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The domed, white Temple of Apollo surrounded by trees overlooking the lake at Stourhead
Temple of Apollo at Stourhead | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Wiltshire

Bonham Wood walk at Stourhead

Explore Bonham Wood at Stourhead on this short, circular walk which takes you behind the Temple of Apollo and through picturesque woodland, returning along the disused airfield that formed part of RAF Zeals during the Second World War. Look out for wild daffodils and bluebells throughout the woodland during spring.

Total steps: 4

Total steps: 4

Start point

Stourhead visitor reception, grid ref: ST778340

Step 1

From the main car park, go through visitor reception. Take the zig-zag path toward the walled garden. Where the path splits into four, take a sharp left on to a grass track. Follow this track with the field and St Peter’s Church on your right.

Step 2

Continue on the track through the woodland. Go past a green barrier and turn left where the track forks uphill and then turn right once you’ve reached the top. The Temple of Apollo and views of the garden can be seen to the right. Keep straight on this track, dropping down into the woodland, past another green barrier, leaving the garden behind and to your right. Continue on the main track through Bonham Wood for about ½ a mile.

Step 3

Follow the track around to the left as it ascends to join the road. Being mindful of traffic, turn left and walk along the road. You will see Bonham manor and cottages on your left, along with Bonham Garden of Remembrance – established to commemorate those members of the community whose gravestones had been moved when the manor gardens were re-laid. Continue for another 300 yards, then turn left and onto the disused airfield which once formed part of RAF Zeals in the Second World War.

Step 4

Walk along the airfield for approximately ½ a mile. About 100 yards before the airfield reaches the road, turn left onto a hard surfaced path. Follow this until you reach a T-junction, turn left and after about 100 yards turn right, back into the main visitor car park.

End point

Stourhead visitor reception, grid ref: ST778340

Trail map

Stourhead Bonham Wood walk map
Bonham Wood map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

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