Grounds and gardens

Longleat House is nestled within 900 acres of parkland, masterfully transformed in the 18th century by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. Renowned for his naturalistic approach, Brown replaced the estate's earlier formal gardens with sweeping lawns, serpentine lakes, and strategically placed tree clusters, creating a landscape that seamlessly blends with the surrounding countryside. His vision emphasised gentle undulations and open vistas, many of which remain integral to Longleat's charm today.

To the north of the House lie the formal gardens, developed around 1805 under the guidance of the 2nd Marchioness of Bath. Collaborating with architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville, they introduced structures like the Orangery, a limestone ashlar building featuring seven large glazed bays and Doric pilasters.

Among the garden's many highlights is the Love Labyrinth, a romantic maze inviting exploration and whimsy. Further enriching the landscape, the mid-20th-century Secret Garden, designed by esteemed landscape architect Russell Page, offers a tranquil retreat filled with carefully curated plantings that reflect Page's signature style of harmony and proportion.

Visitors can immerse themselves in this rich tapestry of landscape design, experiencing first hand the evolution of English garden aesthetics from formal symmetry to naturalistic beauty.