Dalwood

By some administrative freak, until 1842 the little village of Dalwood, despite being completely surrounded by Devon, was actually part of Dorset. Its other main claim to fame is as the home of the Loughwood Meeting House, one of the earliest surviving Baptist chapels in the country. When the chapel was built in the 1650s, the site was hidden by dense woodland, for the Baptists were a persecuted sect who could only congregate in out-of-the-way locations. Under its quaint thatched roof, this charming little building contains a simple whitewashed interior with early 18th-century pulpits and pews. The chapel was in use until 1833, then languished for many years until it was acquired by the National Trust in 1969. It is now open all year round with admission by voluntary donation.

About three miles south of Dalwood is another National Trust property, Shute Barton, an exceptional example of a medieval manor house, which dates from the 1380s. Only two wings of the original building have survived, but they include some remarkably impressive features, such as the Great Hall with its massive beamed ceiling, and the ancient kitchen with a huge range capable of roasting an ox whole. Entry is by way of a Tudor gatehouse. Shute Barton was owned by the Pole family, a local dynasty, commemorated by some grand monuments in St Michael’s Church. Amongst them is an overbearing memorial to Sir William Pole, which depicts the Master of the Household to Queen Anne standing on a pedestal dressed in full regalia. More appealing is the 19th-century sculptured panel, seven feet high and framed in alabaster, which shows Margaret Pole greeting her three little daughters at the gates of heaven.

Close by are Burrow Farm Gardens, beautifully landscaped gardens that provide a peaceful place for a relaxing afternoon’s outing, as well as plenty of interest for keen gardeners.