National Trust - Stowe Gardens

The gardens at Stowe are properly vast - 250 acres of landscaped parkland that takes a good half day to do properly, maybe longer if you're the type who stops to read every inscription. This is 18th-century gardening ambition on a grand scale: lakes, temples, woodland walks, and enough classical follies scattered about to make you feel like you've wandered into a different century. The National Trust runs it now, and they've done well keeping the bones of the original design visible even as nature's got its say.

Walkers will get the most from Stowe. Serious ones, mind - you're covering distance here, and some paths turn muddy after rain. History buffs will spend hours working out which building is which and why a random pyramid sits in the middle of a field. Children under ten might flag after an hour, though the open space and occasional ice cream van keep them entertained.

Stowe sits just outside Buckingham, which puts it within striking distance of several campsites. Hedgehog Retreat is closest at just over a mile, or push further out to Silverstone Woodlands if you want a bit more space. The gardens themselves sit at the heart of the Stowe estate - check opening hours and admission fees before you go, as they vary by season.

The real question: is it worth the detour? If you're doing a week in the Midlands and already camping nearby, absolutely. If it's a special trip from somewhere distant, pair it with Buckingham town and maybe a second attraction to justify the petrol.