The countryside around Stourhead

Spending time in nature on the estate at Stourhead in Wiltshire — Spend time in nature on the estate at Stourhead

There is 2,500 acres of countryside to explore on the Stourhead estate including an Iron Age hill fort, acres of ancient woodland and King Alfred's Tower, a 160ft high folly.

A map of the estate at Stourhead — Explore the wider Stourhead estate

King Alfred's Tower

This triangular tower, two miles north-west of the garden, was designed by Henry Flitcroft for Stourhead's second owner, Sir Henry Hoare II. The Tower is named after King Alfred who raised his standard here in 870. The tower commemorates the accession of George III in 1760 and the end of the Severn Years War.

Getting to the tower

King Alfred Tower car park is a 3 mile drive from Stourhead. To get there by car please turn right out of the main Stourhead car park and then right again towards Frome on the B3092. The tower is clearly signed from this road.

A wildflower meadow surrounding King Alfred's Tower at Stourhead, Wiltshire — Wildflower meadow surrounding King Alfred's Tower at Stourhead

Whitesheet Hill

Whitesheet Hill is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. It offers some fantastic views, with Stourhead House and King Alfred’s Tower to the west and the Blackmore Vale to the south-east. Whitesheet is also home to diverse wildlife, including orchids and butterflies.

Getting to the Whitesheet

Whitesheet Hill is a 2.5 mile drive from Stourhead. To get there by car please turn right out of the main Stourhead car park and follow the B3092 towards Frome for 1 mile. Turn right just before the Red Lion pub and follow the road to the car park.

Whitesheet Hill - why so special

This simple hill is very important, but what makes it so special?

Six Wells Bottom

The streams which feed the lake in the garden start here. From the dam, you can look east into this open valley which once formed part of an enclosed, medieval deer park. St Peter’s Pump was erected in the valley in 1768 over the first springs of the Stour. The pump formerly stood near St Peter’s Church in Bristol.

A view to Six Wells Valley at Stourhead, Wiltshire — A view to Six Wells Valley on the Stourhead estate

Turner paddock waterwheel

The current waterwheel dates from the 19th century. It provided water to Stourton parish until the 1950’s, pumping it up from Turner’s paddock lake. A watermill was recorded on the same site in the Doomsday book. Turner’s paddock is named after the landscape artist JMW Turner, who painted this spot in 1799.

The parkland

The parkland spans three sides of the Palladian villa. The area behind the house is called Great Oar Meadow. This hay meadow has had no fertilisers added for 14 years and is now a habitat for rare, native orchids and other flora. Within the meadow you can also see the Obelisk, first built in 1746.

Stourhead's wildlife

Stourhead is home to a huge variety of interesting birds, plants and animals. What might you spot?

Walking trails

There are 4 way-marked walks around the estate listed below - download one of the walks today to begin exploring this 2,500 acre estate, its wildlife and history.

Bluebells in the woods at Stourhead — Carpets of bluebells appear in the woodlands at Stourhead throughout May

Stourhead Wiltshire

Bonham Wood walk

Explore Bonham wood on this short, circular walk which takes you behind the Temple of Apollo through picturesque woodland.

Download the route

Stourhead Wiltshire

Stourhead Whitesheet Hill walk

Look out for tree sparrows and other interesting birds and take in the panoramic views over the Stourhead estate and surrounding countryside on a walk of considerable archaeological interest.

Spot wildlife on the downlands

Stourhead Wiltshire

Stourhead King Alfred’s Tower walk

This is a circular walk of historic interest which takes you up through beautiful woodlands to King Alfred’s Tower and returning through Park Hill Camp Iron Age Hill Fort and Turner’s Paddock.

Discover Stourhead's history