Stourhead

Auch an Stourhead kann kein Tourist vorbei, der sich für Architektur und Gäten interessiert. … Stouhead is one of the most popular National Trust estates, with 350 000 peaple visiting the garden, house and countryside every year… Der Eingang liegt gleich hinter dem Parkplatz. Von der Rezeption geht man einen kleinen Hügel hinab und kommt zunächst in die Küchengärten und zum Pelargonien-​Haus.
Richtung Stourhead House … (Siehe Foto unten) geht es wieder leicht bergauf, (Siehe Foto unten) aber in Erwartung des riesigen Gartens, haben wir das Haus nur von Außen betrachtet. An einer großen Wiese vorbei (nein über die moosweiche Wiese) läuft man in Richtung Floratempel. (Siehe Foto unten) Von hier schaut man über den See und auf die palladianische Brücke. (Siehe Foto unten) Den See umrundend schreitet man schließlich durch die Grotte und begrüßt zunächst eine schlafende Skulptur (Siehe Foto unten), dann den Neptun (Siehe Foto unten), erreicht das Gotische Haus (Siehe Foto unten) und später das Pantheon.
Den Apollotempel muss man sich wieder «ersteigen», aber am Ende des Rundganges wird man mit Restaurant und Shop wieder auf den Boden geholt… In the 1740s Henry the Magnificent began designing Stuorheads acclaimed landscape garden, creating a living work of art which change the way gardens were designed forever.
Two hundread years later the National Trust was given this wunderful garden, Palladian mansion, 2650 acres of chalk downland, ancient woodland and prehistoric hill-​forts to preserve for the nation.

This National Trust property and garden is a very good day out for the family.
I would recommend wearing a pair of walking boots and talking a walk around this place’s huge and varied gardens, I particularly liked the summer house style places at the far end of the lake.
Old country houses aren’t my sort of thing but I was assured by the person I went with that it was a good example.
Allow plenty of time and make sure you visit the pub on the estate and the organic food shop on the way out.
All in all a good day out

Stourhead is a great National Trust property and one in which you could happily spend the day. It’s one of the few trust properties with a pub. say no more!
The house is not the reason you visit Stourhead (althought the collection of Chippendale (furniture, not men) might appeal), it is the gardens that will entice you. Set out in the mid 18^th Century the gardens are an absolute delight set around a magnificent lake. As you explore expect to find follies and hidden wonders. The planting is varied and some unusual specimens can be found amongst more usual planting.
If you fancy a long walk (or a drive) then King Alfred’s tower is worth a visit. Climb to the top of this triangular tower to get a view of three counties!

Delightful
The only national trust property I have found with a pub at the end of it, so a reward for a long walk.
If I was a millionaire in the 18^th century I would have copied this garden exactly

Beautiful Gardens set around a central lake. Worth visiting any time of the year with interesting monuments scattered around. I thought he National Trust tea rooms were a touch expensive so on later trips have gone to the pub on the grounds for a bite to eat. Lovely place, just a shame it belongs to the National Trust.

Huge with very impressive gardens. Will wear a child out nicely, and they will have a great time exploring. Every so often you come accross a temple or building to explore.
Bring drinks and food, expect usual national trust prices.

Delightful National Trust property with house and gardens open to the public. We visited in autumn and the colours of the mature wooded gardens around the lake were absolutely stunning. A full circuit around the gardens is a bit hilly, so beware if you are pushing a buggy or wheelchair. There are some great follies with exciting grottos and water features for your toddlers to enjoy.
The tearoom is up to National Trust standards — friendly and good quality, although not exactly cheap.