Hinton Ampner

Hinton Ampner, on the A272 eight miles east of Winchester, is the creation of Ralph Dutton, the last Lord Sherborne, who remodelled the house in the mid-20th century, filled it with English furniture, Italian paintings and hardstone ornaments, and laid out the terraced garden with its long views over the Hampshire countryside. Outside there is a walled garden of Tudor origin growing fruit, vegetables and cutting flowers, spring tulips followed by bluebells in the woodland, free weekly garden tours, and estate walks through fields and woods that need no ticket. Dogs go on short leads through the garden and estate. Reviewers praise the peaceful atmosphere, the engaging room volunteers, the cafe in the Old Stables and the second-hand bookshop opposite it. Tips from visitors: parking is free but the place is popular, so arrive at opening; the field path at the start of the estate walk is sometimes closed for cattle; and there is a free tap for water bottles.