Bramall Hall

Those Tudors knew a thing or two about building houses. How else could it be that some of this magnificently preserved timber-framed manor dates back as far as the 14th century?

The house sits in about 70 acres of landscaped parkland. It's nice - there's a lake and a garden too - but there's nothing particularly spectacular about it. However, it does serve to draw your attention back to the house which sits atop a hill, its classic Tudor black and white style demanding your attention.

Tours of this stunning building - self guided or accompanied - take in a spectacular great hall, chapel, the servants quarters, a Victorian kitchen and a first floor ballroom which would make anyone want to pop on a hooped crinoline and spin around. Okay, wrong era, but you get the point.

It's open throughout the year and there's an events programme and education opportunities too. If anything can bring Tudor history alive, a walk through Bramall Hall can.