THINGS TO DO AT BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS IN WILTSHIRE

Plan Your Visit

House & Gardens is now closed and will re-open on Friday 27th March - Sunday 1st November 2026.

The House & Gardens offer something for everyone to experience and enjoy, including a variety of special events throughout the year. Here are just a few things to discover, so you can plan your perfect day out at Bowood.

Visitor Information

<p>House & Gardens is now closed and will re-open on Friday 27th March - Sunday 1st November 2026.</p>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW56744678 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW56744678 BCX0">Complimentary visitor car parking is available next to admissions. For the safety of your pets, please do not leave animals in parked cars while visiting Bowood. While we strive to provide a secure environment, Bowood cannot assume responsibility for any damage, accidents, or losses that may occur while using our car park.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW56744678 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p>House & Gardens is now closed and will re-open on Friday 27th March - Sunday 1st November 2026.</p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">We offer half-price admission for visitors with disabilities and their carers. Assistance dogs are welcome, ideally with a recognisable harness. Gravel paths may make wheelchair and pushchair access challenging, but designated parking and wheelchairs are available (subject to availability). A drop-off point near the </span><span data-contrast="auto">H</span><span data-contrast="auto">ouse can be arranged upon request, with car keys held for security reasons.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Accessible toilets are located in the Treehouse Café and baby changing facilities are also available in multiple locations. Please note that this is a heritage environment and therefore certain areas such as the upper floors of the House and parts of the gardens/grounds, may be difficult to access due to stairs and uneven terrain. You can read our Accessibility Policy, <a href="https://bowood.staging.journeyagency.travel/accessibility/">here</a>. If you have any questions, please contact our team, <a href="https://bowood.staging.journeyagency.travel/about-us/contact/">here</a>.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><strong>Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) hour:</strong> On the first Saturday of each month during the open season, the Adventure Playground, The Den, and Treehouse Café will open at 9.30am exclusively for visitors with additional needs or hidden disabilities, and their immediate family or registered carers. For any questions, please email <a href="mailto:houseandgardens@bowood.org">houseandgardens@bowood.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>House & Gardens is now closed and will re-open on Friday 27th March - Sunday 1st November 2026.</strong></p> <p><strong>HOUSE & GARDENS</strong><br /> What3words address: ///wacky.admire.spurted will get you to the vehicle entrance for Bowood House & Gardens.</p> <p><strong>Can I travel to Bowood using public transport?<br /> </strong>Bus – Routes 33 and X33 (Chippenham to Devizes) go through Derry Hill Village.<br /> Route 55 stops on the A4 close to the turning into Derry Hill Village.<br /> From the bus stop, it is approximately a 1½ mile walk to Admissions for the House & Gardens.</p> <p>Train – The nearest mainline station is Chippenham.  Taxis are available or you can take the 55 bus to Studley crossroads.</p> <p><strong>Which entrance do I use?<br /> </strong>The entrance to the House & Gardens is at the East end of Derry Hill village, just off the Studley Crossroads on the A4.  You will enter via a white set of Gates.  If using Satellite Navigation, please use postcode SN11 9NF.</p> <p>You can also follow the brown tourist signs along the A4 and A342.</p> <p>Please note: There is <strong>no access</strong> to the House & Gardens through the Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort entrance (known as the Golden Gates), which is opposite the Lansdowne Arms public house in Derry Hill.</p> <p><strong>Is there a car and coach park at Bowood?<br /> </strong>Free parking is available close to the main visitors admissions for the House & Gardens and also for the Woodland Garden (when open to the public, mid April to early June).</p> <p><strong>Can coaches drop passengers at Bowood House?<br /> </strong>It is possible for coaches to drop off and collect passengers from Bowood House by prior arrangement.  Please call 01249 812 102 for all group booking enquiries.</p> <p>For more information, please call: 01249 812 102 or email: <a href="mailto:reception@bowood.org">reception@bowood.org</a></p> <p><strong>WOODLAND GARDEN</strong> (open mid April to early June) located off the A342 between Derry Hill and Sandy Lane.  For Satellite Navigation please use the postcode SN11 9PG.</p>
See FAQ's

