Stourhead Area

Address: Stourton, near Mere, Wiltshire, England

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

Stourhead is an 18th century landscape garden and country estate in Wiltshire, England, created in the mid 1700s and now cared for by the National Trust. The site is famous for its designed circuit around a central lake and its classical architectural features.

The principal attraction is the lakeside walk that reveals a sequence of classical temples, a grotto and a Palladian bridge arranged to create picturesque views. The garden’s layout is intended to be experienced on foot as a series of framed vistas and staged scenes.

The estate was transformed into its present landscape-garden form in the mid 18th century by Henry Hoare II. The house and gardens have remained a notable example of English landscape gardening since that period and are preserved as a historic property.

Stourhead sits in south-west Wiltshire near the village of Stourton and is accessed from the surrounding rural lanes and nearby towns in the county.

• Creation and management: The landscape garden was laid out in the mid 18th century by Henry Hoare II and is managed by the National Trust.
• Garden design: The designed circuit around the central lake is arranged to reveal a sequence of framed views and classical follies, making the walking route the primary way to experience the estate.

What to See#

• Stourhead House: An 18th century country house set above the gardens that historically served as the family home of the Hoare banking family and contains period interiors and a collection of furniture and art.
• The lake and circuit: A designed circuit around a man-made lake laid out in the mid 18th century featuring classical temples, a grotto and carefully composed viewpoints that frame scenes intended to recall landscape paintings.
• Classical temples and bridge: Classical garden buildings including a small Pantheon-like rotunda and a Palladian bridge that form the garden’s staged vistas and principal architectural focal points.

Located in Stourton, Wiltshire. From Warminster or Mere, local roads lead to the estate; the nearest sizable towns are Warminster (approx. 10-15 minutes by car). The National Trust manages access; follow local signage from A303 or A350.

• Arrive early to take the circuit walk around the lake before crowds arrive; the light is best in the morning.
• Follow the designed sightlines - the follies and temples were placed to reveal one another in sequence, so let the landscape guide the visit.
• Wear footwear suitable for country paths; some routes can be muddy after rain and proper boots make the experience more pleasurable.