National Trust house voted 'best for autumn walks' with stunning grotto

A Wiltshire estate hailed as one of Britain's finest spots for autumn strolls has been celebrated for its "breathtaking" vistas and "stunning gardens".

Stourhead Estate earned recognition as a premier destination for autumn foliage viewing by CN Traveller and boasts a Palladian-style mansion, landscaped gardens and 2,650 acres of rolling countryside.

The Stourhead Estate, which first welcomed visitors in the 1740s, features a world-renowned garden centred around a picturesque lake.

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Guests can wander through neoclassical temples, mysterious grottoes, and exotic trees, before discovering the rich heritage of Stourhead house with its Regency library and captivating furnishings and artworks.

Visitors can also venture to Alfred's Tower, a three-sided, 160ft folly offering sweeping vistas across three counties, or marvel at the Palladian Bridge, constructed in 1792 and influenced by the designs of Palladio, the 16th-century architect, reports the Express.

The grounds also feature the Gothic Cottage, Rock Arch, and Stourhead's Pantheon, the latter being a shrine housing divine sculptures including a marble masterpiece of Hercules by Rysbrack.

Heritage enthusiasts can appreciate the Temple of Flora, devoted to the Roman deity of blooms and springtime and constructed between 1744 and 1746.

The parkland at Stourhead encompasses three flanks of the Palladian mansion and features an expanse known as the Great Oar Meadow.

This grassland serves as a sanctuary for uncommon, indigenous orchids and other plant life, whilst roe deer frequently roam the vicinity. Stourhead is a treat for National Trust members with free entry, while others must pay £24.20 (with Gift Aid) for adults and £12.10 for youngsters aged 5-17.

The wider estate, however, is open to all without charge. Over the next few months, an autumn adventure trail packed with activities and challenges for kids will be on offer.

The estate claims this is a "great way to explore Stourhead and enjoy the beautiful falling leaves".

One visitor took to Trip Advisor to describe the gardens as "simply stunning in the autumn", while another said: "The grounds were beautifully landscaped by Capability Brown in the eighteenth century and are utterly unique. We lost ourselves in the grotto walk by the lake. It was a stunning autumnal vista that stays with you long after you leave."

A third reviewer added: "Second year visiting Stourhead. It is such a wonderful walk, the viewing point overlooking the lake and the temple is breathtaking."

Another visitor predicted it would be a "stunning place to visit in the autumn" due to its "lots of lovely trees", and one more posted: "A wonderful place to explore for the whole family. Acres of woodland walks, beautiful autumn colours, shrubs and trees of every description and a lake."