Top Three Days Out - Stately Home Style

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In an area ripe with history, it is no surprise that some of the UK's most significant stately homes and historic attractions are right on our doorstep. Perfect for a day out with the family, an open air theatre trip or a special event, here's our pick of the top three stately homes in our region.

Shugborough Estate in Great Haywood (pictured) is the UK's only complete working historic estate, including the stunning mansion house plus a farm, gardens and watermill. Home to the Earl of Lichfield, the Georgian mansion sits in 900 acres of grounds with features which include the Shepherd's Monument. The memorial famously has an inscription, known as “the code breaker's holy grail”. Over the years thousands have tried - and failed - to crack the secret message. Modern-day visitors are entertained by costumed servants who re-enact typical estate tasks such as cheese-making, milling and baking. The estate is now closed for the winter but is holding a series of Christmas Candlelit Evenings and Santa events throughout December.

Little Moreton Hall near Congleton (pictured) is the country's most iconic Tudor moated manor house. Dating back to the 15th Century, it appeals to visitors young and old with its famous “gingerbread house” appearance. One of the building's most popular features is the Long Gallery which stretches across the upper floor. The sheer weight of the gallery's glass, timber and slates has made the rest of the building bend and bow in a picturesque way. The National Trust property is now open to visitors every weekend except Bank Holidays until the end of the year and is also hosting a series of Yuletide Celebrations throughout December.

But for a day as King of the Castle, you can't beat Beeston Castle and Woodland Park near Tarporley (pictured). Known as the “Castle of the Rock”, the ruins stand proud with sheer cliff drops on three sides. From the top of the castle on a clear day you can see as far as the Pennines to the East and the Welsh Mountains to the West. Originally built in the 1220s as a stronghold and symbol of power, the outer bailey walls are six feet thick. Rumours say that the treasure of Richard II is still hidden in the grounds and today's visitors can take their turn in trying to find it! The castle and park, run by English Heritage, are open at the weekends throughout the winter, but closed on Bank Holidays.

For more information on any of these attractions, please visit www.shugborough.org.uk; www.nationaltrust.org.uk and www.english-heritage.org.uk.