Sudeley Castle is known as the Queen of the Cotswolds. Visit this most famous of castles (Henry VIII's last queen Katherine Parr lived here and is buried here while other residents have included Lady Jane Grey, Charles I and Elizabeth I), then make sure you leave time for Sudeley Gardens and its medieval ruins. Surrounded by superb views of the Cotswold Hills, the gardens' highlights include a tulip display which carpets the grounds in spring and a simply lovely collection of roses in The Queens Garden, which sits on the original Tudor parterre. The gardens have been cultivated to replicate what Katherine and the royals must have seen in centuries past as they wondered the grounds and the resulting sight is just gorgeous. Children will love the pheasantry, where they house a collection of owls and endangered species from around the world. Set them the challenge of finding the secret garden, then let them loose on the giant play fort in the adventure playground, while you picnic and relax
