Other special places to visit

Dorset

Clouds Hill was the rural retreat of TE Lawrence, better known as 'Lawrence of Arabia'. The austere rooms in this tiny isolated cottage are much as he left them. An exhibition details Lawrence's extraordinary life.

Hardy’s Cottage

This thatched cottage is the birthplace of Thomas Hardy. It was the novelist’s home until the age of 34 and ‘Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd' were written here. Outside is a charming cottage garden.

Max Gate

Thomas Hardy designed Max Gate as his home and lived here for 43 years, until his death in 1928. 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles', 'Jude the Obscure', and the 'Mayor of Casterbridge' were written here.

White Mill

This corn mill is peacefully set on the banks of the River Stour. It was extensively repaired in 1994 and still retains its original elm and applewood machinery.

Gloucestershire

Chedworth Roman Villa

Chedworth is a 1,700 year-old stately home. The remains of one of the largest Romano-British villas in the country include fine mosaics, two bathhouses and hypocausts. The museum houses objects from the villa.

Lodge Park

Set on the picturesque Sherborne Estate, Lodge Park is a unique survival of a grandstand with its deer course and park. It was created in 1634 for gambling and banqueting. There are walks for all ages around the estate.

Newark Park

This Tudor hunting lodge is perched upon a 40ft cliff, with outstanding panoramic views. The lodge was converted into a fashionable home in Georgian times. It is set in a wild, romantic garden surrounded by unspoilt countryside.

Westbury Court Garden

A rare and beautiful survival, Westbury is the only restored Dutch water garden in the country. It was the National Trust's first garden restoration. The garden is planted with species dating from before 1700.

Somerset

Bath Assembly Rooms

These elegant public rooms epitomise the elegance of Georgian Bath and were at the heart of fashionable 18th-century Bath life. The Rooms are home to the Bath Fashion Museum.

Coleridge Cottage

The cottage takes its name from the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge who lived here for three years from 1797. ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ was written here and personal mementoes of the poet’s are on display.

Priest’s House, Muchelney

This medieval house in the picturesque village of Muchelney was built by nearby Muchelney Abbey in 1308. Features include the Gothic doorway, beautiful double-height tracery windows and a massive stone fireplace.

Stembridge Tower Mill

The last remaining thatched windmill in England, Stembridge dates from 1822. It was in use until 1910 and its elevated position captures lovely views over the Somerset Levels.

Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory

Formerly a priests' residence, the Priory’s Great Hall is open to visitors. The priests who lived here served the Chapel of St Nicholas (now destroyed).

Treasurer’s House, Martock

The Great Hall, Solar Block with its interesting wall painting, and Kitchen are on display in this early medieval house. The Great Hall was completed in 1293, and the Solar Block even earlier. The Kitchen is 15th century.

Wiltshire

Avebury Manor & Garden

This grand Tudor manor house with monastic origins boasts a lovely Edwardian garden. The topiary and flower gardens contain medieval walls, ancient box and numerous 'rooms'.

Great Chalfield Manor

A charming manor house, with beautiful oriel windows and a great hall, Great Chalfield is enhanced by a moat and gatehouse. The manor is surrounded by a colourful garden.

Little Clarendon

The three principal rooms on the ground floor of this stone house, built in Tudor times, are open to visitors. They are furnished with vernacular oak furniture. Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Philipps House & Dinton Park.

Philipps House & Dinton Park

Philipps House is an early 19th-century neo-Grecian house with an impressive collection of Regency furniture and furnishings. The principal rooms on the ground floor are open to visitors. There are a variety of tranquil walks in the recently restored parkland.

Westwood Manor

This 15th-century stone manor house has fine Gothic and Jacobean windows and plasterwork. The modern topiary garden gives attractive views over the Frome Valley.

A small child in a Roman gladiator's helmet at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire

The National Trust

Other special places to visit