The Most Beautiful Country Homes To Visit In Wiltshire
A county steeped in history, delicious local food to try, natural oases to immerse yourselves in and views to take your breath away: Wiltshire truly has it all. The best way to discover the best of what this British county has to offer? Taking a trip round one of the historic homes and lush gardens that make the landscape of this typical English paradise so iconic.
1. Stourhead
Building, Park
The real gem of Stourhead is the Palladian mansion that the gardens gravitate around. Make sure not to miss the sumptuous Regency Library or the house’s extensive art collection. Climb to the top of King Alfred’s tower for an unbeatable panorama over Wiltshire, Dorset, and Somerset– arguably the best view in the county. With a National Trust shop, restaurant, pub, ice cream parlour, and farm shop, all on-site, a visit to Stourhead really does have everything to offer.
2. Bowood House
Park
The estate’s gardens are not to be missed either, having been designed by the famous “Capability” Brown, England’s most celebrated landscape architect. The abundant woodland makes for a perfectly tranquil place to sit and take in Bowood’s magnificent architecture. An adventure playground will keep children entertained all day long, or alternatively young visitors can take a trip to Tractor Ted’s Little Farm to cuddle and pet the friendly farm animals to their heart’s content.
3. Longleat
Park
4. Wilton House
Building
The gardens provide equally stunning sights not to be missed. Visitors should ensure they find time to wander round the water garden, rose garden, and Palladian Bridge. Wilton’s idyllic location by the River Nadder simply completes the experience of a visit to this wonderful stately home.
River Barn
River Barn, near Malmesbury, is a lesser known destination, ideal for tourists seeking a little peace during their visit. The jewel of the River Barn estate is its dazzling 3 1/2 acre garden. The luscious green parklands offer a unique experience to discover the fascinating wildlife of Wiltshire with their wildlife pond and wild flower meadow. Forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and let yourself be lulled by the idyllic tranquility of River Barn’s gardens. Its proximity to Malmesbury also gives visitors the perfect opportunity to visit this quaint English market town.
5. Lydiard House
Park
6. Larmer Tree Gardens
Larmer Tree Gardens
Not strictly speaking a stately home, the Larmer Tree gardens earn themselves a place in this list thanks to their lavish displays of Victorian extravagance. The magnificent flowerbeds, sprawling lawns, and diverse range of plant life, are sure to wow even the most discerning of visitors. When first created, the pleasure gardens were dubbed a source of “public enlightenment and entertainment” and the same is still true today – a fact supported by English Heritage, who designated Larmer Tree a garden of national importance.
Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, Wiltshire, England, +44 1725 516225
7. Mompesson House
Historical Landmark
8. Arundells
Cathedral, Museum
9. Iford Manor
Iford Manor
Wiltshire truly can cater to all: for those whose tastes tend towards the more exotic, take a trip to Iford Manor and its gardens, known as “little Italy” for their fantastic European style and the chance to escape a little further from home.
Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, England, +44 1225 863146
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