This is one of the most complete historic estates open to visitors. The early 19th-century Wyatt house sits amid a landscaped deer park and is opulently decorated, providing a fine setting for the Egerton family’s collections of pictures, books, china, glass, silver and specially commissioned Gillow furniture. The theme of Victorian grandeur extends into the garden, with fernery, orangery, Tower garden, pinetum and Italian and Japanese gardens. Other features include the Tudor Old Hall, a working 1930s farm, a children’s play area and speciality shops. What’s new in 2004: Restored Walled Garden, including kitchen garden and magnificent glasshouses, where traditional methods of gardening will be used