Stourhead NT Garden in Wiltshire

On our way back from Studland recently we stopped off at a National Trust garden in Wiltshire for lunch.  What a discovery!

We stumbled upon 'one of the finest landscape gardens in the world' and I confess I had never heard of it.  Stourhead was designed by Henry Hoare II as a place to entertain between 1741 and 1780.

As you can see it was a beautiful sunny day and the woodland walk was stunning.

 

Every so often a breathtaking vista would open up through the trees with a folly or classical temple framed with lush green.

There is a magnificent lake which was created by damming the River Stour.

 

I always like to see the old walled kitchen gardens which so often form part of such great estates and see how the National Trust staff bring them back to life by growing vegetables, fruit and herbs. 

My only regret was our visit was all too brief; I could easily have spent the entire day there.

The azaleas and rhododendrons were in full bloom during our visit on 31 May, it would be lovely to go back and see how the gardens change through the seasons.

If you are familiar with the garden when is your favourite time of year to visit?

Stourhead landscape garden, Palladian mansion, parkland, woods and chalk downs are located at Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6QD

The garden is open all year from 9am until 6pm (or dusk if earlier). 

Comments

[Christina]

Hi Sarah, Wonderful photographs as usual but this time bringing back wonderful memories of visits long ago to Stourhead! I have looked out for your cards - any hints as to where they can be found? Still love reading your blog and so pleased that your website has recovered.

[ArtShades]

Thanks Christina. Not yet sure where my cards are locally, but I heard today that they will soon be distributed throughout Australia!