Ugbrooke House

The drive up to Ugbrooke House takes you through proper Devon countryside - rolling fields, high hedgerows, the lot. Once you're through the gates near Newton Abbot, you'll find yourself at an 18th-century country house that's genuinely worth a look if you're into architecture and period interiors.

It's a working family home, which means the whole experience feels less museum-like than some stately piles. You get the rooms as they're actually used - bedrooms, drawing rooms, a library that's clearly been read in rather than just displayed. The grounds run to about 100 acres, so there's real room to stretch your legs after you've done the house tour. Gardens are pleasant without being show-stoppingly elaborate, which suits the place's character.

History buffs will appreciate the Catholic connections - the house has links to the recusant movement that went back centuries - but it's not heavy-handed about it. Families with older children will do fine; younger ones might find the interior a bit slow unless they're seriously into old houses. Walkers should allow a good couple of hours to take in both the house and the grounds properly.

Staying nearby at Oakmoor Touring Park (just 2.3 miles away) or one of the glamping options like Devon Heaven Hideaways gives you easy access without feeling rushed. Check opening before you head out - hours vary seasonally and it's worth ringing ahead. Entrance fees are modest when they do open.