Wessex Attractions: Ashleworth Tithe Barn

Ashleworth Tithe Barn is a 15th century tithe barn near the banks of the river Severn in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, owned by the National Trust. A four-phase project to replace crumbling stonework was launched by the Trust in 2020, complicated by the fact that the blue lias limestone used to build the barn is relatively rare.

Three species of bats are known to roost in the barn; the Natterer’s bat, the Lesser Horseshoe bat and the Noctule. The Trust is working with bat experts to ensure that the bats are not harmed during the repair work.

There is an ornate round window at one end of the barn, which was designed to encourage owls to enter it – a natural method of controlling rats and mice.

The satnav postcode is GL19 4JA, and Stagecoach West bus number 351 from Gloucester to Tewkesbury stops half a mile away, by the Primary School.

Wessex Attractions: Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory

Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory, two miles west of Montacute House, is a collection of 14th century farm buildings that once housed the college of priests serving the Chapel of St Nicholas, which no longer survives. The 15th century Great Hall, a Grade I listed building, is open to visitors, and the entire complex is maintained by the National Trust.

The buildings are constructed from the local Ham Hill stone, and originally housed four priests. The college had already fallen into disrepair before the dissolution of the monasteries, and passed into the hands of the laity in 1548. The buildings changed hands several times over the next 70 years, eventually being sold to the Strode family. The National Trust acquired the complex in 1946.

The satnav postcode is TA14 6QP, and the what3words is ///resembles.backfired.contour. Bus numbers 81 and 652 stop at nearby Main Street Post Office.

Wessex Attractions: Hinton Ampner

Hinton Ampner is a National Trust-property near Alresford, Hampshire, noted for its beautiful gardens, The house, originally a Tudor mansion, but extensively renovated since, has been lovingly restored after a devastating fire in 1960 gutted it, leaving just a shell.

The original building was probably constructed in the 1540s, although no record survives that can date it precisely. It has been rebuilt at least three times since then, the last restoration being completed just a few months before the fire that destroyed it. It took three months before the house was habitable again.

The extensive gardens feature over 20 different varieties of dahlia, a pumpkin patch, and a lily pond. They are divided into several “rooms”, including a sunken garden, an orchard, and a walled garden.

Part of the estate at Hinton Ampner is given over to regenerative farming, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and rotating crops to allow wildflowers to grow. The Trust plans to sell beef from its herd of Sussex cattle, as well as honey from its beehives, cereals, fruit and nuts.

The postcode for Hinton Ampner is SO24 0LA. Stagecoach bus number 67 from Winchester to Petersfield stops within 5 minutes walk of the main entrance, and transfers are available from Alresford station on the heritage Mid-Hants Steam Railway.

Wessex Attractions: Great Chalfield Manor

Great Chalfield Manor is a 15th century manor house in Wiltshire that has served as a location in many films and TV series including Wolf Hall, Poldark and The Other Boleyn Girl. It features a romantic Arts and Crafts garden, and an extensive collection of antique oak furniture.

It was built on the site of an earlier fortified house for Thomas Tropenell, a lawyer and member of the landed gentry. After his death, it passed into the hands of the Eyre family, and was purchased by George Fuller MP in 1900. It was refurbished prior to the First World War, and donated to the National Trust in 1943, along with nine acres of land.

The manor is located three miles north-east of Bradford-on-Avon. The postcode is SN12 8NH, the What3words address is ///machine.mermaids.hiker. Faresaver bus number 69 from Bradford-on-Avon to Melksham stops at the Toll Gate in Holt, 1.4 miles from the manor.

Wessex Attractions: Heddon Valley

Exmoor’s Heddon Valley was a favourite landscape of the Romantic Poets, and is now under the care of the National Trust. From its coastal paths, one can see across to South Wales on a clear day, and it contains several valuable butterfly habitats. The River Heddon itself is well populated with native brown trout, and the Trust manages an inn, the Hunter’s Inn, where food is served.

The satnav postcode is EX31 4PY, and the valley is on Regional Cycle Route 51. Sadly, it is not well-served by public transport, and the nearest bus stop is two miles away, near Parracombe.