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Stourhead and its collection

Stourhead
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Stourhead House is a sprawling 1.06 hectare estate located near the source of the Stour River, in Wiltshire County, England. The estate is home to a Palladian-style mansion, the quaint village of Stourton, beautifully manicured gardens, expansive farmland, and a lush forest. This diverse range of attractions offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

The Gardens of Stourhead

The gardens at Stourhead were meticulously designed by Henry Hoare II and constructed between 1741 and 1780. The design, a classic 18th century style, features a large artificial lake that represents a stream. The inspiration for this landscape creation came from the works of painters Claudio de Lorena, Nicolas Poussin, and particularly Gaspard Dughet, who was known for his utopian views of Italian landscapes. This artistic influence is evident in the picturesque beauty of the gardens.

Architectural Highlights in the Gardens

The gardens at Stourhead also feature three Greek-style decorative temples dedicated to Ceres, Apollo, and Hercules. These temples were designed to showcase the education and wealth of the Hoare family. Additionally, an obelisk and King Alfred's Tower, a decorative 50-meter high tower designed by Henry Flitcroft in 1772, stand on a hill overlooking the gardens. On another hill, the temple of Apollo offers a viewpoint from which visitors can admire the rhododendrons, water, waterfalls, and temples.

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ESStourhead House
ENStourhead - National Trust

Nature & Natural History Nature & Natural History Art & Design Art & Design Garden & Park Historic house Religion Religious building

#30 Art & Design in England #18 Nature & Natural History in England #17 Gardens & parks in England #38 Historic houses in England #13 Religion museums in England #9 Religious buildings in England #42 Art & Design in United Kingdom #22 Nature & Natural History in United Kingdom #20 Gardens & parks in United Kingdom #50 Historic houses in United Kingdom #17 Religion museums in United Kingdom #10 Religious buildings in United Kingdom #135 Nature & Natural History in Europe #72 Gardens & parks in Europe #138 Religion museums in Europe #92 Religious buildings in Europe

#30 Art & Design in England #18 Nature & Natural History in England #17 Gardens & parks in England #38 Historic houses in England #13 Religion museums in England #9 Religious buildings in England #42 Art & Design in United Kingdom #22 Nature & Natural History in United Kingdom #20 Gardens & parks in United Kingdom #50 Historic houses in United Kingdom #17 Religion museums in United Kingdom #10 Religious buildings in United Kingdom #135 Nature & Natural History in Europe #72 Gardens & parks in Europe #138 Religion museums in Europe #92 Religious buildings in Europe

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Stourhead
The Estate Office Stourton
BA12 6QD Warminster

Images of Stourhead

Visitor information Stourhead

Opening hours

Monday
9:00 – 16:30
Tuesday
9:00 – 16:30
Wednesday
9:00 – 16:30
Thursday
9:00 – 16:30
Friday
9:00 – 16:30
Saturday
9:00 – 16:30
Sunday
9:00 – 16:30

Opening hours vary. Please check the website for more details.

More opening hours

Admission

0 – 4Free
5 – 17£12.10
18+£24.20
Family (1 Adult and 2 children)£36.30
Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children)£60.50
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Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Coffee
Restaurant

Location & Map

The Estate Office Stourton, Warminster

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Stourhead have been found.

Stourhead Reviews

Stourhead has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    Stourhead, located near Warminster in England, is a stunning example of 18th-century landscape design and architecture. This National Trust property offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and man-made elegance. The centerpiece of Stourhead is its world-famous landscape garden, which features a large artificial lake surrounded by classical temples, grottoes, and rare trees.

    Visitors consistently praise the picturesque views and tranquil atmosphere of the gardens. The changing seasons offer different experiences, with spring rhododendrons, summer greenery, and spectacular autumn colors being particular highlights. Many reviewers recommend allowing several hours to fully explore the extensive grounds.

    The Palladian mansion at Stourhead houses an impressive collection of artwork, furniture, and family heirlooms. While some visitors find the house tour informative and engaging, others mention that it can feel a bit rushed during busy periods.

    The on-site facilities, including the restaurant and gift shop, receive generally positive feedback. However, some visitors note that prices can be a bit high, especially for non-National Trust members.

    Accessibility is a point of consideration, as the varied terrain of the gardens can be challenging for those with mobility issues. However, the estate does offer mobility scooters for hire, which many appreciate.

    Overall, Stourhead is highly regarded for its breathtaking landscapes and historical significance. While it may not be a traditional museum in the strictest sense, it offers a rich, immersive experience in English heritage and landscape design.

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