2 Lichfield Lodge

Two Lichfield Lodge sits just outside Stafford as a proper bit of Georgian architecture that stops you in your tracks. It's an 18th-century townhouse that commands attention - the kind of building that makes you understand why people got excited about symmetry and sash windows back then. The facade is the real draw here, all red brick and formal proportions, the sort of thing architecture students actually care about.

You won't be spending hours inside - this is an exterior viewing job, best appreciated with a walk around it and a decent camera. History buffs will enjoy placing it in context within Stafford's wider Georgian period, when the town was building itself up as something substantial. It's the kind of landmark that rewards a slight detour if you're already in the area, rather than a destination in itself.

If you're staying at Poppy Fields Glamping or Stable Park Holiday Park nearby, it's an easy drive into Stafford town centre. Combine it with a proper walk around Stafford's other period buildings - the town has plenty of them scattered about - and you've got a decent afternoon of architectural sightseeing. Bring decent shoes if you're planning to explore on foot. The lodge sits on a public road, so access is straightforward, though I'd suggest visiting during daylight hours when the brickwork actually shows its detail. It's free to view from outside, which at least removes any financial risk if you're deciding whether it's worth your time.