One of the supreme creations of the Georgian era. The first, formal layout was adorned with many buildings by Vanbrugh, Kent and Gibbs; in the 1730’s Kent designed the Elysian Fields in a more naturalistic style, one of the earliest examples of the reaction against formality leading to the evolution of the landscape garden. Miraculously, this beautiful garden survives; its sheer scale must make it Britain’s largest work of art. Contrasting with these were garden buildings such as the temples and monuments that still survive in the gardens today. Paths were used to entice visitors to certain views, only revealed at the last moment. The grass paths at Stowe have more horticultural interest, such as spring flowers and contrasting foliage. Stowe was never just a garden. Its creator, Lord Cobham, set the gardens out to reveal his beliefs about the politics and morality of the day. Which path will you choose – Vice, Virtue or Liberty?