Stourhead
Visitor information
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Palladian mansion and world-famous landscape garden
When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as ‘a living work of art’. The world-famous landscape garden has at its centrepiece a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees, and offers a day of fresh air and discovery.
Uncover the fascinating history of Stourhead house with an Italian ‘Grand Tour’ adventure and enjoy the unique Regency library, Chippendale furniture and inspirational paintings. The Palladian mansion is set amid ‘picnic perfect’ lawns and extensive parkland.
Explore the 1,072 hectare (2,650 acre) Stourhead estate where chalk downs, ancient woods and farmland are managed for wildlife.
Treetop adventures
Climbing the tulip tree on the island at Stourhead
© BNPS
Join us for a treetop adventure every Saturday and Sunday throughout August. Our expert tree climbers will put you through the ropes as you scale to great heights.
Why not challenge dad to a race to the top? For more information please call on 01747 841152.
Family fun
There are lots of things to see and do at Stourhead
© National Trust Images / John Millar
Pack-a-picnic and you're all set for a great day at Stourhead. There's lots of things to see and do to keep the whole family entertained.
During the summer holidays join us for forest fun every Friday and experience the wilder side of Stourhead.
Stourhead sparkles come rain or shine
Children enjoying the rain in the gardens
© John Millar
Pull on your wellies, pack your umbrella and discover the beautiful gardens, or why not take a grand tour around the house and learn all about the Hoare family history.
Don't forget the house is open seven days a week.
There’s something for everyone here at Stourhead, whatever the weather.
Evening strolls
Extended opening hours
- April - September, 9am-7pm
Make the most of the lighter evenings and stroll around the beautiful, peaceful garden until 7pm.
Dogs are welcome too after 4pm.
Tweet Alan
Our head gardener, Alan is going on a sabbatical and visiting some of the best gardens in the country.
Follow Alan on Twitter and find out what he thinks of our rival gardens.
Find us on Facebook
Catch up on the gossip behind the scenes at Stourhead. Share your photos and memories and keep up to date with all the latest news. See you soon...
50 things to do before you're 11 ¾
See how many of the 50 things you can tick off on the estate
An outdoor adventure is waiting around every tree, in every temple and even hiding in our mystical grotto here at Stourhead. Our list of 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ can help start you on your journey.
Climb the tallest trees with our terrific tree climbing experts, build the ultimate den in our woodlands or make the most of our later opening times and go star gazing in the garden.
Just ask the team at reception for more help and pointers when you arrive.