{"id":34340,"date":"2024-02-05T11:34:55","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T10:34:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/a88c96f1-4c14-48af-b5ce-7667ff06b324"},"modified":"2024-02-05T12:40:29","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T11:40:29","slug":"stourhead-wiltshire-what-to-see-and-do","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/stourhead-wiltshire-what-to-see-and-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Stourhead, Wiltshire: what to see and do"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stourhead’s 18th-century landscape gardens were described as ‘a living work of art’ when they were created in the 1740s. Here’s why. <\/p>

By Dixe Wills\n <\/p>

Published: Monday, 05 February 2024 at 10:34 AM<\/p>

\n\n

All you need to know about the grand country house estate Stourhead<\/a> in Wiltshire<\/a><\/p>

Where is Stourhead?<\/h2>

This National Trust estate is on the Wiltshire-Somerset border, at the source of the River Stour. <\/p>

The postcode for SatNav is BA12 6QD.<\/p>

When was Stourhead built?<\/h2>

Henry Hoare I acquired the park in 1717. His father Sir Richard founded Hoares bank, which is still run by the family today. <\/p>

Following the acquisition, Henry enlisted the renowned Scottish architect Colen Campbell to replace the existing structure on the site with a new Palladian-style villa, later named Stourhead House.<\/p>

However, it was his son, Henry II \u2013 known as The Magnificent \u2013 who used his wealth to transform the park into what was dubbed at the time \u201ca living work of art\u201d.<\/p>

What to see and do at Stourhead<\/h2>

While some grand estates have artificial lakes that improve the view, Stourhead\u2019s lake tells an epic story: with its temples, grottoes and Palladian bridge, a walk around it is intended to conjure up a vision of Greek hero Aeneas\u2019 journey down into the underworld.<\/p>

Spectacular scenery at Stourhead. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The estate is immense with four square miles of Wiltshire to explore. Take the path that goes beyond the parkland and across farmland, through rare ancient woodland, and all the way to King Alfred\u2019s Tower, a triangular folly that offers views of three counties.<\/p>

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Wildflower meadow and King Alfred’s Tower in summer at Stourhead. Credit: \u00a9National Trust Images\/Paul Harris<\/figcaption><\/figure>

How long does it take to walk around Stourhead?<\/h2>

At approximately 9 km, the circular trail takes just over two and a half hours if walking at a moderate pace.<\/p>

Useful Information<\/h4>