Visited on a dull but mostly dry winter's day which probably wasn't the best time to see it. Caught the very end of the autumn colour in early November. Decent walk all the way around the lake. Could spend the whole day there especially if you stop to look at all the labelled trees and shrubs. Some of the garden is not accessible in the winter, neither is the house, however the walled garden was open.
We have visited Stourhead several times over the last few years but this was the coldest day we have tried! However, the snowdrops were in bloom and the sunshine sparkled on the water which made the walk around the lake very enjoyable.
The most delightful, restful, peaceful, beautiful setting for a lovely walk. You are able to loose yourself and enjoy the wonderful surroundings, plants trees, follies, etc. you will not be disappointed.
As a member of the National Trust, I have visited Stourhead on many occasions as I find it a tranquil place to go with family and friends. The grounds are vast, so a picnic is our preference in drier weather,a flask for the colder days. We take a stroll through the grounds, stop off at the grotto then find a place to have a picnic stop before carrying along around the lake. Late summer brought us a beautiful show of blue dragonflies, dipping up and over, across the lake. My recent visit took us on a walk through the woods to King Alfred's tower. A lovely trail past the water wheel and pond, then through conifer woods, which moves on to take you past the ruins of an old mill and cottages. It was so quiet walking through the woods, definitely pack in your wellies, my children were glad we did! There is also a pub called the Spread Eagle Inn which has accommodation and serves delicious food.. A place we enjoy visiting many a time...
the gardens were pretty impressive, even though it was a freezing day and even started snowing at one point, pretty disappointed to find the pub and shops in the grounds were shut...which we weren't informed about at the paying entrance, leaving us and puppy with nowhere to warm up or get a coffee. for £18 for two people I would have expected facilities.Couldn't even go into the cafe because they didn't allow dogs and way too cold to leave the puppy sitting outside alone. ended up freezing and feeling a bit cheated having to pay full price without any facilities and to be stared at blankly by the woman at reception who we had previously overheard telling someone she doesn't like dogs being around (they are apparently 'very welcome at the grounds' ironically)
A lovely place to visit in Winter, with no leaves on the trees you can really enjoy the views and layout. and the Spread Eagle pub with its roaring fire is a perfect stop off point.
We were staying in the area having been to Longleat safari, saw the reviews so came for a look. (Parents and two children 4 & 6). Much of the main house was closed but we had access to the entrance hall to warm by the large fire and get a glimpse further inside. There was also a series of lower rooms with period clothes the children could dress in. The staff there were very welcoming and helpful. The grounds are stunning! We took perhaps an hour and a half maybe two hours to walk around. Taking in the views, seeing the various buildings dotted around. Despite it being January with few leaves on the tree the views were fantastic. We will probably be back in the future in the summer to have another look. See photos attached. Worth a visit if you like period properties, beautiful gardens or just a tranquil spot to relax and unwind.
We visited on a May bank holiday weekend. Despite this fact it didn't feel crowded. Gardens were stunning. Enjoyed visiting the locations used in the film! The house is quite moving as you follow 'Harry's story' The little church is beautiful and worth a visit. When we were there they had a special floral display to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War 1. Very moving. We didn't eat at the pub in the grounds as it was really busy but enjoyed an icecream in the courtyard!
We are frequent visitors to Stourhead as it is fairly local. We visit at least once a year, and have done for the last 15 years.The greatest thing is the long walks around the lake as the gardens are wonderful - best enjoyed in the summer months though. For the whole experience you need a complete day as there is so much to see and do here.
Great place to eat before and after walking around the grounds and lake, House etc. Plus don't miss the farm shop on site as they have outstanding local produce too.