Gawthorpe Hall (National Trust)

This imposing house, set in tranquil grounds in the heart of urban Lancashire, resembles the great Hardwick Hall and is very probably by the same architect, Robert Smythson.

In the middle of the 19th century Sir Charles Barry was commissioned to restore the house, thereby creating the opulent interiors we see today. The Long Gallery is hung with portraits of society figures from the 17th century, some of which are on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Several rooms display part of the international collection of needlework, lace and costume assembled by the last family member to live here, Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth. The wooded park and riverside location offer wonderful walks.