Attingham Park

Georgian grandeur meets proper countryside walks at this National Trust estate just outside Shrewsbury. The mansion itself - a grand 18th-century pile with classical columns - houses period rooms and art collections, though it's the 4,000-acre estate that really impresses. Deer graze openly across the parkland, and the River Tern winds through ancient woodlands where you can easily lose an afternoon.

Families love the adventure playground and the fact kids can run wild across the grounds without much fuss. History enthusiasts will appreciate the guided tours of the mansion, while serious walkers can tackle the longer woodland trails. The estate feels properly rural despite being so close to town.

Allow half a day minimum - longer if you want to do justice to both house and grounds. The cafe serves decent lunches, though it gets busy at weekends. Entry isn't cheap, but the sheer scale of the place justifies it.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Stoney Acres or Oxon Hall puts you within easy reach for a morning visit, leaving afternoons free for Shrewsbury itself. The combination works well - grand estate in the morning, medieval streets and proper pubs for lunch.