Manor House Museum

The Manor House Museum sits right in Kettering, a red-brick Georgian property that gives you a proper sense of what life looked like for the well-to-do in the 18th century. You get to wander through rooms set out as they would have been - furniture, portraits, the lot - with enough detail to make you actually imagine people living there rather than just staring at empty walls.

It's aimed squarely at history enthusiasts and families who don't mind a slower pace. Kids under about eight might lose interest after 40 minutes, but anyone who likes period interiors and local heritage will find it worthwhile. The collection includes household items and documents that tell you about Kettering's own story, which beats generic museum fare.

Allow an hour and a half to see everything properly without rushing. The ground floor is accessible enough, though upper floors do involve stairs. You're best visiting on a weekday morning when it's quieter - weekend afternoons can feel cramped.

It's a decent addition to a park holiday in the area. Northfield Farm is barely over a mile away, which means you could easily pop into town for an afternoon without much faffing about. Lakeview Caravan Park sits at just under three miles, still close enough for a half-day trip. If you're staying at either and the weather's damp, this beats sitting in the caravan. Just check opening hours before you go - they're not always obvious online.