Stanford Hall

A regal-looking square William and Mary-style confection built for Sir Roger Cave in 1690, Stanford Hall stands grandly behind black wrought-iron gates amid rolling parkland beside the River Avon. Inside, have a wander around the pannelled library with its many historical documents and family bible embroidered in silk in 1629, study the Royal Stuart and early Tudor portraits that line the hall's rooms and don't miss the billiard room where there is a display of unusual family costumes. Outside, the walled rose garden is a dazzle of colour in summer. If you're really taken with this stunning country pile, you can stay here too – there are 16 double rooms here, available for private hire.