Stourhead

From the NT website: "When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, it was described as ‘a living work of art’. The world-famous landscape garden has a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees." The house is a Palladian mansion, filled with Georgian treasures including Chippendale furniture and fine paintings.

Location: near Mere, Wiltshire
Postcode: BA12 6QF
Distance: 16 miles, about 35 mins' drive

Combine this visit with: King Alfred's Tower, and maybe lunch at the Bull at Hardway.

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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

The garden celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2015 and is filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. It has a mixture of formal and informal areas, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views. Magnolia walk and viewing point over the Jurassic Coast. There's a good restaurant at the entrance to the garden.

Location: near Weymouth, Dorset
Postcode: DT3 4LA
Distance: 37 miles, about 1 hour's drive

Combine this visit with: Abbotsbury Swannery, Abbotsbury Children's Farm, and Chesil Beach.

Kingston Lacy

Described on the N T website as an "elegant country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland". The garden includes a fernery, displays of snowdrops followed by daffodils in spring, Japanese garden, flower borders, kitchen garden, pigs, chickens, kids' play area, forest walks. There's also a restaurant in the old stables.

Location: Near Wimborne Minster
Postcode: BH21 4EA
Distance: 18 miles, about 35 mins' drive.

Combine this visit with: Badbury Rings, Wimborne Minster, and maybe lunch at the Anchor pub at Shapwick.

Hillyground Cottage Holidays

Self-Catering Holidays in the Heart of the Blackmore Vale

EMAIL: HILLYGROUND@TISCALI.CO.UK TEL: 01258 473890

HOUSES AND GARDENS

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