It was a beautiful day when we visited the National Trust property of Stourhead, which is in Wiltshire (with part of the estate extending into Somerset) I would describe it as stunning. The extensive grounds with the artificially created lake are categorised in the “English landscape garden” style. There are paths that take you around the lake where there are a number of temples, follies, grottos and monuments inspired by Greek mythology. The gardens were designed by Henry Hoare II who took his inspration from Utopian Italian landscapes. There are some wheelchair accessible paths with marked routes, which can be steep in places. Some of the other routes are stony and steep, but I managed with my walking stick and it was well worth the effort for the splendid views.
The Neo-Palladian mansion was built in 1725 for Sir Richard Hoare and, within the grand rooms, are heirlooms, Chippendale furniture, a library and art collected by the owners from their Grand Tours. All the buildings are listed including the Temple of Flora, the Temple of Apollo and the Pantheon. There is also Alfred’s Tower a triangular 160ft-tall folly that offers panoramic views across three counties.
To get to Stourhead by road, follow the brown signs on the A303 or the B3092 from Frome (the main car park postcode is BA12 6QD) There is a shuttle bus available from the Visitor Reception. There are two courtyards – the Spread Eagle pub courtyard where there is a second-hand bookshop and an art gallery. While the other top courtyard has a shop and restaurant. It goes without saying we did stop for tea and scones!
This must be one of my favourite National Trust properties with its world-famous landscaped gardens, magnificent classical buildings and beautiful art collections.
