Stourhead: A Timeless Landscape Near Frome
- Becky Percival
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Few places manage to feel both carefully designed and completely magical, but Stourhead is one of them.
A world-famous landscape garden just under an hour from Frome, Stourhead is a place of classical beauty, calm reflections and timeless views. From its iconic stone bridge to hidden woodland paths and lakeside temples, it’s a must-visit for lovers of nature, history and slow, scenic days out.
Located in Wiltshire and easily reached from Frome, this internationally celebrated landscape garden is where art, nature and imagination meet. Whether you’re visiting for a peaceful wander, a family day out or simply to soak up the scenery, Stourhead has a way of slowing you down and inviting you to explore at your own pace.
A Landscape Designed as a Journey
Created in the 18th century by banker Henry Hoare II, Stourhead was designed to be experienced as a story rather than a single viewpoint.
At its heart lies the serpentine lake, with winding paths leading visitors through carefully composed scenes. Classical temples, bridges and grottoes reveal themselves gradually, each framed to feel like a living painting.
The iconic stone bridge, seen here, is one of Stourhead’s most recognisable landmarks. Its graceful arches reflect beautifully in the water, drawing the eye across the lake towards the Pantheon, inspired by ancient Roman architecture and set against a dramatic wooded hillside.
It’s this sense of balance, symmetry and surprise that makes Stourhead one of the finest examples of landscape gardening in the world.
A Garden for Every Season
One of the great joys of Stourhead is how dramatically it changes throughout the year.
Spring brings magnolias, blossom and fresh green growth
Summer offers lush foliage, shaded walks and calm waters
Autumn is breathtaking, with fiery reds and golds mirrored in the lake
Winter reveals long views, sculptural trees and a quieter, contemplative beauty
No matter when you visit, there’s always something different to notice.
Ideal for Walkers, Families & Day Trippers
Stourhead suits many kinds of visit.
Gentle paths around the lake make it ideal for relaxed walks, while longer woodland routes reward those wanting to explore further. Families enjoy the sense of discovery as bridges, temples and hidden corners appear along the way, and there are plenty of places to stop, rest and take it all in.
It’s also a wonderful spot simply to pause - to sit by the water, listen to birdsong and enjoy a slower moment in nature.
More Than Just a Garden
A visit to Stourhead can easily fill a whole day. In addition to the landscape garden, you’ll also find:
A historic house with beautifully preserved interiors
A colourful walled garden
Farmyard and play areas for younger visitors
A welcoming café and shop for refreshments and treats
Stourhead at a Glance
Location:Â Wiltshire (near Mere)
Phone:Â 01747 841152
Distance from Frome: Approx. 20 miles / 45–55 minutes by car
Best for:Â Scenic walks, photography, history lovers, families
Facilities: Café, toilets, shop, parking
Managed by:Â National Trust
Visiting from Frome
Stourhead makes an ideal day trip from Frome, combining countryside views with cultural heritage. Many visitors pair a visit with lunch nearby or a stop in a neighbouring village for a relaxed day out.
Why Visit Stourhead?
Stourhead is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. Romantic, peaceful and endlessly inspiring, it’s a perfect example of how landscape and architecture can work together to create something truly special.
If you’re exploring attractions around Frome, Stourhead deserves a place at the very top of your list.