Hinton Ampner, Alresford, Hampshire
There’s something very special about Hinton Ampner, which is why it makes for a very enjoyable day out for the whole family, especially being in the hands of the National Trust – they are very good at thinking of ways to keep the whole family entertained, with trails and quizzes for children, and quite often, the opportunity for a spot of dressing up.
The house is Neo Georgian in style, though there was a Tudor manor house on the site; with a history stretching back that far you’d expect a few ghost stories, and there certainly are some – mysterious footsteps, doors slamming, dismal groans, and sightings of a man in a dark coat and a woman in a long silk dress, but there’s more: a story of an illegitimate child buried beneath the floorboards…. it’s enough to give you goose pimples.
When you’ve had a look around the house go and wander through the gardens, a picture in spring when the blossom is out on the trees and thousands of tulips nod their heads in the breeze. Stroll through the Magnolia Walk, along the beech avenue and through bluebell woods. The parkland edges the South Downs and has several designated walks and footpaths, including an Ancient Tree Trail and a Battle of Cheriton Walk, which will appeal to anyone with an interest in the English Civil War.
In true NT style there’s a gift shop and tea room, so go treat yourselves; hot pasties, carrot cake made with carrots grown in the kitchen garden What’s not to like?
Opening times vary throughout the year so check the website before you go.
T: 01962 771305 All information correct at the time of writing