Dorset
Dorset is Thomas Hardy country - an appealing mixture of rolling heathland, secluded valleys, picturesque villages, great houses and estates, and a coastline awash with natural beauty. The spectacular and varied coast has shaped the county’s history - from the rugged Isle of Purbeck and the sweeping Chesil Beach to the quaint charm of Lyme Regis and Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. National Trust properties in Dorset include Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacy and Clouds Hill once the cottage retreat of T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).

Brownsea Island
Montacute House is a glittering Elizabethan house built in gorgeous golden local stone to impress all visitors. It has some magnificent rooms; the most spectacular is the Long Gallery stretching from one end of the house to the other. The National Trust works in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery and displays an outstanding collection of Elizabethan and Jacobean portrait from the National Portrait Gallery. The formal garden includes mixed borders, old roses and interesting topiary and is surrounded by a landscape park. The wider estate encompasses St Michael’s Hill, site of a Norman castle, topped with an 18th-century lookout tower. Holiday Cottage guests have free access to Montacute House and gardens during opening hours.

National Trust places nearby: Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacy, Studland Beach. Shop and pub: Poole and Bournemouth. Tea-room/café/restaurant: Café near the Brownsea Island landing quay, Bournemouth. Beach: Quay cottage sits right on the edge of the beach. Railway station: Poole. . Activities: walking, birdwatching, fishing.

Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 195