Ragley Hall, Park & Gardens

The moment you drive through the gates at Ragley Hall, you know you're somewhere proper. This Jacobean mansion sits in 400 acres of parkland just outside Alcester, and it's the kind of stately home that actually feels lived-in rather than museum-like. The house itself is the main draw - all ornate plasterwork, family portraits, and the sort of rooms that make you understand why people fought wars over real estate. The grounds deserve equal attention. There's a lake, woodland walks, and open lawns that roll on forever. You can spend a full day here without running out of things to do.

Families with younger kids might find the house itself a bit heavy going after an hour or so, but the grounds keep them occupied. The lake walk is straightforward enough for little legs, and there's usually space to let them properly run about. Older children and adults who actually care about architecture and period interiors will get real value here.

Allow a solid half-day minimum, longer if you're doing the full house tour and lunch. Check ahead for opening times and admission charges - they vary seasonally. If you're basing yourself at Wixford Grange or Island Meadow, Ragley is a cracking spot to venture out to without driving far. The parkland is perfect for breaking up a caravan holiday, and unlike some stately homes, it doesn't feel touristy or overcrowded. Worth the trip.