Visit The Famous Stourhead Gardens & House in Wiltshire

The beautiful (and somewhat world famous) Stourhead gardens in Wiltshire, are home to some of the most spectacularly landscaped English gardens around. Designed by Henry Hoare II aka ‘Henry the Magnificent’, who transformed his large estate into a living work of art. Influenced from his European travels, he created a huge lake as the centrepiece of his Stourhead gardens, then surrounded it with trees and eye-catching roman inspired temples.

For me though, the star of the show has to be the quirky grotto that was built in 1748 from tufa limestone. This unusual rock has an aerated appearance, which looks similar to the lava-rock we found inside Kerid Crater in Iceland!

There’s also a mansion to explore, a small play area, and of course a ridiculous amount of mature trees and flourishing rhododendron shrubs. Plus there’s plenty of impressive garden temples and stone sculptures to admire as you make your way around the peaceful lake. Providing plenty of activities to keep all ages busy, engaged and happily entertained for the day.

The National Trust own both Stourhead house and the gardens, which covers a huge 2,650-acre estate in Southwest England. It’s a gorgeous place to spread out a blanket, bring a picnic and spend some time relaxing amongst manicured nature with family and friends.

So, with that said; here’s why you should visit Stourhead house & gardens.

In this article...

The Stourhead circular lakeside walk

The main walking route at Stourhead is a gentle circular stroll, which takes you around the perimeter of the lake. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some ducks or a pair of elegant swans gliding along the water.

Although there are a few paths darting off from the main track, they generally all reconnect back up again. Offering a higher or lower walking route, whilst providing different view points across the extensive English gardens.

I always tend to go anti-clockwise but theres no rules or one-way system in place, so you can choose to go in either direction. When you purchase your ticket from the visitor reception area, they will provide you with a paper map which is really simple to follow.

Along the way you’ll pass by a few different garden buildings and temples, including Gothic Cottage, the Temple of Apollo, The Temple of Flora, and Pantheon (i’ll explain more on each of them later) There’s also the atmospheric grotto which sends you into darkness as you enter the cavern through a short tunnelled corridor.

Later, a small hump bridge crosses you over the far tip of the lake, and you’ll begin looping your way back to the starting point. You can chose to continue following the flat trail, or there is an optional route which steeply zig-zags its way up to the top of the hill. Going this way takes you up to the Temple of Apollo and offers (what I think) are the best views across the lake and gardens.

The loop ends by the Bristol Cross. Where you can then head back across to the courtyard for a bite to eat from the cafe, or sit down for a hearty meal at the pub before tackling the climb back up to the top carpark. Don’t forget to stop and have a mooch around the National Trust gift shop too!

The Temple of Flora

This was the first temple that Henry Hoare II created in his Stourhead garden. The Temple of Flora was closed when we visited, but the building is dedicated to the Roman goddess of flowers and spring. Above the door you’ll see a Latin inscription which says ‘Keep away, anyone profane, keep away’.

Head inside the Grotto

The journey inside the mystical grotto begins with a short walk inside a dark tunnel. Once inside the heart of cavern, light reappears with a window opening, offering incredible views back across the lake. You’ll also see two marble statutes in here, both of them sitting in small baths of water that are fed from a natural stream. One is the River God who has the River Stour trickling out from his urn. The other is a sleeping Nymph, who’s softly illuminated from the small skylight inside the grotto.

An inscription in the Italian marble around her reads ‘Nymph of the grot these sacred springs I keep; And to the murmur of these water sleep; Ah spare my slumbers, gently tread the cave; And drink in silence or in silence lave.’

With endless visitors over the years, this inscription has started to wear away. To prevent anymore damage and wear on the marble, they have now erected a small wooden barrier.

Visit the Gothic Cottage

Nestled beside the lake and surrounded by tall trees, this quaint thatched cottage looks so idyllic. Originally built during the 18th century as a watch cottage, it eventually became living accommodation for a couple of servants who worked here. Then During the 1900’s, the watch cottage underwent a mini-makeover. Gaining the gothic style windows and front porch.

After WW2, the Gothic cottage became a place where the hard working gardeners could warm up in-front of the roaring fire. In 2004, the cottage underwent some serious repair work. Sorting the rotten roof timbers, and subsidence cracks so that it didn’t fall to ruin.

