The Field of Dreams at Melbourne Hall

If you're here at the right time, start with a stroll around the gardens of Melbourne Hall, and perhaps a wander around the house too – opening times are limited, so check ahead of time to see what will be open when you’re here. From your own lovely estate, it’s only about a mile to another – Staunton Harold, a National Trust property where you can walk among woods and wildflowers, try the adventure playground or head to the reservoir for fishing and watersports like windsurfing and paddleboarding. For other days out, you may like to take a walk to Calke Abbey (55 minutes on foot), meet the woolly ones at Charnwood Forest Alpacas (15 minutes’ drive) or meet exotic beasts at Twycross Zoo (20 minutes). Petrolheads might also like to check out what’s on at Donington Park Circuit (five minutes).