Sutton House

Abandoned and taken over by squatters in the 1980s, what was originally known as Bryk Place when built in 1535 by a prominent courtier of Henry VIII, Sir Ralph Sadleir, could have been tragically lost to history, but it’s since been put under the care of the National Trust and magnificently restored. The first historic room you enter, the Linenfold Parlour, is the highlight, where the Tudor oak panelling on the walls has been carved to resemble draped cloth. Other notable rooms include the panelled Great Chamber, the Victorian study, the Georgian parlour and the intriguing mock-up of a Tudor kitchen. There’s a shop and pleasant cafe on site. West of Sutton House in the restored St John’s Churchyard Gardens is 13th-century St Augustine’s Tower, all that remains of a church that was demolished in 1798. The tower and its 135 steps can be climbed on special open days. See the website for details.