Corsham Court

The house itself is a proper showstopper - all honey-coloured Bath stone and mullioned windows that catch the light beautifully. Corsham Court, just outside Chippenham, sits in 30 acres of parkland, and you can wander the grounds without paying for entry if you fancy a walk. Inside, it's the real draw: a Grade I listed country house packed with art and furnishings that actually matter. The Metayers Room, with its painted ceiling and Van Dyck hanging above the fireplace, feels like stepping into someone's very grand living room. Not in a stuffy way - more that you half expect the family to come down for afternoon tea.

Walkers will find the grounds a pleasant meander, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Piccadilly or The Moors. Neither is far, and you could easily combine a morning here with other Wiltshire attractions. The house tour takes a solid two hours if you're into it properly. Families with young kids might find the rooms rather precious - lots of "don't touch" energy - but older children interested in art or architecture will get something real from it.

Check opening hours before you go; they're seasonal and occasionally closed for events. Admission costs a fair bit, so it's worth deciding if you're genuinely interested in the collection rather than just popping in for the grounds. On a crisp spring morning with the sun on the stone facade, it's genuinely lovely. Worth the detour if you're in the area, but don't make a special trip just for this alone.