Stately homes & stunning gardens

Italian inspiration

Iford Manor, near Bradford on Avon, is a Tudor house with a classical façade. The property, set in the peaceful Frome Valley, was once at the centre of the flourishing Wiltshire woollen industry.

In 1898 the architect Harold Peto made Iford Manor his home and created the unique garden seen today.

Taking his inspiration from Italy, he terraced the slopes and built steps to link the different levels. There are fountains, pools, classical statues, figures, urns, colonnades and cypresses. Roses, wisteria and climbers soften the strong lines of the architectural features.

The Manor is also the beautiful backdrop to outdoor operas and jazz concerts, with events throughout the year run by Iford Arts.

Open: April and October, Sundays 2-5pm, May-September Tuesday-Thursday and weekends 2-5pm. Visit online at www.ifordmanor.co.uk

Stunning scenery

Stourhead, near Warminster, is a celebrated 18th century landscape garden and Palladian mansion, which was created by the Hoare family between 1741 and 1780, inspired by classical painters such as Lorraine and Poussin.

Visitors can explore enchanting temples, monuments and rare planting around a tranquil lake, while the mansion itself is full of treasures including Chippendale furniture and fine paintings.

There are stunning views to be enjoyed from the top of Alfred's Tower - one of the country's finest follies.

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.

Open: The garden is open all year 9am-7pm, while the house and tower are open from now until November 2 11.30am-4.30pm. Visit online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Beautiful blooms

The Bowood Estate, near Chippenham, was bought in 1754 by John Petty Fitzmaurice, 1st Earl of Shelburne (1706-1761) and his descendants have lived here ever since.

Many famous architects and garden designers have been employed in its creation including Henry Keene, Robert and James Adam, Capability Brown, CR Cockerell and Sir Charles Barry.

The present Marquis of Lansdowne opened the house and gardens to the public in 1975.

The park remains much as Capability Brown intended, with a fine lake, gently sloping lawns and drifts of trees. The late 18th century rockwork valley remains below the lake dam, incorporating a cascade and caves. Closer to the house are the 19th century Italianate terraces.

The Rhododendron Walks, on the hill to the southwest of the house, now cover some 60 acres and are open to visitors during the flowering season. All are maintained to the highest standard and little has changed since these great gardens were laid out.

For children there is fantastic adventure playground in the Pleasure Grounds.

Open: Daily from March 19 to November 4.

Rhododendron Walks usually open daily from late April to early June. Check the exact dates by visiting www.bowood-house.co.uk

Elizabethan elegance

Corsham Court is one of England's finest stately homes. It was a royal manor in the days of the Saxon kings and the present building is based upon an Elizabethan manor dating from 1582. The magnificent Georgian state rooms were added in 1760.

It houses some of the oldest and most distinguished collections of furniture in the country and with the Capabililty Brown gardens and aboretum, and architecture by John Nash and Thomas Bellamy, Corsham Court provides the visitor with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the many delights of this historic and beautiful stately home.

Open: March 20-September 30, daily except Mondays, apart from bank holidays, and Fridays from 2pm-5.30pm. From October 1-March 19 open weekends, from 2pm-4.30pm. Closed in December. Visit online at www.corsham-court.co.uk

Secret Garden

The Courts, in Holt, near Trowbridge, is a haven for flora enthusiasts, with its seven acres of elegant gardens. One of Wiltshire's best kept secrets, The Courts is the quintessential English country garden full of colour and variety, including a peaceful water garden with irises and lilies, unusual topiary and garden ornaments. Divided into sections which flow from one to another, it offers plenty of surprises at every turn. The garden is complemented by an arboretum with natural planting of spring bulbs, a kitchen garden and orchard.

Open: March 15-November 8 from 11am-5.30pm.Out of season visits by appointment only. Visit online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Royal connections

The spectacular setting for the film Remains of the Day, Dyrham Park, near Chippenham, is an elegant late 17th century mansion surrounded by formal gardens and a deer park.

The baroque country house, which is just over the border in south Gloucestershire, was designed by Talman for William Blathwayt, Secretary at War during the reign of William III. Due to Blathwayt's royal connections and influential uncle, Thomas Povey, the house was to become a showcase for his taste in Dutch decorative arts. The lavish collection includes delftware, paintings and furniture. The Victorian domestic quarters have been restored to give an insight into life below stairs.

Open: The house and garden are open between March 14 and November 2, while the park is open all year round from 11am-5.30pm. Visit online at < a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk" target="_blank">www.nationaltrust.org.uk