Bowood House

<p><strong>House & Gardens is now closed and will re-open on Friday 27th March - Sunday 1st November 2026.</strong></p>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW115634268 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115634268 BCX0">Step inside Bowood House, the home of the Lansdowne family, and discover stunning Georgian architecture, fine art, and fascinating historical artefacts. Learn about the family’s rich history in the beautifully restored state </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW115634268 BCX0">rooms, and</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115634268 BCX0"> see where Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in his on-site laboratory.</span></span></p>
<p>View our Terrace Gift Shop, located within Bowood House, offering an array of locally sourced food products, Bowood souvenirs, a range of delightful home-ware and a selection of books.</p>
<p><strong>2026 House Exhibition</strong> – “<em>1776: Secrets, Spies and the American Revolution</em>”, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Lord Shelburne had a significant relationship with America through both politics and friendships. As Prime Minister, he was instrumental in brokering peace through the Treaty of Paris at the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783. He had a friendship with Benjamin Franklin, which led to accusations that he was secretly in contact with Franklin throughout the war. This exhibition will explore both politics and relationships, as well as delving into the world of eighteenth-century espionage, something Franklin played a huge part in. Discover how the Americans and British both used ingenious methods to carry secret messages, from using invisible ink to hiding notes in unsuspecting places. It will finish with the Treaty of Paris, and the impact of the Revolution on Lord Shelburne's career.</p>
<p>Viewed within Bowood House during the open season.</p>

Walled Garden

<p><strong>House & Gardens is now closed and will re-open on Friday 27th March - Sunday 1st November 2026.</strong></p>
<p>Located behind towering walls this four acre ‘secret garden’, is centred around the environment and the protection of nature, it offers an oasis of splendour and an escape from the everyday. Wander through meticulously designed flower beds and enjoy the seasonal blooms, from tulips in the spring, to roses in June, to perennials in late summer. Discover the Greenhouses and Sensory Garden where inspired learning can come to life.</p>
<p>On selected dates throughout the 2026 season, individuals may join an exclusive guided tour of Bowood’s stunning gardens and grounds, including Bowood's Walled Garden, prior to public opening.</p>
<p><strong>Garden Exhibition</strong> - The Bath Society of Botanical Artists was invited by Lord Kerry in 2024 to illustrate plants from the Bowood collection for an exhibition in the Garden Studio at Bowood House & Gardens in 2026. Entitled ‘<em>The Lifecycle of Plants</em>’, the exhibition will feature paintings of plants from the Bowood Gardens and Arboretum. The Bath Society of Botanical Artists is a thriving, friendly, society with about forty members. Their aim is to promote an interest in botanical art and develop their skills in all forms of botanical illustration. Examples of members’ work can be found on the Gallery website pages.</p>
<p>This exhibition can be viewed within the Walled Garden during the open season.</p>

Discover Garden Tours Download Walled Garden Map

Day Tickets

<p>House & Gardens is now closed and will re-open on Friday 27th March - Sunday 1st November 2026.</p>
<p>Our day tickets include full access to the house, the terrace gardens, and the wider estate during open season, and there are plenty of options to suit all visitors.</p>

Terrace Garden

<p>The Italianate Terrace Garden offers stunning panoramic views of Bowood’s ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland. Brimming with vibrant flowers and delicate water features, this formal garden is the perfect spot to wander, to relax, and take in the estate’s natural beauty.</p>

Adventure Playground

<p>House & Gardens is now closed and will re-open on Friday 27th March - Sunday 1st November 2026.</p>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW4484343 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW4484343 BCX0">Families with young children will love the Adventure Playground, voted one of the most exciting play areas in the </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW4484343 BCX0">South West</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW4484343 BCX0">. Discover a life-size pirate ship, aerial walkways, and zip wires, it offers hours of fun for children aged 12 and under. For younger children, The Den is a covered building designed with safe and engaging play in mind for those aged 7 and under.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW4484343 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>

