Earl of Beaconsfield

The Earl of Beaconsfield's name crops up all over the place if you spend time in this corner of Greater London, but the actual historic site itself is rather more low-key than you might expect. What you're looking at is a property with genuine connections to Benjamin Disraeli's friend and political ally - the kind of thing that makes sense if you're already familiar with Victorian politics, less so if you've wandered in by accident while exploring the area.

It's the sort of spot that appeals most to history enthusiasts and anyone with a serious interest in 19th-century British politics. Casual visitors might find it a bit thin on the ground - there's no grand mansion to gawk at or sweeping grounds to wander. Worth investigating if you're piecing together a day of historical sites around London, but don't rearrange your schedule for it.

If you're staying at Lovat Parks just up the road, it makes for a reasonable afternoon diversion. The park itself offers proper facilities for a longer holiday, so you could easily combine a morning exploring the estate with leisure time back at the caravan or lodge. Opening hours and admission details are tricky to pin down without ringing ahead, so check before you visit - nothing worse than turning up to find gates locked.