Stourhead is one of the world's finest examples of an English landscape garden, created in the 18th century by banker Henry Hoare. This 2,650-acre estate represents the pinnacle of the English landscape movement, where nature and art combine to create a living work of art. The garden is designed around a series of lakes, with classical temples, grottoes, and follies positioned to create picturesque views. The Pantheon, a magnificent classical temple, stands on one side of the lake, while the Temple of Apollo provides a focal point on the opposite shore. The Grotto, with its naturalistic rock formations and water features, creates a sense of mystery and wonder. The garden's design philosophy follows the principles of the "picturesque," where every view is composed like a painting. The planting is carefully managed to create a naturalistic appearance, with trees and shrubs positioned to frame views and create depth. Stourhead is particularly famous for its autumn colors, when the trees reflect in the lake creating stunning scenes. The garden is also beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas bloom, and in summer when the waterlilies cover the lake.