A crowning achievement of Restoration country house architecture, Belton was built in 1685-88 for Sir John Brownlow whose family continued to live here for the next 300 years. The stunning interiors contain exceptionally fine plasterwork and wood-carving, as well as important collections of paintings, furniture, tapestries and silver. There are formal gardens, an orangery, an enormous landscape park with lakeside walks, a Wildlife Discovery Centre and large adventure playground. What’s new in 2004: Exhibition in celebration of ‘20 years of Trust’; opening of Bellmount Tower