Highnam Court

The first thing that strikes you about Highnam Court is how it commands the Gloucestershire countryside - a proper Victorian mansion that rises from the landscape like it owns the place. Built in the 1860s, it's the kind of grand country house that whispers money and taste, though you'll need to check ahead about access since opening times aren't always straightforward.

What you're looking at is a Grade I listed building designed by Henry Woodyer, one of the period's most respected architects. The architecture alone justifies the drive from Gloucester - all those Gothic Revival flourishes, the stone detailing, the sheer confidence of the place. The grounds matter too; there's proper parkland around it that rewards a wander if you get the chance to visit.

History buffs will get the most from Highnam, particularly anyone interested in Victorian country estates and their place in rural society. It's not the sort of destination for a quick afternoon - better suited to those with a genuine interest in 19th-century houses and the craftsmanship that went into them.

Staying at one of the nearby parks - Court Farm Camping or The Glamping Orchard are both within four miles - gives you a solid base to explore this corner of Gloucestershire. Pair it with a walk along the nearby Severn or a visit to Gloucester's cathedral, and you've got a proper day mapped out. Ring ahead to confirm visiting arrangements; these country houses can be particular about their schedules.