Sizergh Castle, Cumbria

Originally built in the Middle Ages by the Strickland family, who still live here, this imposing house has an exceptional series of oak-panelled rooms culminating in the Inlaid Chamber. Portraits, fine furniture and ceramics accumulated over centuries by the family are shown alongside their recent photographs. The garden includes two lakes and a superb rock garden. All this is set in a 638-hectare (1,600-acre) estate crossed by public footpaths, providing short circular walks from the castle to dramatic viewpoints over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells.