HISTORIC HOUSES - STATELY HOMES - GARDENS

Abbotsbury Dorset. Tel 01305 871387 Established in 1765 as a kitchen garden for the nearby castle and developed since into a magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country, discovered by plant hunting descendants of the Countess.

Calne Wiltshire. Tel 01249 812102 We offer a fantastic day out for all the family with 100 acres of beautiful parkland offering a arboretum, pinetum, lake and cascade. Perfect for walks and exploring or visit the house which hosts a wealth of unique items from Queen Victoria’s wedding chair to Napoleon’s death mask and extensive art collection.

Dorchester Dorset. Tel 01305 848363 Athelhampton is one of the finest manor houses in England and dates from the 15th century. A gallery in the west wing exhibits work by the Russian artist Marevna. The gardens contain the topiary pyramids, fountains, the river piddle and collections of tulips and roses.

Nationwide. English Heritage exists to make sure the best of the past is kept to enrich our lives today and for future generations. We have over 400 sites nationwide ranging from small town gardens and public parks to great country estates and historical monuments. Become a member and come and visit our stunning gardens and buildings.

Wellington Somerset. Tel 01823 672283 Cothay Manor, a 15th century medieval manor, is open by appointment for group visits. One of Somerset’s finest historic houses, Cothay is surrounded by twelve acres of magically romantic gardens including the bog garden with azaleas and drifts of primuli, fine trees and river walk.

Taunton Somerset. Tel 01823 413923 Lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away. All gardens have undergone restoration works and today provide important examples of gardens in contrasting styles that continue to grow.

Sherborne Dorset. Tel 01935 812072 Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 this historic house reflects a glorious variety of decorative styles from over 400 years of English History. Visit the Castle’s rich interiors with its splendid collections of art, furniture and porcelain and the landscape garden redesigned by ‘Capability’ Brown in 1753.

South Petherton Somerset. Tel 01460 240328 Recognised as the Home of English Gardening this grade 1 listed garden was created by the visionary Margery Fish in the 1940's. Packed with very rare and unusual plants, visitors can wander along the crooked stone paths through a profusion of colour, scent and cottage garden style.

Somerton Somerset. Step inside this intimate limestone medieval manor house and discover the history of it and the two families who lived here. Take a stroll around the arts and crafts-style garden with colourful borders, neatly trimmed hedges and manicured lawns. During your visit take a break in our tea room and barn gift shop.

Montacute Somerset. A masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture and design. With its towering walls of glass, glow of ham stone, and its surrounding gardens it is a place of beauty and wonder. Beautiful gardens surround Montacute, with scent in summer and providing an atmospheric backdrop for a winter walk.