Lamport Hall is a whopping, Grade I listed stately pile that also manages to feel like a welcoming home as you swing into the gracious tree-lined driveway. Looks can be deceiving though, whilst the house and gardens retain their immeasurably tasteful and serene vibe, as well as many of the family’s incredible collections, Lamport has not been lived in by the Isham family since the 1970s, when it was placed in trust to ensure its survival as a centre of culture and education and they are absolutely nailing it with an events program as long as my arm.

From feasting in the walled garden to chamber music concerts, outdoor jazz, literary soirees, theatrical productions, history talks, art lectures, craft and antiques fairs, foodie events and masterclasses, plus balloon flights and private dining, there really is something for everyone. Don’t fancy any of those things? There’s also the Museum of Rural Life here, which offers a glimpse into the agricultural history of the 19th and 20th centuries.

If you’re looking for a truly exclusive wedding or event venue, Lamport can accommodate parties of varying sizes, offering spectacular views and elegant backdrops with choice of rooms and packages to suit your vision.

As if that wasn’t enough, a house tour is an absolute must. This vast building has a rich and diverse history, having been, at various times, a family home, flats, a hunting box, country club, army base, prisoner of war camp and public records office. Today though, the house captures the life of the Isham family as it might have been, showcasing an impressive art collection that includes works by Van Dyck and a collection of photographs of Lamport’s last resident Baronet, the handsome Sir Gyles, who had a glistening acting career in Hollywood starring opposite Greta Garbo and many others. Of course, we mustn’t forget what is possibly Lamport’s most famous exhibit, Lampy the garden gnome, thought to be the originator of that Great British garden phenomenon.

Outside, the gardens provide year round interest for visitors, with the enormous walled garden boasting an unusual collection of tall perennials and a woodland spinney nestled beside the church with winding pathways and quiet corners. Lamport is a truly compelling and multi-layered house that will have you coming back time after time.