Stourhead Gardens are one of those places that feel straight out of a painting, especially in autumn. With the trees showing off in every shade of red, orange, and gold, it’s the perfect spot for a quiet walk or a slow afternoon surrounded by nature’s best colors.
The gardens were designed back in the 1700s by Henry Hoare II, who turned the landscape around the source of the River Stour into a stunning 18th-century vision. Classical temples, a shimmering lake, and winding paths framed by beautifully curated trees and shrubs make this place truly special. In fact, when it first opened, people called it a “living work of art.” And honestly? It still lives up to that name—especially when autumn arrives.
Autumn in Stourhead
The best way to experience Stourhead is to come back a few times and watch the seasons slowly shift. All through autumn, the gardens draw thousands of visitors eager to soak in the stunning colours. As a big fan of fall’s vibrant palette, I visited Stourhead Gardens right in the heart of the season. And I got the full four-season treatment in one day! Rain, bright sunshine, wind, cold, warmth… as you’ll see in the photos throughout this article.
The garden
Henry Hoare II (1705–1785), better known as “Henry the Magnificent,” was a banker and garden designer with a grand vision. Alongside his architect Henry Flitcroft, he brought to life the lake and the stunning Stourhead Gardens we see today—planting beeches, oaks, sycamores, Spanish chestnuts, ashes, and evergreen oaks to shape the landscape.
At the heart of the garden is, of course, the lake. Winding paths reveal classical temples through the trees and offer little surprises at every turn—a different perspective around each corner, and a new scene with every step.
Pantheon at Stourhead
One of the highlights of Stourhead is the Pantheon, tucked along the edge of the lake. Inspired by classical Roman architecture, it was built as a dramatic focal point in the landscape, and it definitely delivers. Built between 1753 and 1754, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the gardens.
The cave
Caves were popular features in Italian Renaissance gardens, serving as cool retreats from the summer heat.
The Dam and the Cascade
Although it looks natural, the garden lake at Stourhead was actually man-made, with an earth dam built around 1754. The cascade was added later in 1766 as a decorative feature, bringing both movement and charm to the landscape.
The Palladian Bridge
This 5 arched stone bridge was built in 1762. It was cleverly designed to create the illusion of a river flowing through the village and beneath the bridge, blending seamlessly into the landscape and adding to the garden’s sense of timeless beauty.
The Bristol Cross
Originally located in Bristol, this restored medieval monument was brought to Stourhead by Henry Hoare II in 1765. It features intricate stonework and depicts medieval English kings and queens, adding a touch of history and craftsmanship to the garden’s classical landscape.
The Temple of Apollo
Perched on a hilltop, the Temple of Apollo offers one of the most breathtaking views over the lake. Built in 1765 and dedicated to Apollo, the sun god, it catches the light beautifully, especially at sunset, making it a perfect spot to see of Stourhead Gardens.
Changing Leaf Colours
Leaves appear green thanks to the presence of chlorophyll. As summer ends and the days grow shorter and cooler, the chlorophyll breaks down, revealing the vibrant autumn colours that were hiding underneath all along.
When to visit Stourhead?
Autumn never quite follows the same schedule each year. At Stourhead, the first signs of the season can appear as early as late August! The yellow buckeye, originally from the eastern United States and found near the Pantheon, is usually the first tree to show off its new colours. A little later, the tulip trees turn a soft yellow, while the oaks and beeches close the show with their vibrant oranges toward the end of October.
Access
A day trip to Stourhead is possible from London, but it’s much more convenient, and highly recommended, from Bath.
By car
It takes about 2 to 3 hours to drive from central London to Stourhead (around 177 km), while from Bath, it’s a much easier journey, just 40 minutes by car (about 38 km).
By train
You can reach Stourhead from central London by train in about 3 to 3 hours 20 minutes. Trains depart from either Paddington or Waterloo stations, with a change usually required in Westbury or Gillingham. From there, you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the gardens, as there’s no direct public transport to the estate.
Price
Adult: £17.50
Children: £8.70
Opening Hours
As opening hours can vary, be sure to check the National Trust Webesite for the most up-to-date weekly schedule before your visit.
Carte
Click on the map below to download it as a PDF.
