granted, the likelihood of me ever threatening the UK Dance Championships with my presence or skills is minimal.

But whereas before I would have gladly had myself industrially stapled to a chair at a “do” to avoid being dragged on to the dance floor, I can now proudly stand up on two feet – admittedly both of them left ones – and give my dancing partner a reasonable chance of getting to the end of the song without serious injury.

If you don’t know about Warner Leisure Hotels’ breaks, here’s a quick snapshot.

The company has 13 hotels dotted about the country, exclusively for adults (yes folks, no kids at all!), and specialise in offering three-day weekend or four-day midweek breaks, with breakfast and evening meals, accommodation, leisure facilities and entertainment in the price.

Whatever you want – a lively activity break, a cultural experience or a relaxing spa getaway – is catered for in their wide range, which includes entertainment throughout the breaks, top-notch facilities and simply something for everyone.

Whatever new skill you want to learn – from wood carving to wildlife photography, playing the guitar to penning poetry – there’s a themed break for you and Cricket St Thomas – situated between Chard and Crewkerne in Somerset – is the closest offering the Learn To Jive experience.

Since it was rebuilt in 1820, Cricket has remained virtually untouched, its integrity as one of England’s most cherished stately homes completely intact.

But what makes the hotel truly unique is its wildlife park, set in Grade II listed parklands, lakes and majestic trees and containing around 500 rare and endangered animals.

It’s believed that Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton spent many a happy hour in this beautiful part of the Somerset countryside, but it’s highly unlikely that they were left nursing aching limbs from spending hours dancing to Shakin’ Stevens records or jiving to the timeless sounds of Glenn Miller.

Six hours of tuition spread over the weekend may have challenged tightened hamstrings and rusty calves, but they transformed me from a man with all the grace of an arthritic hen into one who can at least follow all the right notes (albeit not necessarily in the right order).

Whereas before an inebriated rhino wearing a blindfold could have caused less damage on the floor, my intensive weekend of training has prepared me to step out and strut my stuff with my head held high.

Friendly, but feisty, tutor Sonia and her daughter Lorraine somehow managed to teach 14 pairs of beginners to chassis, turn, twist and taking into account the initial lack of co-ordination on show, there were some proud people who completed the course with smiles on their faces and an ache in their legs.

But it’s not all about “the experience”.

There’s also plenty of time to kick back and enjoy the facilities at Cricket St Thomas. As well as a walk around the wildlife park or extensive hotel grounds, there are plenty of in-house activities on offer, including enjoying a massage in the spa, toning up in the gym or pool or just having a drink and watching the live entertainment on offer every night of your stay.

Taking a short break is all about getting away from it all and Warners appear to have succeeded in providing a very enjoyable and different escape route.

Getting there

We stayed in one of Cricket St Thomas’ new contemporary Signature rooms. Three night holiday breaks at Cricket St Thomas Hotel start from £199 per person for an Ambassador room or £244 per person for an upgraded Signature. Learn To Jive is a £35 per person supplement.

Warner Leisure Hotels is offering Easter breaks throughout the group of 13 locations from as little as £159pp. Call 0800 1 388 399 or visit warnerleisurehotels.co.uk for full details.