Speke Hall, Liverpool

One of England's great historic houses can be found set in its own glorious grounds, just eight miles from the city centre. The cleverly-concealed priest holes suggest Tudor times, while other rooms, including the fully-equipped kitchen, are more Victorian in style. Wandering through the endless corridors reveals all manner of curios, but enter the Tapestry Room at your peril-the resident ghost may be closer than you think. A recent addition to the beautiful grounds is a beautifully-designed, maize maze, which may be easier to navigate than it is to say. Visit the website for details of the visiting hours.