If the cottage is open on your visit, head inside and admire the delicate gothic style windows.

Admire the gods inside the Pantheon

Built between 1753-1754, this garden temple was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. This is a well photographed building, thats usually seen in most snaps of Stourhead. Inside this grand building you’ll find several gods, all stood on top of a pedestal inside their own individual archways. Our favourite was the large marble Hercules, but theres also statues of Flora, Diana, St Susanna, Livia Augusta as Ceres, Meleager sand Isis.

Hike up to the Temple of Apollo

To get up to the Temple of Apollo, you need to walk through a tufa limestone archway which will be on your right (if you’ve done the walk anti-clockwise) and trudge up the narrow twisting steps. Eventually the track turns to gravel and begins to climb up the side of the hill.

This spot is a popular wedding venue, and you might get to see wedding planners setting up for the big day! Which does mean the temple isn’t always available to go inside. The room is small and rather empty, but the high domed ceiling with gold motif is quite impressive to see! A steep, and sometimes slippery cobbled path leads the way back down, and with no handrail in place you’ll want to walk gingerly.

By coming this way, you’ll walk through another tufa stone tunnel which runs under the main road above. No matter which way you head to reach The Temple of Apollo, it will involve a steep incline and decline. Which isn’t ideal for strollers or people struggling with mobility issues.

Fun things for kids to do at Stourhead

Stourhead is suitable for all age groups, but they have thought of a few ways to help entertain young children. There’s been a fairly new addition of a small wooden play park, which is near to the lower courtyard as you make your way down from the carpark. They also host different events during the school holidays, which are lots of fun for little ones to join in with. During Half-Term (when we visisted) a crafting event was being held up at the stable yard.

There’s also endless trees to climb, which everyones kids were having lots of fun doing!

Christmas lights at Stourhead

We’ve never been to the Stourhead Christmas lights, so I can’t comment whether it’s any good or not. Especially as i’ve read reviews which drastically hit both ends of the scale!

But during the festive period, Stourhead gardens become illuminated with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and colourful light displays. Magically transforming the lake side walk into a glowing winter wonderland. Perhaps not quite as spectacular as the ginormous lanterns over at Longleat’s Festival of Lights, but it still looks good for a bit of festive fun! Well the marketing photo’s do anyway.

This years advert says they are created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers. I don’t know if this is different from last year?

If we get there this year, I’ll have to update you with a review!

Tickets for this are additional charges on top of your regular ticket entry or National Trust membership, so it’s pretty expensive.

Ticket	Peak	Off Peak
Adult	£24	£22.50
Child (3-16)	£18	£16
Family (2 Adults, 2 Kids)	£80	£74

Parking for the event is £8. National Trust members can only park for free if they pre-register a parking ticket, otherwise they will also be charged £8 on the day.

What are the food options at Stourhead Gardens?

You certainly wont need to go hungry as there is a cafe, restaurant and pub on the Stourhead estate. So if you’ve built up an appetite after all your exploring, then you’re in good hands with plenty of tasty options.

Upper Courtyard Cafe

Up at the top courtyard there is a large National Trust restaurant/cafe selling savoury items like sandwiches, pasties, soups and jacket potatoes. But if you’re after more of a sweet treat, they sell slices of cakes or freshly baked scones along with plenty of hot and cold drink options. The cafe was welcoming, but I will say the prices in here are a little steep in my option! We’re talking over £5 for a basic pre-packaged sandwich…

Lower Courtyard Cafe

Down at the lower courtyard there is a small cafe, with heaps of outside seating, tables and parasols for a spot of shade. Because this is always a popular spot when the suns out! Again, this cafe sells similar items at similar prices. We bought ourselves a little pot of ice-cream, and they were £3.50 each.

The Spread Eagle Pub

Also in the lower courtyard is The Spread Eagle Inn. A lovely 18th century pub serving hearty meals, although they are now stopping roast dinners on Sundays! Main meals start from £16, and children’s meals from £8.50.

Shopping at Stourhead Gardens

You’ll want to take a wander around the National Trust gift shop at Stourhead. Their visual merchandisers are on top form, and have everything beautifully displayed. From local honeys, and unique jams, to artisan candles, books and body butters. They have endless cute gift ideas in here, that you’ll have a lovely time perusing the store.

Next door they have a lovely plant centre. Selling some beautiful garden items along with all the different plants and flowers that they have on offer.

