Sudeley Castle

Construction began in 1443 on the foundations of a 12th-century manor, and over the centuries the castle accumulated genuine historical significance. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn visited in 1535, and it later became the home of Catherine Parr, Henry's sixth wife, who chose to be buried in the castle church after his death. It remains England's only privately owned castle with a Queen interred on its grounds, which gives the place real historical substance.

You can walk around the castle ruins and understand the original scale and ambition of the building, including the banqueting hall constructed during Richard III's reign. Many visitors, though, come primarily for the ten gardens spread across fifteen acres. These are thoughtfully designed spaces that complement rather than overshadow the history.

The estate sits within 1,200 acres of Cotswold countryside, so it's easy to combine your visit with exploring Winchcombe, a genuine medieval market town about three miles away that has its own sights and good facilities for food and amenities. You'll want to set aside several hours if you plan to properly wander both the castle and the gardens.