The unusual, different and distinctive in the South West

Interesting projects, curious architecture, sculptures, fascinating archaeological features and all sort of interesting oddities can be found in the South West. Here are a few to get you started.

A Victorian reservoir at Dunster Castle

Head below ground to see a piece of Victorian engineering up close.

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Cotehele Cornwall

Cotehele's precious old boar

Cotehele is famous for the tapestry collection which covers the walls of the house. What makes this collection and its old boars so interesting?

More about the boar

Kingston Lacy Dorset

The Bankes family home

In line with government guidance, the house at Kingston Lacy is now closed until further notice. The garden and parkland remain open for pre-booked visits. We look forward to welcoming you back to the house soon and thank you for your support as we continue to work to keep everyone safe.

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A view of Old Harry, Dorset — Old Harry is one of the most famous landmarks on the South Coast

Studland Bay Dorset

Old Harry: a Purbeck landmark

Old Harry is an iconic feature on the East Dorset coastline, and it's also a great spot for sports, walking and admiring some lovely views.

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The wavy hedges of Glendurgan maze in Cornwall seen from above — Glendurgan's cherry laurel hedge maze

Glendurgan Garden Cornwall

Keeping Glendurgan's maze forever puzzling

We need to save the 180 year old maze to ensure its future for generations to come. Find out about the challenges facing the maze, and how you can help. Please note, the maze is closed until further notice.

Donate to our 'hedge fund' today

Tyntesfield North Somerset

Fire and wire at Tyntesfield

Things are different at Tyntesfield in 2018 as we work on a major conservation project to replace the fire alarm system in the house.

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Glastonbury Tor Somerset

Glastonbury Tor's orchards

Find out more about our orchards

Learn about our story

The great hall window reflecting a sunrise — The great hall window at sunrise

Trerice Cornwall

The great hall window

The great hall window is a key feature of the house’s character, notable for its scale and individual details. Find out more about the window and how we look after it.

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Volunteer Ian winds the bucket to the top of the well at Coleridge Cottage

Draw water from the well

Are you as strong as Sara Coleridge? You can find out by drawing water from the newly restored 17th-century well

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Overview of the sections of the walled kitchen garden at Trengwainton — Overview of the walled kitchen garden

Walking trail

Trengwainton's unique walled gardens

Visit the 10 unique sections of walled gardens at the heart of this special place.

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Hidcote Gloucestershire

The restoration of the gazebos

The gazebos have been restored to their former glory using historic paint sampling and plans are in place to return the buildings to their former use.

Discover what's going to happen next to the gazebos