A beautiful island with some very rich history A very nice…read moreday trip or afternoon out can be had here If not a little pricy.

Brownsea Island has a very interesting history but is probably most famous as the birthplace of…read moreBaden-Powell's Scout movement. Scouts and Guides from all over the world still visit the island today although, as naked flames are banned on the island, no more camp fires, I'm afraid. The island is accessible by ferry from several places on the mainland, including Poole Quay and Bournemouth Pier and there is an entry fee of about £5 but it's worth it. Once there you are free to wander around the woodland areas on your own. We took some kind of squirrel tour and our guide was a mine of information about the island and where best to spot the shy red squirrels. And we saw quite a few of the little darlings, if only fleetingly. We also had sightings of other animals and fowl whose antecedents had been domesticated but set free by one of the island's eccentric owners in the 1930s, I think. On the day that we went it was a bit rainy at times but we still had a great time. There is the customary National Trust gift shop where you can stock up on all the squirrel and scout related items that you need while you're waiting for the ferry back to the mainland and, of course, a tea room. I would go back just for the squirrels. Aaaah.

This castle certainly has the 'wow' factor. A popular choice for weddings and receptions. They…read moreoften hold interesting exhibitions and the history of the place is fasinating. There is a lovely cafe that has been fairly recently renovated. There is a nice variety of lunches and afternoon teas to make your visit even enjoyable. The castle has been restored after some serious damage and looks simply stunning. As well as the castle and tearooms there are also some lovely walks and views across the coast. There is parking on site and some disabled parking spaces.

What a magnificent castle. Damaged by fire a few years ago it has pretty much been restored to its…read moreformer glory. Hosting weddings etc all year round it is well worth a visit.

A lovely shop to browse around and an interesting, small, museum too (free admission). There are…read moresouvenirs, postcards and beautiful gifts, from fairly cheap to more expensive. The shop and museum are housed inside a beautiful old thatched building (See my photo). Definitely worth a visit!

A really cute small place to visit for free, doesn't take long to get round but it's so quaint and…read morevery friendly a must see if passing this way.

Hinton Ampner is a house and gardens in the care of the National Trust, located about 5 miles south…read moreof New Alresford, and around 10 miles east from Winchester. It makes for a lovely day out: the grounds and house can be covered easily in half a day. The first house on the site was built by the Stewkeley family in the 1540s (in a different location on the site). The current house was built to replace it in 1793, by their descendent Henry Stawell Bildon-Legge, but substantially remodelled by John Dutton, the second Lord Sherborne, in 1867, in the Victorian style. The house as we see it now is the result of a further remodelling by the last of the family line, Ralph Dutton, 8th Lord Sherborne. He inherited the estate in 1835, and, loathing the heavy and dark Victorian decoration of the house, undertook a further major remodelling based on a neo-Georgian style, albeit with modern comforts such as central heating and bathrooms. He also bought artworks, fittings (especially fireplaces but also including a plaster ceiling) and furniture to complement the remodelled interior. However, in 1960, just two years after completion, the house suffered a major fire. Undeterred, Dutton undertook a full restoration, many of the artworks and fittings having been saved. As well as the house, he was responsible for the structure of the gardens we see today, envisaged as a series of outdoor rooms, each framing splendid views to the landscape beyond. He bequeathed both the house and the estate to the National Trust on his death 1985. Visitors can now enjoy the house, its surrounding gardens, and, for the more energetic, walks across the estate. Each of the rooms is furnished in Dutton's distinctive style, which has the feel of a comfortable country house hotel. There are volunteer guides in each room, ready to explain the various fittings, furniture and the artwork on display. A particular favourite of Dutton's was pietra dura, elaborate stone-inlay furniture, sourced from Italy. Outside, there are both the formal gardens and a beautiful kitchen garden. For those keen for more exercise, there are several longer walking routes around the estate. There is also a café, serving afternoon teas and light lunches, the inevitable National Trust gift-shop, and a small second-hand bookshop. Bith cafe and the seating area have low steps, and narrow doors, so not really suitable for wheelchairs. Within the grounds and a short walk from the house, is the small village church of All Saints, where Dutton and his ancestors are buried. This dates from Saxon times, although remodelled in the 13th century and heavily restored in the 19th century. It is still the Parish Church and is in use today. There are several gravel car parks, some with designated spaces for visitors with disabilities (and in possession of a Blue Badge). In winter, the grounds can be a bit muddy underfoot, so it is advisable to wear suitable footwear.

This is a stately home which is set in some very well kept beautiful gardens. The walled garden has…read morea plethora of dahlias of every kind!!! And is awash with colour in the summer months. Around the rest of the garden are some stunning rose bushes and a rectangular lilly pond, I will post some of the gorgeous flowers from here. The house is beautiful although you only get to see the downstairs. I think the manager lives there There is a chapel on site which is peaceful and they have a little selection of second hand books which you can purchase by putting some money in a hole in the wall. I think donations are welcome so just pop them with the ones you see You don't get much of a choice for food at the cafe so best bring a picnic although they have some lovely home made soup and a roll.

I love this place!! During my trip to England we had the pleasure of driving through the town of…read moreBurley, where the animals roam wild (primarily horses). This place was snuggled in the middle on town - and it was here that I had some of the BEST clotted cream tea ever! The service was excellent, this place was very quaint and clean, and there's an outside patio too. Before arriving here we had sampled clotted cream tea at a few other places, but when we tried it here it was excellent - a cut above the rest. The quality was superb. Definitely one of the most memorable and enjoyable places I visited during my tour of England, I highly recommend taking the time to visit this town and their lovely tea room and restaurant.