Planning Your Group Visit
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
New Stourhead Group Guide October 11:Layout 1 14/10/2011 09:13 Page 1 w Access and facilities Essential Information Planning your A Stourhead volunteer-operated shuttle bus service is available from visitor reception to the house and garden entrances. The service runs daily, from March until the end of group visit How to book October subject to conditions and availability. Please complete and return the enclosed booking form. Wheelchair accessible lavatories at the main car park and in If you require further information please do not hesitate to the Spread Eagle courtyard. contact us on 01747 841152. The National Trust shop and restaurant are wheelchair accessible. Taster day House: Access via thirteen stone steps, then all showrooms We offer group organisers a complimentary visit to enable you on one level. Stairclimber and wheelchair available with to plan your group’s day. Please contact us on 01747 841152 advance booking. (Stairclimber suitable for all wheelchair and we will be happy to arrange a suitable time. types with a maximum width of 690mm). Large print guide available. Coaches Garden: Wheelchair accessible gravel paths but steep in Coach parking is provided in our main visitor car park, with places, strong companions essential. Lakeside route marked advanced booking. on map. Coach drivers will be provided with free entry to the house Wheelchair and a volunteer-driven mobility vehicle available, and garden and a £5 voucher for our restaurant. subject to conditions and availability. Please ensure your group has ample time for making their way Large print and Braille guides available. Sensory Trail to and from the car park. available from Bristol Cross garden entrance. h High heels can damage the floors of the house and stout footwear is recommended for the garden and estate. Join us p Amateur photography permitted, without flash. Become a member of the National Trust and you can enjoy: Special events Free entry and parking at more than 300 historic houses and Our exciting events programme has something for everyone, • with walks and tours, family fun activities and chances to gardens. discover hidden secrets of Stourhead. • Free parking at our countryside and coastline reserves. Why not plan your visit to coincide with our magical autumn • Free members’ handbook featuring all of the special places and Christmas celebrations? cared for by the National Trust. Regional newsletters and three editions of our beautifully For details please contact us on 01747 841152 or visit • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead illustrated members’ magazine. Become a member on your visit and receive a full refund If you would like this information in of your admission fee and your membership welcome pack and handbook to take home. alternative formats, please call us on 01747 841152 or email [email protected] National Stourhead How to find us Trust Stourhead is an enchanting and inspirational work of art. A world famous 18th century picturesque Stourhead is located in the village of Stourton, off the B3092, garden and Palladian villa, set in 2650 acres of three miles northwest of Mere (off the A303) and eight miles south of Frome (A361). ancient and beautiful Wessex landscape. King Alfred’s Tower is two and a half miles from the main visitor car park. Parking is available 350m from the Tower. Stourhead, Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6QD. © 2011 The National Trust. Registered Charity no. 205846. Design by Smiths. [email protected] Printed on recycled/sustainable paper. Stourhead images, Stourhead/David Lloyd, Stourhead/Sarah Holmes, Stourhead images, NTPL/Stephen Robson, Stourhead images, NTPL/Scott Morrison, NTPL/Andreas von Einsiedel, NTPL/David Levenson, NTPL/David Levenson, NTPL/David Levenson. New Stourhead Group Guide October 11:Layout 1 14/10/2011 09:13 Page 2 Italian inspiration Making the most of your visit Often referred to as ‘Paradise’, lying in secluded privacy in its own valley, Stourhead is one of the finest landscape gardens in the world. In the 18th century, Henry Hoare II ‘the Magnificent’ designed Stourhead’s acclaimed landscape Enjoy a tasty treat in our Trust restaurant garden, creating a living work of art. Inspired by paintings of Italy, the stunning lake is adorned with classical temples, enchanting grottos and rare, exotic trees. Our double gold, Food for Life award-winning restaurant is open every day throughout the year, except Christmas Day. Sitting above the garden, amid beautiful lawns and parkland, is Stourhead house; a majestic Palladian mansion, home to We serve seasonal dishes with food from our very own