Far From the Madding Crowd

I feel I must plug my new favourite place to stay. http://www.waddonhouse.co.uk/For fans of the film – the Julie Christie and Terrence Stamp version no less – a  stay at Waddon House is to stay at Boldwood’s house (Bathsheba’s house is Bloxworth), but the real history is far more interesting (this is the real deal) and Suzie Chaffyn-Grove will entertain you with stories of the precious textiles she has had to sell to the V & A in order to keep English Heritage at bay. (She also makes fabulous fruit compote and mean smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, served around a huge oak table in the main dining room.) Other locations from the film are to be found in nearby Abbotsbury and Maiden Fort, both within walking distance (if you enjoy walking).