Stanway

The main draw here is Stanway House, a remarkable Jacobean manor that's been in the same family for over five hundred years, which gives you a real sense of continuity you don't often find.

The house itself is worth visiting if you're interested in how the gentry actually lived. It's a Grade I listed building with an unusual layout for its period, featuring a long south-facing range rather than the typical Tudor central hall design. Inside you'll find principal rooms that showcase the architecture and furnishings of different eras, and the grounds include a restored kitchen court designed in the nineteenth century.

Beyond the house, the village itself is peaceful and easy to explore on foot. The local church is worth a quick look, and the whole area offers lovely walking routes through typical Cotswolds countryside. You're well positioned for visiting nearby towns like Winchcombe or Broadway, both worth a half-day trip if you want a bit more activity.

The house operates seasonally, so do check opening times before you visit. It's the sort of place that appeals to people interested in English history and architecture, but also to anyone who simply enjoys wandering around a working estate and absorbing the atmosphere of a place with genuine roots and history.