Highclere Castle

The 1860s facade rises above the rolling parkland like something from a period drama - which, given the Downton Abbey connection, is hardly surprising. Highclere Castle near Newbury is the real deal: a proper Victorian pile with 5,000 acres of grounds designed by Capability Brown himself. Inside, you're walking through rooms that feel lived-in rather than museum-sterile, though fair warning - it's a lot of velvet chairs and family portraits if that's not your thing.

The Egyptian exhibition is the draw for many visitors, thanks to the 5th Earl's fascination with Egyptology. There's genuine artefacts alongside the expected Victorian curiosity-collecting. But honestly, the grounds matter more than the interiors. The parkland alone justifies the trip, especially if you're based at one of the nearby parks - Hollington Park Glamping is barely two miles away, which makes for a proper easy morning visit.

Allow three hours minimum if you're doing the castle and a decent walk round the grounds. Families with teenagers will get more out of it than young kids, unless your lot are Downton fanatics. The audio guide is helpful rather than tedious, and the tearoom serves actual decent coffee. Opening times vary by season, so check ahead - winter Sundays have different hours from summer Saturdays. Entry isn't cheap, but if you're staying locally at Bishops Green Farm or Cherry Bird Country Park, bundling it in with a week's exploring makes sense. The view from the terrace across Berkshire is proper lovely on a clear day.