Begun in 1595 by Sir Thomas Tresham to symbolise his Catholic faith, Lyveden remains incomplete and virtually unaltered since work stopped on his death in 1605. The building has fascinating architectural detail and the water garden, with its terraces and spiral mounds, remains one of the oldest surviving layouts in Britain. There are miles of footpaths through the surrounding open countryside and nearby Rockingham Forest. What’s new in 2004: Visitor room information panels.