Stourhead is a beautiful garden in Warminster, England. It’s been featured on TV and has won awards for its beauty.
It’s been around since 1735 and was created by Henry Hoare II who wanted to create a “pleasure ground” that would be a place where people could relax, enjoy nature, and get away from their busy lives. Today it still has all the charm of its original design with winding paths, trees, temples, urns, and even an underground grotto.
If you visit during winter or springtime then we recommend taking a walk around our lake as it will be filled with water lilies in full bloom. We also have some wonderful walks through our woodland areas so why not bring your binoculars along too? In the summertime, we would recommend visiting on a Sunday when there is live music playing at The Temple Of Apollo. And if you want to learn more about how the garden was created then take a tour with Head Gardener Alan Titchmarsh who will show you around his favorite parts of Stourhead!
If you’ve never been to Stourhead Garden, it’s time for a visit. Located in Wiltshire, England, and encompassing some of the most dramatic scenery in the county, this National Trust property is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world with its historic house and working farm. This article will provide you with all you need to know about visiting Stourhead; from which train stations are close by, what facilities they offer, and what not to miss when exploring this cultural gem.
What is Stourhead Garden
Stourhead Garden is a garden belonging to the National Trust in southwest England. It is in Grade I listed and is one of the most high-profile and expensive gardens ever created in England. The garden features a mansion with two wings in Neoclassical style, and is surrounded by woodland and water and famous in particular for its Temple of Apollo (1768) designed by Sir William Chambers.
The Mansion at Stourhead was built between 1741 and 1765 for Henry Hoare II, based on the designs of Sir William Chambers. One wing became Hoare’s home; the other housed his extensive art collection. Today these rooms are used as tea rooms (The Pantheon). The Temple of Apollo was based on the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy.
The National Trust has owned Stourhead Garden since 1946 when it was donated to them by Lady Harriet Clive.
The History of Stourhead Garden
Stourhead was originally a small mill and farm until it became the home of Henry Hoare II in 1743. The grounds were gradually transformed by Henry and his son, Richard. They were responsible for turning it into what we see today as Stourhead and the gardens at Stourhead now cover an area of 220 acres.
The Horseshoe Cloister is now the centerpiece of the garden with its sweeping stairway, planted with box hedging which has been clipped to form a series of foliate patterns. The formal sections of the garden such as the Broad Walk and Great Maze are framed with columns and statues to give them a sense of grandeur. There is also an orangery set in a grotto, woodland walks, lakes, and a Palladian bridge which are also popular with visitors.
The estate was given to the National Trust in 1946 by Henry’s grandsons, Hoare Leveson Gower and Sir Henry Adelbert D’Oyly Carte. It has been managed by the National Trust ever since. In 1957, the garden was designated Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
The Grounds
The garden is laid out on a large area, 220 acres of ground, and has many different features scattered throughout. The Horseshoe Cloister is the main feature and this was first created by architect William Wilkins in 1805. Other architectural styles featured at Stourhead include Palladian, Neo-classical, Gothic, and Arts and Crafts. Most of the grounds were developed between 1743 and 1949 – including apart from the Horseshoe Cloister, the Broad Walk, Great Maze, orangery in a grotto, lakes, and Palladian bridge in three different stretches.
The garden also comes with plenty of features for visitors to enjoy including children’s play areas, woodland walks, and plenty of wildlife. It is also commonplace for photographers and painters to visit as it is such a beautiful location.
How to get there
Getting to Stourhead is an easy task and can be accomplished by taking a train from Gillingham (about 6 1/2 mi), Bruton(7 miles), or any of the stations in the vicinity. There are also buses that go directly to Stourhead from both, Warminster and Shaftesbury. Visitors who want to take a car should know that there is limited parking available on site. The main carpark postcode is BA12 6QD.
Opening times
Stourhead’s outdoor areas, home, shop, and restaurant are all open every day. The number of visitors to the home is restricted, and admittance is not guaranteed on the day of your visit. For the most up-to-date information, just go to their website.
Prices
Under gift aid, adult is £19.80, child is £9.90, family is £49.50, and family one adult is £29.70. On the other hand, the standard for adult is £18.00, child is £9.00, family is £45.00, and family one adult is £27.00.
What to See and Do at Stourhead Garden
Stourhead is a perfect place to visit for those who wish to be introduced to architectural styles. Styles which are included at Stourhead are Palladian, Neo-classical, Gothic, and Arts and Crafts. There are many landmarks worth seeing, such as the Temple of Diana, the Leaping Carp Stream, The Green Court with its water garden and roses, and also Abbots’ Garden. Visitors will find places that offer many different experiences throughout the grounds. The garden offers children’s play areas, woodland walks, heathlands, and a host of other wildlife set against a background of the River Stour.
