Burton Agnes Hall

How long has your family owned your house? Probably not for over 400 years and across 15 generations, which makes beautiful Burton Agnes something of a rarity. It's one of the finest of all English country houses, built between 1598 and 1610, and offering both a window onto the past and an insight into modern country gentility – the owners are at pains to point out that Burton Agnes is still very much 'a loved and lived-in home'. There's plenty to see and do, from the art and furniture collections inside to the house to the extensive grounds – we particularly like the woodland sculpure walk and the Courtyard Gallery, which exhibits work by local artists. It's family friendly too, which means plenty of space for picnics, giant games, a maze, a jungle garden, and all sorts of seasonal trails and events. There's also the excellent annual Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival held at the end of June, with bands overflowing from the main stage in the grounds into the Great Hall, shops and cafe courtyard. That's an amazing backdrop for a music festival – there's also camping, kids' events and beer on tap from the nearby Wold Top Brewery, so pretty much something for everyone if you're looking for a unique family weekend experience.