York Mansion House

The Lord Mayor's official residence sits bang in the middle of York city centre, and it's one of those buildings that stops you dead on the street. Built in 1725, the Mansion House is Georgian architecture at its finest - all red brick and sash windows, with a proper grand staircase that wouldn't look out of place in a period drama.

You can't live here, obviously, but the building opens its doors occasionally for tours, which is when you get to see the state rooms where the Lord Mayor actually hosts civic events. The Egyptian Room is worth the trip alone - it's wallpapered in this extraordinary 1820s print that's survived intact. The kitchen tour takes you downstairs to see how they actually managed feeding fancy dinners.

It's less about thrills and more about genuine architectural history. Families with teenagers interested in Georgian design will get something from it; younger kids might fidget unless they're already hooked on period details. History buffs absolutely should pencil it in while exploring York's medieval streets.

Allow about an hour for a full tour, though opening times are limited - check ahead as they vary. It's free entry, which is generous. If you're based at Nurseries Caravan Park just three miles out, you're perfectly positioned to pop into the city for this and spend the rest of the day wandering York's walls and galleries. Wagtail Park is slightly further but still within easy reach.