Cadhay House and Garden.

The moment you turn into the drive at Cadhay, you're greeted by one of Devon's most striking Tudor facades. This isn't some over-restored showpiece - it's a genuine family home that's been lived in since the 1540s, and you can feel the difference. The house itself is a masterclass in period architecture, with its distinctive courtyard design and mullioned windows that look like they've survived without too much fussing about.

Inside, the rooms carry real weight. Heavy oak beams, worn flagstones, family portraits staring down from walls - the kind of place where you half expect someone to ask you to keep your voice down. The gardens are equally rewarding, particularly if you visit in spring when the grounds come alive. They're formal without being austere, the sort of space that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick lap.

Historically minded visitors will absolutely lose themselves here. There's genuine Tudor heritage to unpick, and the way the house sits within its landscape tells you something about how people actually lived centuries back. Kids might find it heavy going if they're expecting interactive displays - this is old-school heritage, the quiet kind.

It's only ten minutes from West Hill, making it an easy detour from a park-based holiday. Cuckoo Down Farm Glamping sits just under two miles away, so you could easily combine this with a night under canvas nearby. Allow a couple of hours minimum to do it justice. Worth the visit if you're keen on authentic period houses rather than polished museum versions.