Longleat Gardens, Warminster

The gardens are very clearly the work of 'Capability' Brown. Now that is what I call a nickname. Good job he didn't carry the moniker of 'mixed abilty' Brown!

As with all Capability Browns efforts, the scheme involved moving vast amounts of earth to create hills and lakes that contrive to look totally natural. His work is triumph in that respect. He would, perhaps, be horrified that his carefully worked are now partially covered with the electric fences and roads of Longleat's famous Safari Park.

Perhaps the the best way to get a feeling of Brown's work is to drive up the longer entrance to the estate. The 'valley' drive is an impressive piece of gardening, and it gives way after half a mile or so to a spectacular view over Longleat house itself. All these efforts came at a price. Capability brown always delivered - but never without going massively over budget.

Longleat House is much more then a stately home. It offers a great day out for the whole family.

The house is completely decorated with old style furniture and is very beautiful to visit.

In each room a voluntary guide can tell you about the history of the house.