Whilst down in the lower courtyard area, they have a great second hand book shop. Along with a first-view art gallery, selling some unique pieces of art, pottery and sculptures.

Car parking

There is a large carpark with plenty of pay and display car-parking bays. You shouldn’t need to worry about finding an empty space no matter what time you arrive as theres a massive overflow carpark too. National Trust members will be able to park for free by scanning their membership card at the ticket machines. Whilst non-members can pay for parking via cash, contactless or phone.

The current Stourhead car parking charge is £4.50.

Can you walk around Stourhead for free?

No you can’t. Although, Stourhead is run by The National Trust, so all National Trust members will have free admission. However, it’s worth mentioning that additional charges will apply for their special events; like the Christmas Lights.

Regular day tickets currently cost:

Ticket type	Gift aid	Standard
Adult	£22.00	£20.00
Child	£11.00	£10.00
Family	£55.00	£50.00
1 adult, 2 children	£33.00	£30.00

How long is the walk around Stourhead gardens?

The walk at Stourhead isn’t overly long, and as it’s mostly flat its pretty easy going! The accessible route which hugs the perimeter of the lake is roughly 1.7 miles. However, you can make this longer by heading up to the walled garden, the stable yard and along to Stourhead house. By doing that, you will head along the original garden path that the Hoare family and their guests would have walked. That route will tally up to around 2.2 miles and takes around 1.5 hours.

You could even take an additional stroll through the dedicated ‘quiet path’ which takes you onto the wider estate where you can see the Obelisk and St Peter’s Pump.

Just a heads up, its a fairly steep hill to trudge up upon your return to the carpark. Which could be a challenge for anyone with mobility issues.

It takes us around 1 hour to complete the accessible walk around the lake. But you’ll want to factor in additional time to stop, admire and read!

Can you bring dogs to Stourhead?

Dogs are welcome at Stourhead, but owners must follow the rule of keeping their four legged friends on a short lead at all times. They are also welcome to enter the National Trust gift shop, visitor reception, restaurant and both courtyard areas. Although, the various gardens buildings and Stourhead house are out-of-bounds. Only guide dogs are allowed in there.

As Stourhead is dog friendly, you’ll find dog bins dotted around the carparks, along with a few dog drinking bowls in the courtyards. They even sell dog toys in the National Trust gift shop!

Visit Stourhead house

Built and modified throughout generations of the Hoare family, Stourhead house is an 18th century Palladian-style villa. There’s a grand gatehouse entrance, and a sweeping tree-lined road leads the way to the mansions steps. Surrounded by big green open fields, it could easily be (if it hasn’t already) the backdrop from a slushy Netflix film or period TV drama.

In 1902 a devastating fire took hold and destroyed the property along with many pieces of original artwork that the Hoare family had collected. Thankfully, some of their heirlooms were saved from the flames. One of them being ‘The Pope’s Cabinet’ which once belonging to Pope Sixtus V. This extravagant cabinet has 150 drawers, some of which are secret and have never actually been opened! It’s on display inside the house, so you can actually go and see it.

There are a few ground floor rooms you can enjoy inside Stourhead house. Like the beautiful library which has over 6,100 books inside. It’s also one of the finest surviving Regency libraries in Britain.

The house opening hours aren’t the same as the Stourhead gardens, so make sure you check this on the day you’re due to visit.

Whens the best time to visit?

Stourhead is popular all year through, and with each season offering something different it makes a great excuse to come back and re-visit. Spring is a pretty time to see the magnolias and all the blossom, whilst summer is popular to enjoy the warm weather and flowers in bloom. Autumn brings all the bright fiery leaves and change of colours, and crisp winter mornings can provide magical low laying mists across the lake.

So really, it just depends what you want to see.

Trees at Stourhead National Trust in Wiltshire

Stourhead Address and postcode

Stourhead is located in Wiltshire, near a little village called Mere in Southwest England.

To get to the carpark, use the postcode BA12 6QD and follow the brown signs off the A303 or the B3092 from Frome.

Conclusion

Stourhead is one of the more expensive National Trust sites in this area, but if you have a membership then it’s certainly worth visiting. The gardens are immaculate with so much to see and enjoy. It really is a gorgeous place to come for a walk and wander through pristine gardens whilst admiring fabulous temples and landscaping.

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