Visit Wiltshire Visitor Guide 2023

Iford Manor
Find peace and
tranquillity.
Centuries
of Stately Splendour
Set against the drama and majesty of the surrounding landscape, Wiltshire’s great estates combine
magnificent residences with equally outstanding grounds. From acres of landscaped parkland, to intimate
formal and informal gardens.
Grand country properties don’t come much finer than those to be
found in Wiltshire. Among them are Longleat House, a splendid
example of high Elizabethan architecture. Impressive 18th century
Bowood, with interiors designed by Robert Adam. As you might
expect, legendary horticultural genius Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown
was hard at work in 18th century Wiltshire. The breathtaking
pastoral settings which complement these properties today were
greatly influenced by his brilliance as a landscape architect. Even
the grounds surrounding Lacock Abbey – founded in the 13th
century for monastic purposes, before later becoming a family
home – are said to have benefited from his attention.
But he was not the only green-fingered enthusiast to have
left his mark in Wiltshire. The stunning National Trust garden
at Stourhead was designed in the 18th century by gentleman
gardener Henry ‘The Magnificent’. Described as a living work
of art, reflections of classical temples and grottoes shimmer in
the waters of a spectacular lake, surrounded by rare and exotic
trees. The garden is open all year, and from March to October
(as well as in the run up to Christmas) you can also visit the
Palladian mansion of Stourhead House. Lydiard Park,
at the opposite end of the county, is another Palladian jewel,
renowned for its elegant state rooms, original family furnishings
and Elizabethan portraits. It is surrounded by 260 acres of
parkland, with a lake and 18th century walled garden.
Designers of note have also left their mark on smaller homes
of the well-to-do. Thanks to the vision of General Pitt Rivers,
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