Stourhead is reason enough to visit England
all by itself. It is one of the best examples of the English landscape style of
garden; a brilliant Arcadian design begun by Henry Hoare in 1741, incorporating
ever changing vistas around a lake, replete with temples to Apollo and Flora,
a rock bridge, a cascade, a pantheon, a thatched cottage, and a grotto. Hoare
did not complete his garden until 1780.
Hoare's
vision did not run to the rhododendrons, added by a descendant, which are one
of the main reasons people flock to Stourhead today. The woodland walks are superb,
moving through mature woods planted with a variety of exotic trees.
The
house itself was designed by Colen Campbell in 1721 and contains fine art and
furniture by a young Thomas
Chippendale. Nearby is King Alfred's Tower, a red-brick folly rising 150 feet
from the top of a hill overlooking the estate. The Tower was built by Henry Flitcroft
in 1772 and it offers wonderful views over the garden and the surrounding countryside.
Also part of the Stourhead estate are the Iron Age hillforts of Whitesheet Hill
and Park Hill Camp.
Best in: spring for rhododendrons, early summer
for azaleas, and anytime for a truly wonderful landscape garden experience. One
of the great gardens of the world.
Stourhead
for families In a word, excellent! Our children, ages 5 and 11, very
much enjoyed Stourhead. There is plenty of space to run around in, and interesting
curiosities like the Grotto, and the various temples to explore. The National
Trust has information packs for children to help them get the most out of their
visit - and they might learn something about landscape gardening, too!
What's
it like to visit Stourhead? We've put together an image gallery with
over 40 of our favourite photos of Stourhead from a recent visit. Hopefully this
will give you a good idea of what you can see for youself on a visit to this wonderful
gardens. Stourhead
Gardens Photo Gallery >>
Sherrington Stables is on the edge of the enchanting hamlet of Sherrington with its picturesque watercress beds in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It is … more >> Sleeps 4
This delightful cottage is composed of a spacious lounge with beamed ceiling, feature fireplace and picture window in addition to a well-equipped fitted kitchen and … more >> Sleeps 4
This 17th century 3 star hotel with 68 en suite rooms stands in the centre of Salisbury overlooking the famous Cathedral. An ideal base to visit Stonehenge and the New Forest. 25 miles from Southampton Airport and 1 mile from Salisbury railway and coach station. This completely non-smoking hotel features … more >>
The Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel, is an original 13th Century riverside coaching inn, offering stunning views of Salisbury Cathedral. Following a recent οΎ£3/4m complete hotel update and refurbishment, all the original features of this non-smoking hotel have now been lovingly restored, including the wood panelling and open fire in … more >>
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> Stourhead
Hoare's
vision did not run to the rhododendrons, added by a descendant, which are one
of the main reasons people flock to Stourhead today. The woodland walks are superb,
moving through mature woods planted with a variety of exotic trees.
Stourhead
for families