Description
At Stourhead (26mi/42km west of Salisbury) one can admire one of the finest English landscaped gardens of the 18th C, which, except for the rhododendrons and magnolias planted in the 19th C, has remained unchanged since the time of its inception. The unique design of the garden includes an artificial lake with caves and landing stages. Surrounding the lake there are hills planted with trees, on which are to be found small classical temples and even the 14th C Gothic market cross which once stood in Bristol. A walk through the garden makes the visitor aware of an extremely effective and harmonious connection between "man made" scenery and open countryside. The park and the stately Palladian mansion were designed in 1721-22 by Colin Campbell for the London banking family of Hoare. Thomas Chippendale provided elegant period furniture for the library, while the painting gallery is adorned with works by Canaletto, Raphael, Nicolas Poussin and Angelika Kaufmann. King Alfred's Tower, which was erected to commemorate the Saxon king, towers over the surrounding parkland and affords a fine panoramic view.
Hobbies & Activities category: Garden or botanic display;  Decorative arts display;  Furniture display;  Paintings, art collections;  Library;  Manor or country house
Address
Stourhead
Stourton
Warminster BA12 6QD
United Kingdom
Hours
March 28 to October 31
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open11:0011:00ClosedClosed11:0011:0011:00
Closed17:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
Always open, even if weekly hours indicate otherwise
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (Last Monday, May)
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (Last Monday, August)
Cost
Adult8.90
Group discounts8.50
Child4.30
Family21.20
Grounds / gardens only around attraction5.10
All values are in local currency.
Tips
Last admission 5 pm.
Garden open year-round 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. or dusk.
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Transit
Bus: Southern National 59 Gillingham-Yeovil or Wilts & Dorset 26, Blue Travel 125 on select days.
Typical Visit
3 hours
Attractions Near Stourhead, Stourton, Salisbury