Stourhead |
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You do not have to travel as far as you might expect to see the Temple of Apollo and the Pantheon – Stourhead has miniature versions of both in its extensive National Trust maintained grounds. They are set around a mature lake in landscaped gardens designed by Henry Hoare II between 1741 and 1780.
The secluded valley gardens boast a red brick folly, known as King Alfred's Tower, which can be climbed. At the top of the 205 steps are rewarding views of the Wiltshire countryside. Older by far than any of these fascinating monuments are the two Iron Age hill forts at Whitesheet Hill and Park Hill Camp.
These relics alone make Stourhead equally interesting to both children
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Stourhead House was built in 1721 in Palladian style to a design by Colen Campbell. The highlights of the house tour are the fine art collection and the furniture commissioned from an up-and-coming cabinet-maker, Thomas Chippendale! There is also a Regency library with a superb collection of books and a house full of fascinating family heirlooms.
Spring is a particularly colourful time to visit Stourhead when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. It is one of Henry Hoare's best examples of English landscape style although the "rhodos" were a later addition.
The woodland walks through some of the 1,072 hectare (2,650-acre) estate are superb and visitors can see many mature and exotic species of trees including the
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Gardeners will enjoy the Pelargonium House which has re-established the collection of 60 varieties of these beautiful tender flowers. In the 19th century, the owner Richard Colt Hoare had a similar collection of pelargoniums.
Throughout the year Stourhead puts on a variety of special events with open-air drama and musical performances, garden and estate tours, trails and family activities.
Beyond the house and gardens, Stourhead has an excellent pub-restaurant at the gate, a gift shop and a farm shop selling fresh locally sourced produce. The restaurant uses meat from the award-winning tenant farmer on the estate and their organic produce comes straight from the walled garden. Unusual dishes such as Lamb and Apricot Pie help maintain the restaurant's excellent reputation for good food.
As you might expect, Stourhead is frequently used as the setting for historic dramas and films. You may recognise it from the 2005 film "Pride and Prejudice", among other productions.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
GardenOpen Daily all year: 9.00am - 6.00pm House 19th February - 6 March*: 11.00am - 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday. 12th March - 19th July: 11.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Tuesday and Friday - Sunday. 22nd July - 6th September: 11.00am - 5.00pm Daily. 9th September - 11th October: 11.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Tuesday and Friday - Sunday. 14th October - 6th November: 11.00am - 5.00pm Daily. 2nd - 18th December** : 11.00am - 3.00pm Friday - Sunday. ,b>King Alfred's Tower: 12th March - 30th October: 11.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Tuesday and Frday - Sunday. Restaurant and shop: 2nd January - 31st December: 10.00am - 5.00pm Daily. Farm shop Open all year 10.00am - 5.00pm Daily. Please Note: Garden and tower close dusk if earlier. Garden, house, tower, shop and restaurant closed 25 December. *Special opening of some areas of the house with chance to see and take part in conservation. **House will be decorated for Christmas. Restaurant, shop and farm shop hours vary according to season. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets)House and garden: Adult £13.40 (£12.10); Child £6.70 (£6.00); Family £31.90 (£29.00). House or garden: Adult £8.10 (£7.30); Child £4.40 (£4.00); Family £19.20 (£17.40). King Alfred's Tower:,/b> Adult £3.20 (£2.90); Child £1.70 (£1.50); Family £7.20 (£6.50).,br> |
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Directions
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Bus services First 58 Shaftesbury–Wincanton (passing Gillingham railway station), alight Zeals, 1.5 miles Cycling Wiltshire Cycle Way runs through estate View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website. By road At Stourton, off B3092, 3 miles north west of Mere (A303), 8 miles south of Frome (A361). King Alfred's Tower: 3½ miles by road from main car park By train: Gillingham 6.5 miles; Bruton 7 miles Ordnance survey reference 183:ST780340 |
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Stourhead Postcode for SatNav: BA12 6QD |
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