The stunning 40-hectare garden at Stourhead was created by the Hoare family, who were bankers, between 1741 and 1780. Sheets of water reflect specimen trees, shrubs and temples in a design inspired by classical painters such as Lorraine and Poussin.

The river Stour was dammed to create the main serpentine lake, which is overlooked by the circular Temple of Apollo, high on a hill, and the Pantheon, which crowns a rounded slope. These were designed by the architect Henry Flitcroft, the only professional employed in the creation of the gardens.

The Palladian House has an outstanding library and works of art, with furniture by Chippendale. It is owned by the National Trust but the Hoare family still has rooms there.

Open: The garden is open all year, while the house and tower are open from March 19-October 31.