Stourhead

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.

Enjoy a walk to the great folly King Alfred's Tower or to Grade I listed St Peter's Pump while you are visiting Stourhead too!

Harry's Story

A visit to Stourhead and a walk around its superb gardens would not be complete without learning about Harry Hoare. The son of Stourhead's owner Sir Henry Hoare, Harry grew up at Stourhead with the garden as his playground. His mother, Alda's, diary records those happy days and then, after Harry was called up to serve his country in the Great War, the sadness surrounding his heroic death in the Middle East, a much forgotten part of World War I.

Around Stourhead's magnificent gardens are boards revealing more about Harry's story, which continues inside his family home, Stourhead mansion. The perfect way to combine an outdoor experience with the centenary of the Great War celebrations in your class's work.