Lodge Park

Built in the 1630s by landowner John Dutton, it's one of the finest examples of Caroline architecture in the region. Unlike the grand family seats dotting the Cotswolds, Lodge Park was designed as an intimate retreat for entertaining, and that character still comes through when you visit.

Inside, the house reveals how the gentry actually lived during this period, with original plasterwork and period furnishings that give you a genuine sense of daily life in the 1630s. But the real appeal lies in the setting. The surrounding parkland retains its original design features, including viewing mounds and water features that show how seriously people took their leisure in the seventeenth century. Walking through the grounds, you'll notice how deliberately the landscape was shaped to create different perspectives and experiences.

The estate offers several walking routes through woodland and open parkland, with good views across the Cotswolds. It's a quieter, less crowded experience than some of the region's larger estates, which makes it appealing if you want somewhere peaceful to explore. The National Trust manages the property now. Cheltenham lies nearby with restaurants and accommodation, and the market town of Northleach is also easily accessible. It's a great place to understand how rural life worked during the English Civil War period.