National Trust - Cotehele

The Tudor house sits above the Tamar Valley like something from a storybook - all granite walls and uneven chimneys that have somehow stayed upright for five centuries. Cotehele is one of those National Trust properties that actually feels lived-in, which makes wandering through its rooms oddly affecting. You're not just looking at furniture behind velvet ropes; you're genuinely seeing how wealthy medieval families moved through their days.

The grounds are the real draw for most visitors. There's woodland walks down to the river, a working forge that still operates, and the old mill. Families with younger children can happily spend an afternoon mucking about on the lawn without feeling like they've missed anything crucial. Older kids and keen walkers will want to properly explore the valley trails - proper countryside, this, with views that remind you why people fought over Devon. History types will get properly absorbed by the house itself, especially the kitchen. The armoury's decent too, if swords and shields are your thing.

It's free to wander the grounds, though there's a charge if you want inside the house. Allow a full day if you're thorough, half a day if you just want the walk and a poke around the courtyard. Best visited midweek in summer when Tavistock's day-trippers haven't descended. Both Sunnyside Eco Glamping and Woodovis are close enough that you could base yourself at either and visit without rushing - the latter's particularly good for families wanting proper facilities alongside that outdoor feel.