Bartlett De Choc

The chocolate box cottage that inspired Agatha Christie sits tucked away near Ringwood, though truthfully you'll need to know what you're looking for. Bartlett De Choc is more concept than visitor attraction - it's the real house that sparked the mystery writer's imagination, and fans make the pilgrimage to see where the magic started.

What you get is essentially an exterior viewing opportunity. The property itself remains private, so you're photographing the facade, soaking up the atmosphere, and filling in your own mental picture of what lay inside. It's the kind of thing that takes twenty minutes, thirty if you're thorough, and honestly works best if Christie's work means something to you. Random walkers will find it pleasant enough but forgettable.

History enthusiasts and crime fiction readers, though - they'll get a genuine kick out of standing where inspiration struck. There's something satisfying about connecting a real place to fictional worlds. The New Forest edges close by, so slot this into a wider ramble if you're staying at Hill Cottage Farm Caravan & Camping Park over in Fordingbridge, just five miles away. The campsite works well as a base for the area, and you can easily tack this stop onto a proper forest walk rather than making a dedicated journey.

Bring a camera, expect no facilities, and check the road access before you go - parking can be tight. It's free to view from outside, naturally, and works best on a clear day when light's decent for photos.