Wiltshire Historic Houses

Bowood House & Gardens 

The family home of the Marquis and  Marchioness of Lansdown.The house is set in one of the most beautiful parks in England. The House contains a splendid library and a laboratory where Joseph Priestley discovered Oxygen gas in 1774. Over 2,000 acres of gardens an grounds were landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown between 1762 and 1768, and are embellished with a Doric temple, a cascade, a pinetum and an arboretum

Calne,  SN11 0LZ  Tel: 01249812102

Corsham Court & Gardens

Since 1745 Corsham Court has been the home of the Methuen family, based on an Elizabethan house dating from 1582. It was bought by Paul Methuen to house a collection of C16th/C17th paintings and, after alterations to the house in C19th more Italian Old Masters and works of art were added. The gardens were designed by both Capability Brown and Repton and contain a haha, herbaceous borders, secluded lawns, a rose garden and a lily pool.

Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ   Tel: 01249 701610   Email

Dyrham Park 

Built between 1691 and 1702 for William Blathwayt, secretary at state and at war to William III. Collections include paintings, furniture and ceramics, reflecting the Dutch style, restored Victorian domestic rooms, including kitchen, bells passage, bakehouse, larders, tenants hall and delft-tiled dairy

Chippenham  SN14 8ER  Tel: 0117 937 2501 Email

Hamptworth Lodge

Although Jacobean in appearance, this house was built in 1912 for Harrold Moffat a follower of the Edwardian Arts & Crafts movement.

Landford Salisbury  SP5 3EA  

Longleat House 

Widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. Substantially completed by 1580 and now home to the 7th Marquess of Bath, Longleat House is set within 900 acres of magnificent ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland with a further 8000 acres of woodland, lakes and farmland.

Longleat, Warminster  BA12 7NW Tel: 01985 844400  Email

Lacock Abbey & Fox Talbot Museum

Country house created out of a medieval abbey, the home of a pioneer of photography. Founded in 1232 and converted into a country house c.1540, the fine medieval cloisters, sacristy, chapter house and monastic rooms of the Abbey have survived largely intact.

Lacock, nr Chippenham, SN15 2LG   Tel: 01249730227

Lydiard Park 

Ancestral home of the Bolingbrokes, this beautifully restored Georgian mansion , is Swindon’s treasure.  Surrounded by rolling lawns and woodland the House contains the family’s furnishings, portraits and exceptional platerwork and room devoted to 18^th century society artist Lady Diana Spencer.

Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA Tel: 01793 770401   Email

Mompesson House 

An elegant and spacious 18^th century house in the Cathedral Close. Featured in the film Sense & Sensibility, it has exceptional plasterwork and a fine oak staircase. As well as pieces of good-quality period furniture, the house contains the Turnbull Collection of 18th-century drinking glasses. Outside, the delightful walled garden has a pergola and traditional herbaceous borders.

The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EL Tel: 01722 335659   Email

Stourhead House & Gardens 

Often referred to as 'Paradise', lying in secluded privacy in its own valley, Stourhead is one of the finest landscape gardens in the world. Henry Hoare II, inspired by views of Italy captured by artists in paint, created a landscape that would bring art to life. Walk along lakeside pathways passed classical temples and follies set against a backdrop of beautiful and exotic trees, and enjoy the many vistas that have captured the imagination of visitors for over two centuries. Sitting majestically above the garden and surrounded by delightful lawns and parkland is Stourhead House, home to the Hoare family, owners of Britain's only independent private bank surviving to the present. This fine Palladian mansion houses a unique collection of Chippendale furniture, magnificent paintings and an exquisite Regency library. Explore the woodland and chalk downland of the wider estate, managed for nature conservation, and discover historic treasures beyond the garden, including two Iron Age hill forts and King Alfred's Tower, a 50m high triangular folly with spectacular views across the three counties Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset

Stourton, Warminster, BA12 6QD Tel: 01747 841152   Email

Wilton House 

Unwrap over 460 years of history at Wilton House, home of the Earl of Pembroke, where you will experience living history at its very best. Take time to uncover its secrets as you wander through its magnificent rooms, marvel at its architecture, soak in its fine paintings or be swept off your feet by its spectacular gardens. Wilton House is one of the Treasure Houses of England and whether you are a day visitor, group organiser, conference co-ordinator or event manager, you can be sure the house, its grounds, adventure playground and restaurant will promise an exciting and memorable day out

Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0BJ  Tel: 01722 746720   Email

Malmesbury House

Built originally in 13th century, it was enlarged in 17th century, with a Wren facade and rococo plasterwork in some of the rooms. The House has seen many famous visitors, including King Chalres II and Handel.

The Close  Salisbury  SP1 2EB