Encombe House

You're not going to stumble across Encombe House by accident. This 18th-century manor sits tucked away on the Dorset coast near Wareham, commanding views across the Purbeck landscape that feel almost private. The house itself is grand without being showy - honey-coloured stone, symmetrical Georgian proportions, the kind of place that rewards a proper look rather than a quick snap.

What draws people here is less the interior (opening hours are irregular, so check ahead) and more the setting. The surrounding estate has walking routes that take you down to the cliffs, and the views back towards the house are rather lovely. It's the sort of spot where you understand why someone built something important here three centuries ago.

Historically minded visitors will find plenty to chew on - the house has shifted hands between some notable families and survived various periods of fortune and neglect. But this isn't a museum with velvet ropes and interpretation boards. It's more about the place itself, the bones of it, what the landscape tells you.

If you're based at Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, Encombe is close enough for a morning excursion without eating the whole day. Pair it with coastal walks around Purbeck or the Wareham riverside nearby. Allow two hours if you're combining house spotting with exploring the grounds. Go on a clear day - you won't regret the trek when the views open up.