Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset

Once the home of Sir Walter Raleigh, the imposing castle and stunning gardens sit within a Capability Brown influenced landscape. The perfect place either for picnics, for walking and to visit the interior of this historic Castle.

• A family home from 1617 to present times containing a stunning collection of decorative arts
• Extensive grounds surrounding a 50-acre lake
• Picnic or simply watch wildlife at play in a natural environment

The Orangery was built around 1780 and featured under-floor heating. The Ginkgo tree in the centre of the lawn was also planted around 1780, some 30 years after its introduction to Britain. The Solarium, which in Sir Walter Raleigh's time was the Great Parlour where he received visitors, still features the plaster ceiling with a Tudor Rose, acorns and oak leaves. On the lakeside walk sit in "Popes Seat" where poet Alexander Pope wrote an account of the gardens as they were in 1722.

The lake attracts a variety of water birds. Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot and Moorhen all breed and can be seen throughout the year. A variety of other ducks frequently visit, including Teal, Wigeon and Tufted Duck. Cormorants often rest in the large trees opposite the castle. During the summer months the weedy lakeside vegetation holds a healthy population of Reed Warblers, while Swallows, House Martins and Swifts occasionally attract Hobbies.