The Temple of Diana is well worth seeing. The temple was built in 1741 by Henry Hoare who wanted to be inspired when writing his epic tale “The History of the Year”. He created this building that could reflect the style of Ancient Greece and Rome because it would inspire him for his writings. It’s located on top of a hill on the grounds of Stourhead, so it’s very easy to find. There is also a beautiful view of the garden from the top of the temple, which visitors absolutely must see when looking for things to do at Stourhead Garden.
For those who love art, there are several pieces that they can see at this garden. One of the most notable paintings is by J.M.W. Turner, and it’s called “The First Shower”. This painting can be seen inside of a church where visitors will see many other beautiful paintings made by various artists such as William Leighton Leitch and Henry Gastineau Sr., just to name a few.
Another landmark which the kids will absolutely love is the Leaping Carp Stream. It’s a water feature that was built by Capability Brown, and it’s one of his most popular works. The stream begins as a small headwater and then flows over waterfalls for about half a mile until it comes to an end in another part of Stourhead Garden.
There are plenty of activities which adults and children can enjoy together throughout the grounds. One activity that visitors should try is bird watching, as there are many types of birds that are found here including swallows, swifts, New World warblers, herons, lapwings, kestrels, and sparrowhawks to name a few. There are also plenty of other animals to see such as deer, rabbits, and foxes.
As one can see, Stourhead is a perfect place for a day out with the family to enjoy many activities and sights which will bring everyone together. Visiting Stourhead Garden is definitely a rewarding experience that one should have some time during their lifetime. It offers beauty from nature as well as art that visitors of all and various types of aquatic life.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Stourhead Garden
A. Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be on your feet for a while
B. Bring water and snacks
C. Bring a map of the grounds to help you plan your route
D. Check out the website beforehand to see what they have in store for visitors
E. Visit when it’s not too busy so that there are fewer people around and more space to explore at your leisure
F. Have fun! This is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, after all!
Other Places Nearby
Avebury
For those who would like to explore other historical and beautiful places, I recommend visiting Avebury. Avebury is a town with over 4000 people which is famous for its Neolithic stone circle and the West Kennet Long Barrow. I remember first experiencing Avebury as a child and it’s still as beautiful as I remember it.
Avebury Circle consists of around 100 stones that are large and small, some of which form rings inside the larger one. You can walk inside these circles and feel ancient energy emanating from the stones themselves. It’s difficult to describe but you’ll know you’re there when you feel it.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England. Stonehenge is composed of earthworks comprising large upright stones (sarsens, some of which are painted), set within circular earth banks (ditches). Stonehenge was constructed in three phases.
Dover Castle
Dover Castle is the largest castle in England. It was founded in 1180 and has been described as the “Key to England” due to its defensive significance throughout history.
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral is a Church of England cathedral located in Canterbury, Kent. It forms part of a World Heritage Site with most of the city of Canterbury, including St Augustine’s Abbey which is now part of Canterbury Cathedral.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is in Kent, England, 5 mi southeast of Maidstone. A castle has been on the site since 1119. In the 13th century, it came into the hands of King Edward I, for whom it became a favorite residence. During the 15th century, the castle was converted into a residential palace for Queen Margaret of Anjou.
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle near Robertsbridge in East Sussex, England. It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, with the permission of Richard II, ostensibly to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years’ War. Of quadrangular plan, Bodiam Castle has no keep, having its various chambers built around the outer defensive walls and inner courts. Its corners and entrance are marked by towers and it is surrounded by a moat linked to the River Rother.
Conclusion
A Visit to Stourhead Garden keep yourself nourished throughout your journey through these beautiful gardens; plan out where you want to go ahead of time with a map before arriving at Stour toVisiting Stourhead Garden is a rewarding experience that one should have some time during their lifetime. The grounds offer beauty from nature as well as art that visitors of all and various types of aquatic life can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, education, or just to get outside for the day this place has it all! Just remember to wear comfortable shoes so your feet don’t hurt by the end of the day; bring water and snacks with you on your journey; bring a map of the grounds to help you plan what you want to see during your visit; check out the website beforehand so that you know what activities are available for visitors that day; visit when it’s not too busy so that there are fewer people around and more space to explore at your leisure; have fun! This is your journey, not anyone else’s. The most important part of any day is to enjoy the company of others so bring a friend if you’d like! Remember that life will go on even if you don’t take lots of photos but it’s okay to sit back and enjoy the beauty around you. Have fun!