Eastnor Castle

A proper Victorian castle sitting in the Malvern foothills - that's what you get with Eastnor. Built in 1812, it's one of those over-the-top Regency projects that makes you wonder what the architect was thinking. Turrets, crenellations, the lot. From the outside it reads like a film set, all drama and theatrical stonework against the Herefordshire landscape.

Inside, the rooms are genuinely impressive. The main hall soars upwards with enough Gothic flourish to satisfy history buffs and architecture types. Family groups tend to find it reasonably engaging - kids usually perk up at the weapons on the walls and the sheer scale of the place, though it's not a theme park. You're looking at a genuine castle interior, which means some rooms feel sparse and the novelty can wear off within two hours if you're not into period furnishings.

The grounds deserve as much time as the building itself. There's woodland walks, a lake, and decent space to roam about. On a fine day it's genuinely pleasant, especially if you're based at one of the nearby glamping sites like Up Sticks or Mike's Meadow - they're close enough that you could visit as a half-day outing from your caravan or cabin.

Bring binoculars if you're into birds. Check opening dates before you drive over from Malvern - it's not open year-round. If castle interiors bore you stiff, the grounds alone are worth the short detour.