Stourhead- National Trust Information

Stourhead first opened in the 1740s. A magazine described it as ‘a living work of art’ and the world-famous landscape garden has at its centerpiece a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees, and offers a day of fresh air and discovery. Stourhead adds up to 1,072 hectares (2,650 acres) where chalk downs, ancient woods and farmland are managed for wildlife.

Facilities: Restaurants, shops, art gallery and studio, farm shop, ice cream parlour and toilet facilities.

Parking is free for National Trust members, otherwise £3 per vehicle and dogs welcome after 4pm in the garden on short fixed leads March - November and welcome in the garden all day December - February.

Picnics can be enjoyed on the house lawn and around wider estate. Booking and payment is required for after hours. Charming holiday cottage right at the entrance to the gardens. Drones and UAV's are not permitted at Stourhead.

The building- The Palladian villa at Stourhead was finished in 1725 and had taken 4 years to build. Stourhead was one of the first grand Palladian-style villas to be built in England and as such it follows the correct tradition, where the carriage entrance leads to the piano, or main floor, where the state rooms are arranged. Underneath in a semi-basement, lie the ‘engine rooms’ of the house – the kitchens, sculleries and offices.