Sizergh Castle, Kendal (National Trust)

Medieval house extended in Elizabethan times, with handsome gardens. 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 638ha (1600-acre) estate crossed by public footpaths, providing short walks from the castle to dramatic viewpoints over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells.