Thornbury Castle Hotel

The moment you turn into the drive at Thornbury, you're met with the real thing - a proper Tudor castle, all red sandstone and crenellations, rising out of the Gloucestershire countryside like something from a history book come to life. Henry VIII actually stayed here in 1535, which is the sort of detail that makes wandering these halls feel properly significant.

You can't just rock up and gawp from outside, though - it's a hotel now, which means access is tied to staying overnight or dining in the restaurant. That's a bit of a shame if you're after a quick look, but it does mean the place has been preserved rather than turned into a tourist mill. The castle itself tells you a story: built by Edward Stafford in 1511, interrupted by his execution for treason, then finished off by Henry VIII after he confiscated it. The grounds are substantial and worth a proper wander if you're staying put.

For families doing a holiday park stint at Wixoldbury Farm Glamping or Pepper Pot just down the road near Wotton-under-Edge, this makes a brilliant day out - especially if you're all happy to combine it with lunch or afternoon tea rather than just a quick visit. History enthusiasts will find genuine Tudor architecture here, not the theme park version. The setting's lovely too, perched above the Severn Vale. Budget a good three or four hours if you're staying for a meal and a mooch about the grounds.