Stourhead
This magnificient neo-classical garden could well be the most beautiful landscape garden in England. Endowed with a medieval church, a Palladian house, the gorgeous Greco-Roman temples, grottoes, and the 50m-high King's Alfred Tower, the gardens are set in the most dream-like environment around a majestic lake.
The domain's history starts with Henry Hoare, son of the founder of the Hoare and Company, the only private bank still in existence in Britain. Henry built a Palladian manor in Stourton between 1721 and 1725, now housing a rich collection of Chippendale furniture. His son, Henry Hoare II, laid the extensive gardens between 1741 and 1780.
Admission
The Garden is open all year round from 9am and 7pm. The House is open from Friday to Tuesday 11am to 5pm between 18 March and 31 October.
Admission to the Garden or house is £5.80 (child £3.20), or £9.90 (child £4.80) for both. for adults, £8 for senior citizens and students and £5.50 for children aged 5 to 15.
How to get there
Stourhead is on the B3092 road, near the small village of Stourton, about 12km south of Frome. It is near enough from Longleat to visit both the same day. You will need your own wheels as there are no public transports.
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