Loveland Castle, also known as Château Laroche, is a full-scale medieval-style castle built single-handedly by Harry D. Andrews, a World War I veteran, starting in the 1920s. Constructed using stones from the Little Miami River and bricks molded from quart milk cartons, Andrews dedicated over 50 years to this labor of love. When you visit, you can wander through the castle’s towers and narrow halls, check out some old-school medieval weapons, and just soak in the quirky, one-of-a-kind vibe. It's a fun and odd little stop with beautiful gardens and a peaceful riverside spot to hang out afterward.

In this authentic ancient house, visitors are welcome to indulge in an Arabic style bath. The smells of scented oils waft through the air as you relax in the hot or cool pools, or enjoy a massage. There is a rooftop restaurant and teahouse onsite.

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden started as the Physic Gardens for the study of medicinal plants in 1621. It is located on the peaceful banks of the Cherwell River and is considered the oldest Botanic Garden in Britain. It is a home to inspiring herbaceous borders and glasshouses where the most compact and diverse collection of plants in the world are found. It is also open throughout the year for you to visit and enjoy.

If time allows, do make the trip to Punta Brava across Mar Menor from La Manga. Some of the best views over the Strip (and Sierra Mineras on the other side) unfold from here, and hiking along the coast rewards with ever more landscape vistas. Trains to Cartagena depart from the nearby Los Nietos.