Stately benefits

Italian inspiration

Iford Manor, near Bradford on Avon is a Tudor house with a classical faade. The property, set in the peaceful Frome Valley, was once a 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 and colonnades and cypresses. Roses, wisteria and climbers soften the strong lines of the architectural features.

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

Open: April and October Sundays and bank holiday afternoons, May-September Tuesday-Thursday and weekends.

Enchanting views

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, while the house and tower are open from March 19-October 31.

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. Magnificent Georgian state rooms were added in 1760. It houses some of the oldest and 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 15-September 30, daily except Mondays, apart from bank holidays, from 2pm-5.30pm. From October 1-March 19 open weekends, from 2pm-4.30pm. Closed in December.

Beautiful Bowood

The Bowood Estate, near Chippenham, was bought in 1754 by John Petty Fitzmaurice, 1st Earl of Shelburne (17061761) and his descendants have lived here ever since.

Many famous architects and garden designers have been employed, including Henry Keene, Robert and James Adam, Capability' Brown, C.R. 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 the cascade and caves. Closer to the house are the great 19th-century Italianate terraces: originally lying in the angle between the Big and Little Houses, they now form the south front to the house.

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 Saturday, April 1 to Tuesday, October 31 2006 Rhododendron Walks 11am-6pm, open daily from late April to early June. Check the exact dates by visiting www.bowood-house.co.uk

Dutch connections

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

The baroque country house is set within 110 hectares, 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.

Events for this year include Tulipomania, an annual event which celebrates the Dutch connection, and is held from April 21-25.

Open: The house and garden are open between March 24 and October 29, while the park is open all year round.

Gardeners' World

The Courts, Holt, 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 tend to flow from one to another, it offers plenty of surprises as you turn the corners.

The garden is complemented by an arboretum with natural planting of spring bulbs, a kitchen garden and orchard.

Open: March 25-October 15 Out of season by appointment only.