Anna Pavord's Great Gardens: Stourhead, Wiltshire

Catch the early show

"Owned for generations by the Hoare banking family, who in the 18th century dammed up the River Stour to make a large and natural-looking lake," says Anna Pavord. "When that was finished, Henry Hoare II commissioned a series of buildings to set round its perimeter: a temple of Flora, a grotto, a river god's cave. [It was] given to the National Trust in 1946 by Sir Henry Hoare, who had lost both his sons and heirs in the Second World War."

It may not feel like spring quite yet, but visit Stourhead now to see the early flowers in this arcadian paradise. There are still snowdrops on the ground and the daffodils are now pushing through, ready to display their blooms. The 18th-century garden route goes past the South Lawn of the house before dropping down into the landscape garden.

Where and when:

Stourton, Warminster, Wilts (01747 841152; email stourhead@ntrust.org.uk). The garden is open daily, 9am-7pm or dusk. Admission (garden only): adult £5.10, child £2.90, family ticket £12.70. The garden route is accessible to wheelchairs (but steep in places, so two strong companions are essential), as are the gift shop, plant centre and two WCs. NB: The house will open to the public for the season on 28 March.

Anna Pavord is The Independent's gardening correspondent