Broughton Castle

A moated medieval manor sitting just outside Banbury, Broughton Castle feels properly removed from the world despite being only a few miles from town. The house itself dates back to the 14th century, though it's been added to and fiddled with ever since - which gives it that lived-in character rather than the sterile look of some stately homes.

You get to walk around the rooms and see how people actually inhabited the place across centuries. The interiors are dense with period furnishings and there's genuine charm in spotting the details - narrow doorways, massive fireplaces, the sort of thing that makes you realise how differently folk lived. The moat is the real showstopper though. It circles the whole castle and photographs brilliantly, especially on clear days when the water reflects the stonework.

Family groups will find it engaging for a good couple of hours, though younger children might lose interest if they're after something more interactive. History buffs will spend longer picking over the architectural layers. Walkers using the nearby countryside around Banbury can easily swing by.

Check opening hours and admission prices before you visit - these do change seasonally. If you're camping nearby at Newton Grove or Crofts Barn, it's a straightforward drive to add to your itinerary. Don't expect a massive visitor facility or café, but that's rather the point. It's a castle you actually get to experience rather than queue for.