Queens Head

The Queens Head in Atherstone is one of those old coaching inns that actually looks the part - all timber framing and genuine age rather than Disney-fied restoration. It's been there since the 16th century, which means it's witnessed centuries of travellers passing through this market town on the main routes between London and the Midlands.

What you're really doing here is stopping for a proper look at genuine Tudor architecture and, if you fancy it, a pint in a pub that's served one for about 500 years. The building itself is the main draw - the crooked beams and period details tell you this place has actually survived, not been rebuilt. Interior historians will appreciate the craftsmanship; everyone else will just get a sense of what these coaching stops meant to travellers back when roads were rough and journeys took days.

It works best as a break during a walk round Atherstone's market square rather than a dedicated trip. If you're based at Nightingales Rustic Camping or Atherstone Stables - both solid choices within 5 miles - you could easily pop into town for lunch here and explore the wider area. The town itself is pleasant enough, though not destination-level stuff. Half an hour covers it unless you get chatty over a drink.

Free to look at from outside, obviously. Go inside for a meal or drink if the mood takes you. Worth a detour if you're in the area for the parks, but don't plan a day round it.