Pictures of Stourton

About Stourton

The River Stour flowing beneath a picturesque 5 arched bridge flanked by densely wooded banks is just one of the beauty spots to be seen in the spacious countryside surrounding this lovely old place.

Stourton is noted for the church dedicated to St. Peter where you can see many memorials to the famous Hoare banking family and for the house which was the families ancestral home, Stourhead House which is now in the care of the National Trust. The house, built during the 18th-century has an exceptional display of paintings, Chippendale furniture and many other treasures. It is though possibly best know for the great gardens which where the abiding passion of Henry Hoare II. The gardens show one of Europe's finest 18th-century layouts, they are simply spectacular with lovely vista's of lakes, statues, rare plants and beautiful flowers. Classical temples complete a fairy-tale extravaganza of extraordinary beauty which attracts thousands of visitors each year. On an historic note, Henry Hoare I purchased the manor of Stourton in 1717, prior to which it had remained the family home of the ancestral home of the powerful Catholic Stourton family for 700 years.

After touring Stourhead House and Gardens, and strolling round this eye-catching village it will be time to visit an attractive riverside pub, or maybe call in at the Spread Eagle Inn to enjoy a quiet drink to round of a very pleasant day.