Houghton Hall & Gardens Norfolk

The drive through Norfolk lanes towards King's Lynn brings you to one of England's finest Georgian houses, and the gardens here are genuinely worth the detour. Houghton Hall rises from its parkland with proper grandeur - a Palladian masterpiece built in the 1720s with state rooms that still take your breath away. The real draw, though, is walking the grounds. These aren't fussy formal gardens; there's real space to roam, and the whole place has a lived-in, generous feel that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

You'll get the most from this if you're into architecture or eighteenth-century history, but the grounds work brilliantly for families too - children can burn off energy between the house tours and exploring the parkland without feeling cooped up. Expect to spend a good three hours minimum if you're doing both the house and gardens properly.

The nearby glamping spots are well-positioned for a Norfolk break. Dreamy Hollow and Range Farm are both just 3.6 miles away, which means you could easily base yourself at either and visit Houghton without the faff of a long drive. Happy Valley's a touch further at 4.8 miles but still very manageable. Check ahead for opening times and admission charges - they do vary seasonally - but it's the sort of place that justifies the entry fee without question.