Sulgrave Manor houses a wonderful collection of furniture and fabrics from the 16th century. It is a Tudor and Georgian manor house that once was the home of George Washington’s direct ancestors. Lawrence Washington, who bought the house in 1539 was a successful Northampton Wool Merchant. There is also a lovely garden, designed in the 1920s by Sir Reginald Blomfield and it still remains as a fine example of the formal English Style. Guided tours are provided of the house.

The beaches around the Bodrum peninsula provide excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling. With bathing boats or dolmuş, reaching them is a breeze. Bagla, located 14 km from Bodrum on the south coast, boasts fine sandy beaches, while Gümbet — just about 3 km west of Bodrum — is often the go-to for windsurfers. On the west coast, you'll discover inviting beaches at Akyar, Turgutreis, Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak. Each of these are quaint villages brimming with charming fish restaurants and popular anchorages for sailors. Don't miss Kara Ada (Black Island) Bay either, where you'll find caves hiding hot water springs.

Originally built for the Medici family, this palace later passed to the Riccardi family, who expanded it. It’s one of the key spots to see Renaissance architecture up close in Florence. Inside, you’ll find an art museum with frescoes and works that give you a real sense of the city’s past power and wealth.

Broughton Castle is a medieval manor house of the 14th century and home of Fiennes family, Lords Saye and Sele. The ownership of the castle has remained in the same family since 1447 and is situated in the village of Broughton which is about two miles south-west of Banbury. Simon Jenkins selected the place as one of only twenty to be awarded five stars in his book "England’s Thousand Best Houses".