Stourhead

A Brief History of Stourhead

The House
Stourhead House is one of the first buildings in the country to use a Palladian style of design; it inspired further builds. The statues above the pedimented entrance add to the exterior's beauty. The house is not always open; it is a handsome place worth exploring. However, the garden tends to be the big draw. 

The Gardens
Considered one of England's most incredible gardens, Stourhead is one of Europe's most remarkable landscaped estates. It all began in the 1740s by Henry Hoare, who inherited the estate and transformed it into a breathtaking work of art.

Ask your driver-guide to take you to the Temple of Apollo. The Temple of Apollo, which overlooks the 18th-century garden, is a view used in The movie Pride and Prejudice. The whole visit is an experience; Tunnels lead to an artificial cave with a pool and a life-size statue of the River Stour guardian. The walk around the garden is full of carefully contrived viewpoints with meaning, all designed to provoke thought.

The Pantheon
The largest and most impressive temple on the grounds, the Pantheon, was modelled on the original in Rome. Imagine a candlelit dinner inside on a chilly evening; larger-than-life statues of the gods surround you: Diana, the huntress; Isis, the magical goddess. Flora of flowering plants and spring, and Hercules of strength. The Pantheon temple at Stourhead was conceived for that eccentric dinner party for special guests.

The grand tour and art 
Paintings acquired in Europe depicted idyllic countryside landscapes that did not exist. These paintings included temples, water features, bridges and attractive buildings.

The picture that influenced Stourhead, 'Landscape with Aeneas at Delos,' is a painting by 17th-century artist Claude Lorrain in London's National Gallery. The art of Nicolas Poussin may have influenced the planting positions of trees and temples at Stourhead. These 'Picturesque' paintings of landscapes were fantasies. Curiously, we have hundreds of picturesque "created" landscapes in England inspired by made-up paintings of Italy or France. These romantic images of the continent thrive here in England, living works of art on a grand scale.

Touring and accommodation 
Other places of interest nearby include iconic Stonehenge, and lesser-known Avebury Stone Circle. A great day for children would consist of a visit to Longleat House and Safari Park. Spiritual Glastonbury and the City of Wells is also near Stourhead and is an easy day trip from Bath. 

Amble, relax and enjoy England’s most significant contribution to European culture. We love Stourhead, and we have various suggested itineraries that feature estate. See our Private Town and Country Tour. We also provide day tours from London to Stourhead, such as our suggested Stourhead, Old Wardour Castle and Wiltshire villages tour. . Our Tour Designers will always customise a trip based on your interests and accommodation preferences. 

Stourhead has vacation cottages on the grounds. The accommodation is simple, but they are genuine historic homes in the gardens. Imagine waking up and taking your coffee on the lawns of Stourhead before the public has access - just wonderful. Staying in Bath is an excellent option. We would suggest the Royal Crescent Hotel, an iconic hotel in the centre of the famous Royal Crescent Street. The Bath Priory, on the outskirts of Bath, has the feel of a country house hotel.