Wiston House

Standing proud in the Sussex countryside just outside Horsham, this Elizabethan manor catches your eye long before you reach the gates. Wiston House has been watching over the South Downs for centuries, its weathered stone facade telling stories of Tudor grandeur and English country life.

The house itself isn't always open to visitors - it's still a working estate - but when it does welcome guests, you're in for a proper treat. The Great Hall's timber beams and mullioned windows transport you straight back to the 16th century. History enthusiasts will lap up the Tudor architecture, while the surrounding parkland offers decent walks with views across the Downs.

Families might find the appeal limited unless there's a special event on, as kids tend to lose interest in old houses fairly quickly. The real draw here is the setting - rolling Sussex hills stretching as far as you can see.

It's worth checking ahead before making the journey, as opening times vary considerably. The house works well as a cultural pit stop if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Washington Caravan & Camping Park or exploring the rewilded landscape at Knepp Wildland Safaris. Allow a couple of hours if you're lucky enough to catch it open, though the grounds alone make for a pleasant afternoon even when the house is closed.