Capability Brown

Rolling parkland and carefully placed copses mark the handiwork of England's most famous landscape gardener at this Gloucestershire estate. Lancelot 'Capability' Brown transformed the grounds here in the 18th century, creating those seemingly natural vistas that actually required moving tons of earth and redirecting streams. The serpentine lake he created still reflects the sky just as he intended, while his strategic tree plantings have matured into the kind of majestic specimens that make you understand why he earned his nickname.

Walking the grounds gives you a masterclass in landscape design - notice how each view unfolds deliberately as you move through the space. Brown was brilliant at making the artificial look effortless. Garden enthusiasts will spot his trademark clumps of trees and the way he banished formal gardens to create these sweeping lawns that roll right up to the house.

Families will find plenty of space for children to run about, though little ones might not appreciate the subtleties of 18th-century design. Allow a couple of hours to properly explore the grounds and understand what Brown achieved here. The location near Worcester makes it a worthwhile cultural stop if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Malvern Hills Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Bowbrook Lodges.