Forde Abbey

The moment you walk through Forde Abbey's gates, you're stepping into eight centuries of English history - though calling it just a castle sells it short. This is actually a former Cistercian monastery that's been thoroughly transformed into a country house, and the layers of that evolution are everywhere you look.

The main draw is the Abbey itself, a proper architectural mash-up spanning from the 12th century through to Victorian additions. Inside, you'll find period rooms, a collection of tapestries and furniture that span genuinely interesting rather than dusty, and the kind of plasterwork that makes you understand why people got obsessed with these details. The gardens are substantial - forty acres of them - which means families with restless kids won't have everyone climbing the walls after an hour. There's water, topiary, open lawns, and enough paths to feel like you're exploring rather than being herded through.

History buffs will spend a good two to three hours here comfortably. It's worth allowing a full afternoon if you're the type to read the room descriptions properly. Admission isn't cheap, but it's the kind of place that justifies the cost if you're genuinely interested in how houses and their landscapes evolved.

Crewkerne's your nearest town for supplies. The location works nicely as part of a broader Dorset exploration - you're well-positioned for the nearby holiday parks like Wytch Wood Camping or The Dorset Hideaway, both within easy reach if you're basing yourselves in the area for a week.