Discover our activities

Hidden Gems

<p><span class="TextRun SCXW217857696 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW217857696 BCX0">Bowood is full of historical treasures waiting to be discovered. Visit the Doric Temple, Cascade, and Hermit’s Cave — each feature with its own fantastic story and romantic charm. These secluded spots invite you to pause and immerse yourself in the estate’s natural wonders.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW217857696 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>

Arboretum

<p>Located in the Pleasure Grounds, the Arboretum is regarded as one of the best places in Britain to look at trees. Collectively the trees provide the visitor with an all year round spectacle whether it be bark, habit, flower, fruit, foliage or autumn tints. Explore shaded paths lined with rare record-breaking trees, breathe in the fresh air and spot some of Bowoods local wildlife.</p>
<p>Find out more about Bowood's Trees & Shrubs by downloading our Tree Guide book.</p>

A Guide to Bowood's Trees and Shrubs

Woodland Garden

<p>A separate attraction on the Bowood Estate, only open for six weeks during the flowering season, our Woodland Garden offer breathtaking vistas of colour and beauty.</p>
<p>Is currently closed and will re open mid April to early June 2026.</p>

Discover Woodland Garden

Explore Bowood

Doric Temple The Doric Temple, built in the 18th century, features the sturdy columns of the Doric order. Once a focal point in the estate’s gardens, it offered views of the parkland. Inspired by ancient Greece, the temple is a key example of neoclassical design on the estate.
Adventure Playground One of the most exciting play areas in the South West, with a life-size pirate ship, aerial walkways, and zip wires for children up to 12 years old.
Golden Gates The Golden Gates, crafted in the 18th century by Sir Charles Barry, are a striking example of ironwork on the estate. Positioned at the entrance, they provide a grand welcome, symbolising the estate’s heritage.
Queenwood Queenwood on the estate is a peaceful woodland with mature trees, perfect for walks and wildlife. Part of the estate’s historic landscape, it offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature and explore the wider parkland.
Bowood Resort Our 4 AA Red Star hotel and resort provides luxury rooms and suites, a PGA golf course, luxury spa, and award-winning dining experiences.
Woodland Gardens Open for six weeks during the flowering season, these gardens offer breathtaking vistas of colour and beauty.
House & Gardens Step into the rich history and natural beauty of our House & Gardens, a captivating Georgian estate set within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped “Capability” Brown parkland.
  • Doric Temple The Doric Temple, built in the 18th century, features the sturdy columns of the Doric order. Once a focal point in the estate’s gardens, it offered views of the parkland. Inspired by ancient Greece, the temple is a key example of neoclassical design on the estate.
  • Adventure Playground One of the most exciting play areas in the South West, with a life-size pirate ship, aerial walkways, and zip wires for children up to 12 years old.
  • Golden Gates The Golden Gates, crafted in the 18th century by Sir Charles Barry, are a striking example of ironwork on the estate. Positioned at the entrance, they provide a grand welcome, symbolising the estate’s heritage.
  • Queenwood Queenwood on the estate is a peaceful woodland with mature trees, perfect for walks and wildlife. Part of the estate’s historic landscape, it offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature and explore the wider parkland.
  • Bowood Resort Our 4 AA Red Star hotel and resort provides luxury rooms and suites, a PGA golf course, luxury spa, and award-winning dining experiences.
  • Woodland Gardens Open for six weeks during the flowering season, these gardens offer breathtaking vistas of colour and beauty.
  • House & Gardens Step into the rich history and natural beauty of our House & Gardens, a captivating Georgian estate set within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped “Capability” Brown parkland.

What's On

Make Memories

<p>From garden tours to days out with the kids, find an unforgettable event.</p>

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Sporting

Bowood House Triathlon

A must in the sporting calendar - take part and enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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Music

Classic Ibiza

An open-air celebration of White Isle-inspired house music, reinvented by the 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra, headline DJs and live vocalists. 

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