Middleton Hall & Gardens

The glorious Middleton Hall was saved from ruin by a team of volunteers who have slowly restored the moated, timber-framed building over nearly four decades. Today visitors to the 42-acre estate can explore the its 950-year history, visit the formal gardens (including one of the earliest examples of a heated walled garden in the country) and stroll around the adjoining RSPB Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve. Follow its three miles of winding paths and you may spot kingfishers and herons on the wetlands.

Mind and body restored, head to the Tudor courtyard, which plays host to a small shopping village. Lose yourself for a moment in the second-hand bookshop or head to the tearoom for a friendly welcome and tasty food; it’s open every day throughout the year. The paninis are held in high regard and the coffee is very smooth, best paired with a slice of their inventive cakes. Kids will love the unicorn hot chocolate. There is a small car parking charge and an admission charge to enter the Hall and Gardens but there is no admission charge for the Courtyard.