Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor rose on a Buckinghamshire hilltop from 1877, three years after Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild bought the estate, as a French Renaissance chateau built to entertain the fashionable world and house his collection, and it is still run by the Rothschild Foundation on behalf of the National Trust. Inside are Sevres porcelain, Old Master paintings, French furniture and over 300 pieces in the Rothschild Treasury, with photography allowed in every room; outside, the Victorian parterre and fountains lead to the Rococo-style Aviary, which breeds endangered birds, and the Wild Wood adventure playground. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds and the Stables Cafe. Reviewers love the Manor Restaurant's Sunday roast, the free volunteer-led garden walks and the Christmas lights. Tips from regulars: the car park is a 20 to 30 minute walk from the house, so the shuttle bus earns its small fare; the bedrooms and Treasury are up around 70 steps; and house entry books up, so reserve a slot before you travel.