Newby Hall

The grand frontage of Newby Hall catches you off guard as you turn down the drive near Ripon - all pale stone and soaring windows, the sort of house that makes you understand why the English obsess over their stately homes. Built in the 1690s and remodeled by Robert Adam in the 1770s, it's a proper architectural statement, and stepping inside you realise why visitors keep coming back.

The interiors are genuinely impressive without feeling stuffy. Adam's hand is everywhere - the Entrance Hall alone justifies the trip, with its cool proportions and deliberate grandeur. The furniture and art collection is serious stuff, but the house never descends into the sort of museum-like atmosphere that has you yawning by room three. You'll want a good two hours to do it justice, longer if you're into design or furniture.

The gardens matter as much as the house itself. The grounds slope down to the River Ure, which adds genuine drama to the walk. There's a plant centre on site if you've been bitten by the gardening bug, and the tearoom does proper lunch - not just the standard tearoom fare.

For a park holiday in the area, Newby sits perfectly between Knaresborough Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite and Riverside Meadows Caravan Park. History enthusiasts will get the most from it, though families with children aged eight upwards won't find it tedious. Check opening hours and admission prices before you go - these details shift seasonally.