Places in the South West you need to book

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.

Cornwall

EPAL brick chimney at East Pool Mine

East Pool Mine  

At the very heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site sits the great beam engine in Taylor's engine house, originally powered by high-pressure steam boilers introduced by local hero Richard Trevithick. On a guided tour you'll discover the whole dramatic story of Cornish mining.

The surface remains of Levant Mine, near St Just, Cornwall, including stacks and beam engine houses

Levant Mine and Beam Engine 

A working beam engine running on steam where mining history comes to life: learn of Levant's industry and tragedy. You can visit the buildings at Levant by booking a guided tour. Levant Mine sits on the cliffs of the industrial and dramatic 'Tin Coast', part of the Cornish World Heritage site.

St Michael's Mount   Cornwall

St Michael's Mount

Iconic picturesque island crowned by medieval church and castle with views over the bay.

Visit St Michael's Mount
Devon
Greenway in the snow, Devon
Greenway   Devon

Greenway

At Greenway, the walled gardens, river views and romantic woodland combine to make up 'The loveliest place in the world' in the words of Agatha Christie. The relaxed and atmospheric Georgian house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases here with friends, and is home to their extensive collections. Open on weekends only. If arriving by car, you will need to book in advance to secure a parking space.

Book to visit Greenway
Dorset
Hardy's Cottage parlour

Hardy's Cottage 

Few authors have such strong associations with the natural and cultural heritage of their local area as Thomas Hardy. This cottage, where Hardy was born in 1840, was built of cob and thatch by his great-grandfather and has been little altered since the family left. Open on weekends for pre-booked guided tours.

A wintry Max Gate

Max Gate 

Max Gate is the house that Thomas Hardy, a trained architect, designed for himself and lived in until his death in 1928. Will sitting at the desk in his study inspire you to write? Open on weekends for pre-booked guided tours.

Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds
Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate, Gloucestershire
Lodge Park and Sherborne Park Estate   Gloucestershire

Lodge Park

Lodge Park is England’s only surviving 17th-century grandstand, and was a place of parties and entertainment. Set in the expansive Bridgeman Landscape, discover Lodge Park’s rich history and the life of its passionate owner, John Dutton.

Lodge Park
Somerset
Wellington Monument

Wellington Monument 

Standing high on the Blackdown Hills, the Wellington Monument, at 175ft, is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. The story of its origins, and shambolic construction, repeats itself in the story of its conservation and repair up to the present day.

Visit Wellington Monument