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Berkshire
Ashdown House
© NTPL / Derrick E Witty
This extraordinary Dutch-style house was 'consecrated' for Charles I's sister, Elizabeth of Bohemia ('The Winter Queen'). Climb to the top of the house for spectacular rooftop views before exploring the gardens and neighbouring Ashdown Woods, a beautiful place for walks.
Buckinghamshire
Boarstall Tower
© NTPL
This moated gatehouse built in 1312 is Buckinghamshire's only complete medieval fortified building. Discover the medieval belfry, crossloops and crenallations which have survived through the centuries. And combine your visit with the nearby Boarstall Duck Decoy and learn how this ingenious device caught wildfowl, using a lake, a decoy man and a highly-trained dog.
King's Head
© NTPL / Andy Williams
Enjoy a pint of locally brewed ale or a glass of Waddesdon wine in this ancient coaching inn in the centre of Aylesbury. Once used as a base by Oliver Cromwell, it now also houses a lively second-hand bookshop and the local tourist information centre.
Hampshire
Sandham Memorial Chapel
© NTPL
This red-brick chapel contains what is arguably the artist Stanley Spencer's greatest achievement. Spencer took five years to fill it with wall paintings inspired by his experiences in the First World War. Outside, there is an orchard carpeted with wild flowers with views of Watership Down.
Winchester City Mill
© NTPL / John Hannavy
Put your milling skills to the test and try hand-milling flour at this fully working watermill set in the centre of historic Winchester. The waterwheel and machinery turn daily throughout the season, children will be entertained by hands-on activities and the pretty island garden is a good place to glimpse a kingfisher.
Isle of Wight
Bembridge Windmill
© David Watson
Visit one of the Isle of Wight's best known landmarks, its only surviving windmill. The grade I listed mill still boasts its original machinery and has inspired, among others, the artist JMW Turner. Enjoy the glorious panoramas from the mill across unspoilt countryside to the sea.
Brighstone Shop & Museum
© David Watson
You can explore Brighstone Village's historic past and shop for gifts in this lovely row of thatched cottages. It contains Brighstone Village Museum, which displays a fascinating exhibition about this old Island community, and a National Trust gift shop.
The Needles Old Battery
© NTPL / Martin Trelawny
A 60yd tunnel leads you to the old searchlight emplacement of this Victorian fort, and to one of the closest views you'll get of The Needles rocks. This gun battery perched on the tip of the Isle of Wight was built in 1862 for fear of the invading French and since then has stood guard through two World Wars.
Newtown Old Town Hall
© NTPL / Martin Trelawny
Discover a town hall without a town. The Newtown Old Town Hall is all that remains of the once bustling community of Newtown - now a peaceful nature reserve. An exhibition about Newtown's local history will help you uncover the identity of the mysterious Ferguson's Gang, who saved the town hall.
Oxfordshire
Great Coxwell Barn
© NTPL / Nick Meers
This large 13th-century monastic barn was described as 'unapproachable in its dignity' by William Morris, one of its most ardent admirers. The massive stone barn has a stone-tiled roof and a church-like timber structure. It lies in the peaceful setting of the Buscot and Coleshill Estate.
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