Cranborne

A picturesque village in a glorious setting, Cranborne sits on the banks of the River Crane with a fine church and manor house creating a charming picture of a traditional English village. The large and imposing Church of St Mary is notable for its Norman doorway, 13th century nave, and exquisite 14th century wall-paintings. Cranborne Manor was built in Tudor and Jacobean times for the Cecil family, now Marquesses of Salisbury, who still live there. The house is not open to the public but visitors can explore the gardens on Wednesdays, between March and September and the Cranborne Manor Garden Centre, which specialises in old fashioned roses, is open all year, 7 days a week. The present manor house stands on the site of a royal hunting lodge built by King John for his hunting forays in Cranborne Chase. Much of the huge forest has disappeared but detached areas of woodland have survived and provide some splendid walks.

To the south of the village lies Edmonsham Hall, a superb Tudor manor house with Georgian additions that has been owned by the same family since the 1500s. Guided tours of the house are conducted by the owner; the grounds contain a walled organic garden, a 6-acre garden with unusual trees and spring bulbs, and a stable block that is a fine example of Victorian architecture. Call to check for opening times 01725 517207.