Great Chalfield Manor, near Melksham, Wiltshire
Good things often come in small packages and Great Chalfield Manor near Melksham in Wiltshire is no exception. Like a lot of smaller NT houses, the house is tenanted so you're given a guided tour by the lucky people who live there. It'll only take about 45 minutes but it's a chance to see the parts of the house that have served as a backdrop to many a TV and film production - among them Tess of the D'Urbervilles, The Other Boleyn Girl and Wolf Hall.
Then you can have a stroll through the Arts & Crafts gardens and see the quirky topiary houses, wander through the orchard and around the spring fed pond; the roses in the Well Court are a sight to behold and as a whole, the effect is enchanting, almost dreamlike.
Tours are Tuesday to Thursday on the hour from 11am to 4pm, allowing an hour for lunch at 1pm, and on Sunday from 2pm-4pm hourly. There is free parking and loos on site.
T: 01225 782239 All information correct at the time of writing