Wiltshire

At this world-famous landscape garden with magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees, spring bulbs, rhododendrons and azaleas are all creating colourful displays.

Stourhead house was one of the first grand Palladian-style villas to be built in England.

You can wander through the grounds and garden of this country house with monastic roots, once home to William Henry Fox Talbot, inventor of the photographic negative.

Explore the first floor of the Abbey, built upon the foundations of a former nunnery, the cloister court, and the museum which celebrates the achievements of former Lacock resident, William Henry Fox Talbot, famous for his contributions to the invention of photography.

At Avebury, the world's largest prehistoric stone circle partially encompasses a pretty village as well as Circles Restaurant. Archaeologist Alexander Keiller excavated at Avebury in the 1930s, and there is a museum bearing his name. Avebury Manor, on the edge of the village, was transformed in a partnership between the National Trust and the BBC, creating an experience that celebrates and reflects the lives of the people who once lived here. The Manor has reopened for guided tours. The Manor garden is made of 'garden rooms' each with a different character, from formal lawns to orchards, topiary and kitchen gardens.

Romantic Arts and Crafts garden near Melksham with terraces, topiary houses, gazebo, lily pond, roses and views across the spring-fed fishpond. This charming 15th-century manor house sits peacefully in the countryside, complete with a moat, barns, gatehouse and delightful parish church.

Charming English country garden full of variety, with peaceful water gardens, herbaceous borders, organically shaped topiary and an imaginative use of colour and planting.

This 18th-century Queen Anne townhouse in Salisbury's historic Cathedral Close has reopened with introductory tours, focusing on the architecture and the setting of Mompesson. Inside the house explore the entrance hall, dining room, large drawing room and small drawing room. These rooms have been redisplayed to highlight interior features such as the beautiful plasterwork.

This small manor house is hidden away near Braford-on-Avon. It was built over three centuries, has late Gothic and Jacobean windows, decorative plasterwork and fine period furniture to discover.

Take a walk through the woodland and over the hills of Wiltshire. What better way to soak up the history and mystery of Wiltshire's ancient monuments and countryside than on a walk?

There's plenty of summer colour to be found in a garden near you. Here are our favourite Wiltshire gardens to explore, play in and get some vital fresh air during the warmer, longer summer days.

Ancient landscapes and world-famous gardens await in Wiltshire. Why not set off on a family adventure this summer? There are bugs to search for, hills to roll down and memories waiting to be made.

See the full list places we care for in the South West by county.

Whether you’re looking for fuel to kick-start a ramble on the coast, or are returning from a gentle stroll in the woods, you’ll find these kiosks, cafés and tea-rooms are great places to stop for a treat. What's more, every visit you make and piece of cake you buy helps us carry on looking after special places for everyone to enjoy, for ever.

Some of the places we care for in the South West need to be booked in advance, with several offering guided tours or introductory talks. Read on to find out more.

Thanks to supporters like you, second-hand bookshops at the places we care for usually take thousands of pounds annually, and every penny is invested to keep the property special for everyone, for ever. Read on to find out about the bookshops which help to raise funds to support vital conservation work, and the different bookshops you can visit.

We look forward to welcoming you to the coast and countryside around the South West. We care for beautiful countryside, from Cornwall's sandy beaches to Dorset's heathland, and you can help us to keep them safe and enjoyable by following a few simple guidelines during your visit and observing the Countryside Code.

No overnight camping or parking is allowed at the places we care for. More information on why we don’t permit visitors to stay overnight at our car parks can be found here.

With more people than ever enjoying our coast and countryside places, we’re asking for your help in looking after them during your visit. Please help us protect wildlife and landscapes by following the Countryside Code, which includes taking any litter home with you and not lighting a barbecue or campfire.