Drayton Lodge

The brick Tudor mansion sits quietly off the Norwich road, its chimneys sharp against the Norfolk sky. Drayton Lodge is one of those places that rewards you for taking a wrong turn - a genuine 16th-century house that hasn't been dolled up or turned into a tea room, which frankly makes it more interesting.

You're looking at proper period architecture here: timber framing, original windows where they've survived, and the sort of solid brick construction that meant something when it was built. The grounds give you breathing room too, which is rare for Norfolk properties squeezed into the landscape. History types will appreciate it far more than casual tourists - there's no visitor centre, no interpretation panels telling you what to think. You have to actually look and wonder, which some people find engaging and others find a bit sparse.

It's free to view from outside (which is as far as most visitors get), and the setting is genuinely peaceful. Allow twenty minutes if you're just photographing the exterior, longer if you're the sort who studies architectural details. Spring's lovely here - the grounds breathe a bit better before the trees leaf out completely.

If you're staying at Moat Island Glamping nearby, it's worth a short drive to have a poke around. Don't expect opening hours or facilities - this is a look-from-the-outside sort of site. Worth the detour if you're into Tudor Norfolk, less compelling if you need interpretation and a gift shop.