Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire

Wimpole Hall is a large country house with wonderful Georgian interiors. The house, begun in 1640, is surrounded by 1,200 hectares (2,965 acres) of parkland including a working farm specialising in rare breeds. There are beautiful pleasure grounds, a walled garden and a folly.

A large imposing estate is exactly what the director ordered for

(2008) starring Jessica Biel, and Colin Firth. Based on one of

Noël Coward's earlier and less-well-known plays, this is a British-made romantic comedy set in the thirties. The storyline is about a glamorous American widow, Larita, who marries a young Englishman, John Whittaker, on holiday. On their return to England, his mother, played by Kristin Scott Thomas in fine icy-snob form, takes a dislike to her daughterin-law. His father, however, takes a shine to her.

Visit the mansion at the heart of this estate. Intimate rooms contrast with beautiful and unexpected Georgian interiors, including Soane's breathtaking Yellow Drawing Room and wonderful plunge bath. The fascinating basement corridor offers a glimpse into life below stairs.

Stroll around the colourful parterre garden and wander through the Pleasure Grounds to the Walled Garden, abundant with fruit, vegetables and beautiful herbaceous borders. Stride out across the landscape park, among the rare-breed cattle, through grand avenues, before entering shaded woodland and emeging into an arable landscape.

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