History and Heritage in South West England

Castle Drogo, nr Exeter, Devon

The 'last castle to be built in England', dramatically situated above the Teign Gorge.

This granite fortress, commanding spectacular views of Dartmoor, was built between 1910 and 1930 for the self-made millionaire tea baron Julius Drewe. One of the most remarkable works of Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Children love it here

The Edward Jenner Museum, Berkeley, Gloucestershire

Housed in the elegant Queen Anne house which was Dr Jenner’s home from 1785 until his death. Displays celebrate the life and work of this world famous C18th doctor who was also a medical scientist, pioneer of smallpox vaccination, naturalist, geologist, balloonist, poet...and more!

Edward Jenner became world famous following his publication in 1798 in which he demonstrated that vaccination with cowpox prevented the deadly smallpox. As use of his treatment spread he found that he had to spend more and more of his time answering correspondence about it. He called himself 'the Vaccine Clerk to the World'. He continued to advise and research on the safest ways to produce and transport his cowpox vaccine.

Barrington Court, nr IIminster, Somerset

An enchanting formal garden, influenced by Gertrude Jekyll.

One of the most impressive 16th century houses in Somerset, Barrington Court was the first large house to be acquired by the National Trust, in 1907.

Footscape, Cerne Abbas, Dorset

Exclusive heritage tours and walking holidays in timeless Thomas Hardy country.

On our three small group heritage tours you can walk in the footsteps of Thomas Hardy, visit some of Dorset’s most beautiful gardens or see the castles of Sir Walter Raleigh in the beautiful town of Sherborne. For hikers, our walking holidays are rich in folklore, history and stunning landscapes.

Stourhead House and Garden, Warminster, Wiltshire

Celebrated 18th century landscape garden and Palladian mansion.

An outstanding example of the English landscape style. Stourhead was laid out between 1741 and 1780 and includes classical temples, including the Pantheon and Temple of Apollo, set around the central lake. The vistas change as the visitor moves around the paths and through the magnificent mature woodland.