Hertfordshire House

The drive into Amersham takes you past rolling Buckinghamshire countryside, and Hertfordshire House sits just off the main drag - a proper manor that's been standing since the 17th century. It's the kind of place where you can spend a solid hour wandering the rooms if the doors are open, looking at period furnishings and getting a feel for how the other half lived back then. The grounds are worth a stroll too, though don't expect manicured gardens - it's more about the building itself than the landscaping.

This one's mainly for history types and architecture enthusiasts rather than young kids. There's not a café or gift shop to speak of, so it's a quieter affair than the National Trust circuit. You'll want to check opening hours before you head over from Amersham - access can be patchy, and some visits are by appointment only.

If you're camping at Penn Meadow Farm or Lights Camera Glamping nearby, it makes an easy morning trip without the drive. Pair it with a proper walk around the Chiltern Hills or a pint in Amersham town centre afterwards, and you've got a decent half-day sorted. The real value here is if you're already in the area and curious about what the gentry were up to in the 1600s. Don't make it your main event, but it's well worth popping into if you're passing through.