Some of my favourite places

The banks of the River Avon between Amesbury and Salisbury, a glorious stretch of water, if you can gain access! The beautiful garden at Heale House at Upper Woodford provides such an opportunity.

On the outskirts of the city of New Sarum (Salisbury)lies Old Sarum. Ancient British hill fort, Roman encampment, Norman motte and bailey castle, site of original cathedral, this is a place of great historical interest. From here, high up, there are also great views, and a good walk around the ramparts.

Thirty eight miles away is the wonderful Georgian city of Bath. Great Pulteney Street is a particular favourite of mine, with its exceptionally broad carriageway and beautiful facades, and its association with Jane Austen. To reach it from the city centre you must cross the famous Pulteney Bridge. You cannot leave Bath without visiting its oldest house, dating from 1483. Here you can enjoy the delicious Sally Lunn bun, either as a savoury lunch dish, or with a cream tea. Some say Sally was a Huguenot from France, who arrived with her Brioche bun in 1680. I like the story, and I like the bun better!

Breamore House is a fine Elizabethan mansion near Fordingbridge built in 1583. It has paintings and furniture of note. There is also an excellent museum of early Twentieth Century country life, with working farm steam machinery. If you cross the old bridge over the Avon in Fordingbridge you will enter The New Forest, established by William The Conqueror. Not far away on this open heathland his son William Rufus was shot with an arrow. By mistake??!