Alice in Wonderland at Antony House

This place might look like a typical 18th-century estate from the outside, but take a closer inspection and you’ll find that all is not as it might seem. Inside there’s a wonderland – Alice’s Wonderland to be precise – where you can enter a fantasy world from the Lewis Carroll novel. This National Trust property was chosen by Tim Burton as the set for his 2010 blockbuster film and now the crew have left (along with Johnny Depp as well, much to the ladies’ disappointment), the rest of us can experience some of the magic they left behind.

Like the larger-than-life caterpillar who sits smoking a hookah pipe on the lawn, for example. Then there’s the ‘rabbit hole’, which leads to an over-sized garden where you suddenly feel like you’ve shrunk. After you’ve done battle over a game of croquet or on a giant chessboard, why not head inside the house, where there are Reynolds portraits, 18th-century furnishings and a looking glass or two adorning every room. That is, apart from one; this is ‘Alice’s’ bedroom – and you might recognise it from the film. 

Overlooking the Lynher River, the gardens landscaped by Repton include formal courtyard, terraces, ornamental Japanese pond, fine summer borders, sculptures, and a knot garden. The gardens of Antony House are home to the National Collection of Hemerallis (610 cultivars). Finish up by restoring your sanity with a little tea party of your own in the self-service restaurant – accompanied of course, by the customary slice of National Trust cake.