Highlights
- The circuit walk around the lake
- The Pantheon, Temple of Apollo and Temple of Flora
- The grotto and the five arched Palladian Bridge
- King Alfred's Tower, a brick folly on the edge of the estate
About Stourhead
The Stourton family held this estate at the source of the River Stour for around 500 years before it was sold in 1714. Henry Hoare, son of a wealthy banker, bought it in 1717 and built a Palladian house designed by Colen Campbell. His son, Henry Hoare II, laid out the garden between 1741 and 1780.
The design was inspired by the landscape paintings of artists such as Claude Lorrain. A stream was dammed to form a lake, and a walk around its shores reveals a sequence of temples and views. Sir Henry Hugh Arthur Hoare gave the house and garden to the National Trust in 1946. The garden is Grade I listed.
What to see
- The lake: an artificial lake at the heart of the garden, with a walk around its shores.
- Temples: the Pantheon, the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Flora.
- The grotto and Palladian Bridge: a grotto beside the water and a five arched bridge across the lake.
- The Bristol High Cross: a medieval monument moved here from Bristol.
- King Alfred's Tower: a brick folly, open at weekends and bank holidays from April to October.
Planning your visit
Stourhead is signposted from the A303 and the B3092 from Frome. Parking uses the JustPark app and on-site machines, with 16 EV chargers. The wider estate is free to walk; the garden and house are ticketed, and off-peak admission is available at visitor reception. Paths are gravel and steep in places, but Trampers, mountain trike wheelchairs and a shuttle are available, and accessible toilets are near reception and in the Spread Eagle courtyard. There is a restaurant, shop, second hand bookshop, plant shop, play area and pub on site.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Stourhead?
A day ticket is £25.30 for adults and £12.70 for children aged 5 to 17 with Gift Aid, or £23 and £11.50 without. Under 5s and National Trust members go free. Parking costs £4.50 for non members.
Can I take my dog to Stourhead?
Yes, dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden all year round. Only assistance dogs are allowed at the Christmas at Stourhead event.
Is Stourhead accessible?
Paths are gravel, steep in places, with some stony descents. Mountain trike wheelchairs and Trampers can be pre-booked on 01747 842025, and a volunteer led buggy tour runs between March and November.