Vantage House

Vantage House sits just outside Leicester, a historic property that rewards those who bother to seek it out. It's not the sort of place you'll stumble upon by accident - you need to know it's there and actually want to go. The house itself tells a proper story of Leicestershire's past, with enough architectural detail to keep history buffs occupied for a solid hour or two.

What you're looking at is a window into how people lived in this region across different periods. The building speaks for itself if you're willing to pay attention. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of character in the stonework and period features. If you're dragging reluctant teenagers along, fair warning - this isn't interactive or flashy, so patience required.

Not ideal if you've only got 20 minutes spare. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you want to do it justice, longer if you're the type who reads every information board. Given how close it is to Leicester town centre, it works well as a half-day addition to a wider Leicestershire trip rather than a destination in itself.

The holiday parks dotted around - Village Farm Getaway and Cossiwild Camping are closest at just over 4 miles away - make decent bases for exploring the area. Bradgate Park is worth combining with a visit if you're after a proper day out combining countryside with history. Worth checking opening hours before you head out though, as details online are thin on the ground.