Autumn Colours at Stourhead

SEASON OF MISTS AND MELLOW FRUIT FULNESS

Autumn is Stourhead’s crowning glory as foliage in the landscape garden becomes ablaze with deep golds, ambers and rich reds. There are many hundreds of species of trees and shrubs at Stourhead, and it can take up to six weeks for the cosy autumn colours to flood the trees around the garden. No two visits are the same throughout this unpredictable time of year.

Though the schedule of the season is ever-changing, towards the end of summer the North American maples have begun to turn a scarlet red, while the Japanese acers, hornbeam and chestnuts also get their vivid display underway. A little later in autumn the tulip trees take on a yellow hue, while the oak and beech enact the season finale with bright oranges late in October. In the garden, autumn crocuses provide a comforting contrast with their mauve and lilac shades.

Throughout the autumn, Stourhead will be offering free guided walks around the world-famous landscape gardens. Taking place twice daily on most days throughout the week, visitors can enjoy a walk and talk with a knowledgeable volunteer, including an insight into the historical background of Stourhead, as well as the artistry of the landscape and stunning architecture. There’s no need to book in advance - upon arrival, visitors can ask at reception for more details on the fascinating guided walks.

Beyond the tranquil lake and ornate temples, there are 2,500 acres of countryside to explore on the Stourhead estate. This includes an Iron Age hill fort and many acres of ancient woodland. The magnificent woodland surrounding Stourhead is full of autumn colour, with a canopy of ochre and copper hues overhead, and a carpet of crunchy leaves underfoot. Visitors can explore Bonham wood on a short,

A young boy in the garden among the red maple leaves © National Trust Images Arnhel de Serra

circular walk which ventures behind the Temple of Apollo in the garden through picturesque woodland, returning along the disused airfield that formed part of RAF Zeals during the Second World War.

Walkers can also amble to Whitesheet Hill to take in the panoramic views over the estate and surrounding countryside, under the golden veil of low autumn sun. Encompassing an area of considerable archaeological interest, the walk includes a Neolithic enclosure dating from around 3000 BC, a circular earthwork, Bronze Age barrows and an Iron Age hill fort to the south.

An impression of wildness surrounds the Stourhead estate in autumn and abundant autumn fruits include rosehips and crab apples. Autumn also marks the arrival of many overseas birds seeking warmer climes for their winter stay. At Stourhead, this includes large flocks of golden plover on the open farmland, along with lapwings.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

"The magnificent woodland surrounding Stourhead is full of autumn colour, with a canopy of ochre and copper hues overhead, and a carpet of crunchy leaves underfoot."

Many birds, including lapwings, arrive in autumn

GENERAL INFO

Near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD • The outdoor spaces, house, shop and restaurant are open daily. You no longer need to book your visit in advance. • Wheelchair accessible gravel paths with marked routes, steep in places • Pushchairs and baby carriers are welcome in all areas of the garden. There some steep hills on the garden route • Dogs on short leads are welcome all year round • For full accessibility and access information see the website.

DIRECTIONS

If cycling - Wiltshire Cycle Way www.sustrans.org.uk If using the bus - from Warminster and Shaftesbury, alight Zeals, 1¼ miles If using the train - Gillingham 6½ miles; Bruton 7 miles If driving - You arrive at Stourhead via the main road network, following brown signs off A303 or the B3092 from Frome. The main carpark postcode is BA12 6QD.