Visit the folly castle, have a picnic on the grasslands or explore the gorge and woodlands. Wander along the winding driveway designed by renowned 18th century landscape architect Humphrey Repton to discover a timber lodge, a legend about a giant and an elegant country house – once home to the influential Harford family and now a museum of everyday life with a fascinating exhibit on the history of the estate.

The manor of St Catherine belonged to the Prior of Bath in medieval times. It takes its name from the church of St Catherine beside the manor house.

The oldest part of the house is Elizabethan. It was remodelled by William Blanchard, who bought St Catherine’s Court and its estate in 1594. His initials appear in the plasterwork frieze of a bedroom. In the Victorian period Richard Strutt extended the house and added an orangery.

In 1984, actress Jane Seymour bought the house with her then husband David Flynn for £350,000. After spending £3 million on refurbishments, Seymour spent summers at the house. After her divorce from Flynn and marriage to American film producer James Keach, Seymour rented the manor as a film set, recording studio and latterly country house estate/hotel for corporate events and weddings. The English band The Cure recorded their album Wild Mood Swings there in 1996; and the rock band Radiohead recorded most of their 1997 album OK Computer there. English Rock/Electronic Band New Order also recorded part of their 2005 album Waiting for the Sirens’ Call there.

The Arcade epitomises impeccable service, specialist knowledge and elegant surroundings. From the classic to the contemporary, a huge variety of the finest goods are on offer whether searching for a gift, treating yourself or simply window shopping – softest cashmere to sparkling antiques, vintage watches, connoisseur writing materials, fine fragrance and top quality leather goods. Shop with the world’s most feted celebrities in the Burlington Arcade, a welcome retreat from the swirling bustle and noise of London’s streets.