Stafford Northcote

The house itself is Victorian splendour set against Devon's rolling countryside, just a few miles from Exeter. Stafford Northcote was home to a notable political figure, and the property retains that sense of 19th-century gravitas - high ceilings, period furnishings, the sort of place where you can almost hear the creak of floorboards under decades of footfall.

You'll walk through rooms that tell a story of Victorian life: the drawing room with its ornate details, the study where correspondence was drafted. The grounds matter as much as the building itself - there's proper woodland and gardens to wander through, which transforms a quick house tour into a proper afternoon out.

Historically minded visitors will find this rewarding. It's not a grand estate like some National Trust properties, but that's partly the appeal - it feels lived-in and genuine rather than roped-off and formal. Children might manage an hour here without complaint, though they won't find interactive exhibits or the sort of hands-on engagement some expect from heritage sites. The walk around the grounds is the real draw for families.

Before heading out, confirm opening hours and admission charges - details are sparse online. If you're based at Devon Heaven Hideaways, it's a straightforward drive in, making it a solid morning or afternoon stop when you want something low-key. Pair it with a wander around Exeter's cathedral quarter afterwards, and you've got a decent day mapped out.