Lyvedon New Bield, Oundle, Northamptonshire

Lyvedon New Bield was begun being built by Sir Thomas Tresham but he died in 1605 and it was never finished.  It now belongs to the National Trust.   Lyvedon is not far from Oundle in Northants, it's about 3 miles from the main road (A6116) so it's really peaceful there, you just hear the birds singing.

Sir Tresham was a devout Catholic and, like his other building the folly Rushton Triangular Lodge, it is designed with his faith in mind, having 3 wings, shaped like a Y.   If you are feeling brave, there's a very narrow steep spiral staircase up to the top, which is worth the view.   And mind your head, the doorways are very low!

Although the NT only have a tea/coffee machine on offer, there is a big shady tree in the grounds, so grab your rug and bring a picnic - dogs are welcome on leads as well.

While there, it's worth a gander round the wildflower meadows, the "Snail Spiral Mounds" with a moat has all sorts of of wildlife if you bring binos, or just sit and admire the view for miles around.