Toad Hall

Fans of Kenneth Grahame's beloved classic will find themselves grinning like the Water Rat himself when they stumble upon this literary landmark just outside Gloucester. This is the actual house that inspired Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows, though don't expect grand tours or gift shops - it remains a private residence that you can only admire from the road.

The Georgian facade looks properly grand enough for Toad's boastful personality, and the riverside setting captures that dreamy Edwardian England atmosphere perfectly. Children who've grown up with Ratty, Mole and Badger will love pointing out the windows where they imagine Toad plotting his next motor car adventure.

Best approached as a quick photo stop rather than a destination in itself - you'll have seen what there is to see in about ten minutes. The real joy lies in the surrounding countryside walks along the Thames, which feel straight out of Grahame's pages. Pack a proper picnic and make an afternoon of it.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Tudor Caravan Park or Severn Valley Touring site, it's well worth the short drive. The kids might grumble about 'just another old house', but once you start retelling Toad's escapades while standing outside his actual home, even the most reluctant young readers usually come around.