I recently visited NT Stowe, Buckinghamshire, a huge ‘garden’ full of ‘garden’ buildings, statues, dams and bridges, created by Viscount Cobham from 1717 working with several landscape designers and architects.

He was an intellectual military and political figure of the day and most, if not all, the structures he commissioned literally tell a story. I was lucky enough to be taken around by a group of expert garden historians, who showed us the garden in a whole different dimension – tying the meanings behind it all to the political, military and social climate of the time.

This is ‘The Gothic Temple’ designed by architect James Gibbs working with landscape designer, William Kent. Originally the ground floor was open so it was likely used as somewhere to shelter.

A great place to visit whether you’re interested in hidden meanings or not. Either way, you’ll certainly sleep well after trekking the vast grounds!