Zoons Court

Private ownership means you'll likely only glimpse this Gloucestershire manor from the roadside, but what a glimpse it is. Dating back centuries, Zoons Court sits in the rolling countryside between Cheltenham and the Cotswold villages, its honey-coloured stone walls and mullioned windows offering a proper slice of English manor house architecture.

Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the Tudor and Jacobean features visible from the lane that runs past the property. The formal gardens, when visible through the gates, show the kind of careful landscaping that these grand houses were famous for. History buffs might enjoy researching the various families who've called it home over the centuries.

Since access appears limited to external viewing only, it's hardly worth a special journey unless you're already exploring the area around Cheltenham. The drive past makes a pleasant addition to a Cotswolds tour, particularly if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Regency Court Park or Norton Park Lodges.

Best combined with visits to Painswick or other nearby villages where you can actually wander the streets and grab a proper cup of tea. The lane can be narrow, so take care if stopping for photos. Twenty minutes should cover your visit unless you're a serious photographer or particularly fascinated by English country houses.