Ascott House

Ascott, near Wing in Buckinghamshire, began as a half-timbered house of 1606 and was transformed by the Rothschilds in the late 19th century. It is still a family home, so only five ground-floor rooms are open, on a self-guided tour with volunteers on hand. Those rooms hold the Ascott Collection of 17th-century paintings, 18th-century furniture and rare Chinese ceramics. For most reviewers the gardens are the bigger draw: the 100-yard Madeira Walk of delphiniums and old roses, the fern garden and Scented Walk, and the contemporary Lynn Garden of landscaped circles, moated islands and infinity pools, with views over the Vale of Aylesbury. Parking is free for everyone, about 400 metres from the house, with a volunteer buggy most days. Only assistance dogs are admitted. One tip from regulars: the tea room is small and queues build, so bring a picnic or a flask.