One of the real pleasures of National Trust membership is discovering just how different one historic house can be from another. A recent tour of Wightwick Manor, Dudmaston Hall, Attingham Park and Shugborough (all within 80 miles of Chester in Shropshire/Staffordshire) proved exactly that, with each property offering its own distinctive glimpse into Britain's past.

Wightwick Manor, just outside Wolverhampton (and a lovely 90 minutes drive from Chester) is a feast for anyone who appreciates the Arts and Crafts movement. Every room seems alive with the designs of William Morris, while the walls are hung with magnificent Pre-Raphaelite paintings. It's one of those rare houses where the building, furnishings and artwork come together as a complete work of art. A fanatstic exhibition of works from the Rossetti siblings makes a visit to Wightwick especially fulfilling at the moment.

Dudmaston Hall provides a rather different atmosphere. Alongside its fine Georgian interiors are fascinating modern art collections, family treasures and objects gathered over generations, all helping to tell the story of the people who lived there rather than simply displaying grand possessions. We came across works by Matisse, Kandinsky, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson…..a simply superb collection of 20th (and some 21st century) art.

At Attingham Park, elegance is the watchword. The beautifully restored state rooms, impressive Regency interiors and extensive collections of furniture, silver and paintings reflect the wealth and taste of its former owners. Even the servants' quarters have been carefully preserved, offering an engaging glimpse of life below stairs as well as giving an idea of the vast army of staff employed to service a house of this scale.

Finally, Shugborough (not far from Stafford) combines grandeur with curiosity. The house contains impressive collections of porcelain, paintings and furniture, while the displays of objects brought back from around the world by Admiral Anson and later generations add an international flavour. The private apartments of Patrick Lichfield also provide a fascinating contrast between historic tradition and more recent family life. What I enjoy most about these houses is that they are far more than collections of beautiful objects. They are filled with the stories of the people who built them, lived in them and cared for them. You leave not just having admired the art and artefacts, but feeling you've been allowed to eavesdrop on history for a few hours—and that's no bad way to spend a day.