walled garden, tenant farmers a unique Regency library, fabulous paintings and a bespoke collection of Chippendale furniture. The house and garden and local suppliers. are at the heart of a 2650 acre estate. Discover the invaluable wildlife habitats and ancient archaeological sites of the With seating for up to 50 in our private Maddocks Room, this is the perfect place for surrunding chalk downs, woods and farmland. your group to relax and recharge after a day of exploring. For your comfort and convenience we recommend that you reserve seating for your group. Please contact our Catering Manager on 01747 842006, who will be happy to discuss your group requirements and any special dietary needs. Stourhead guided tours The story of Stourhead landscape garden We have a range of options available Cold Main Meals or Buffet: Available 12noon to 3pm. Freshly prepared Ploughman’s lunch, or a choice of salads and sandwiches. Discover the inspiration for Stourhead’s world-famous picturesque garden and for you to book in advance: learn how we manage this magical landscape today. An expert member of the garden Traditional Cream Tea: Available all day. Morning Coffee: Available 10am to 12noon. team will lead you on this walk, along shady wooded paths and around the lake. Indulge in our famous National Trust cream tea. Two scones, strawberry We offer a selection of homemade cakes and bakes from our Enjoy the spectacular vistas and the beautiful trees and temples. conserve and clotted cream served with tea or filter coffee. kitchen served with freshly brewed coffee or tea of your choice. Soak up the tranquillity of the garden in winter for a truly memorable experience. These tours are available Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm and last Christmas Lunches: Available 12noon to 3pm throughout Dec, except Hot Main Meals: Available 12noon to 3pm. approximately 2 hours, but can be tailored to your requirements. Christmas Day. Homemade Soup of the Day served with crusty bread. Enjoy a scrumptious seasonal lunch with festive table decorations to put Available all year A choice of two meat and two vegetarian dishes served with you in the Christmas spirit. seasonal vegetables. Stourhead house: A statement of fashion and good taste Take home a memento from our Trust shop and plant centre Join a member of our team on a guided walk around the stunning exterior of Stourhead house, a ground-breaking Palladian villa, and its wonderful lawns and terrace. Discover Open all year except Christmas Day, our shop stocks a wide range of Stourhead the history of this beautiful Palladian mansion and the Hoare family that lived within it. guidebooks, souvenirs and gifts, including a range of local food and crafts. The plant Hear of the treasures inside the house, and how Italy inspired the collection of paintings centre has a varied selection of peat-free plants, some of which are grown in our and influenced the design of the picturesque garden. These tours are available Monday own walled garden. Our newly-refurbished garden shop has everything you need to to Friday, between 10am and 4pm and last approximately an hour and a half. create your own perfect garden at home, from tools and seeds, to furniture and Available April - October books. Our spacious shop can accommodate large groups of visitors in a relaxed and friendly environment. It is great for Christmas shopping after a wintry walk around the garden and estate. Things you need to know We are committed to making your group visit to Stourhead a truly memorable Step beyond the garden gate experience. We recommend that your group spend a whole day with us as there is so much to see and do. Explore the garden and house during your morning, then Venture beyond the landscape garden into the surrounding countryside on our guided step into the wider estate and find out what lies beyond the garden gate. tour to King Alfred’s Tower. Walk through the parklands along the historic terrace ride, and discover how we manage the diverse landscape of the estate today. Climb 205 steps for spectacular views from the tower, before a return walk through the woodland. Stourhead is one of the most popular National Trust properties, with These tours are available Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm and last 380,000 people visiting each year. approximately 2 and a half hours. The walk is 5 miles long and crosses uneven ground and stiles. Appropriate footwear and clothing required. It is our aim to keep Stourhead special for everyone and we therefore encourage your group to visit outside peak periods. Available September-June This will give your group a more relaxing experience and help us to conserve this beautiful place..