A splendid Victorian gallery, with painted cast-iron pillars and arches supporting a glass roof, houses Thomas Hardy memorabilia. The author was born near Dorchester and the stories in his novels take place in the region. The furniture, paintings and documents came from Max Gate, a house he had built in 1885, as well as a reconstruction of the author's study as it was at his death.

The first count of Pembroke, William Herbert, became owner in 1544 of the Benedictine convent of Wilton suppressed by Henry VIII, and built a house on the site. The following generations have left their mark here, with the help of Inigo Jones (1630), John Webb (1647) and James Wyatt (1801).

Built in 1100 by Richard de Redvers, bought by Edward I in 1293, attacked by the French in the 14C, fortified in the late 16C to withstand the Spanish, and Charles I's place of imprisonment from 1647 to 1648, the castle is far from lacking in misadventures and tales to tell. This colourful history explains the variety of architectural styles and periods. Whether it be the 14C gatehouse, the private apartments or the keep, which has views for miles around, the castle is both compelling and entertaining. Don't miss the well-house.

Built between 1220-1258, Salisbury Cathedral epitomises Early English architecture at its best and purest. Heightening of the tower and the construction of the 123 m-high spire were part of a second phase (1334-1380), conceived largely by Elias of Derham. The materials used included silvery-grey limestone from Chilmark and Purbeck marble.