Stourhead House and Gardens - National Trust

Stourhead House and Gardens

National Trust

Palladian mansion and world-famous landscape garden with fabulous autumn foliage.

When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as ‘a living work of art’. The world-famous landscape garden has at its centrepiece a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees, and offers a day of fresh air and discovery. Uncover the fascinating history of Stourhead house with an Italian ‘Grand Tour’ adventure and enjoy the unique Regency library, Chippendale furniture and inspirational paintings. The Palladian mansion is set amid ‘picnic perfect’ lawns and extensive parkland. Explore the 1,072 hectare (2,650 acre) Stourhead estate and King Alfred's Tower, where chalk downs, ancient woods and farmland are managed for wildlife.

Henry Hoare I bought Old Stourton House in 1717 and swiftly demolished it. He then built a Palladian villa on adjacent land and named it Stourhead. After his father's death in 1725, Henry Hoare II completed the house and filled it with treasures, which you can still discover today. Today, the house tells the story of Harry Hoare and his parents. The rooms bring to life  what it was like in this family home throughout Harry's childhood until Stourhead was given to the National Trust in 1946. It tells the story of love, loss and devotion as a family and to Stourhead itself.

Depart Approx. 4/4.30.

Due to the natural landscape, steep descents and mixed terrain may not be appropriate for domestic scooters and wheelchairs.