Witley Court

I've known about this important stately home for more than 20 years, but have never quite got round to visiting it.

I read recently that they have restored quite a lot of the gardens and were doing work on the house - and that they would be open for various events on the Bank Holiday Weekend. So I made the effort - and was well rewarded.

The photo is the iconic view - the great Victorian country house with the South parterre gardens in front. In particular it features the Perseus and Andromeda fountain (now restored and working, and in operation for twenty minutes on the hour on selected days)

The house is a ruin. A disastrous fire in 1937 in the ballroom area (to the right) meant that it was not economic to have it repaired. Many of the contents were rescued - there's an excellent audio guide with a few clips by locals who remember the fateful time.

The gardens are now beautifully re-created (including the gorgeous East parterre) and the shell of the Conservatory.

It is run by English Heritage, and their team were so welcoming and helpful.

If, like me, you have dithered about going to this lovely place, then hesitate no longer. It's a real treat