Bowood values diversity and inclusion above all and is committed to offering an accessible experience to our visitors.
We believe in providing a working environment where everyone can give their best, and we do this by encouraging mutual trust, collaboration, and respect. We want our team members to be proud of working for Bowood and we in turn want to be proud of our team.
Bowood welcomes people with disabilities and offers discounted admission for visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants. Working Assistance Dogs are also welcome. If possible we ask that the dog please wears their recognisable harness or jacket.
Please note that Bowood is a Grade I listed park. As a result, paths around the House and Grounds are gravel, therefore wheelchairs and pushchairs may find it difficult. Designated disabled parking is available, and wheelchairs can be borrowed, subject to availability. Visitors to the House may be allowed to drive to a set off point adjacent to Bowood House upon request. Please note that for safety and security reasons we would request to hold your car keys until departure.
Accessible toilets are available in the Treehouse Café and in Bowood House. Baby changing facilities are available in the Treehouse Café, located next to admissions, within Bowood House and next to the Adventure Playground. Please ask a member of the team if you require any assistance or for more information.
Please be advised our Garden Tours may be challenging for those with mobility issues or those uneasy walking over mixed terrain (we have gravel paths, so wheelchair use is not advised within the Private Walled Gardens).
Guests using a wheelchair or mobility scooter can access the upper terraces and into Bowood House via a ramp; however, the lower terraces and upper exhibition rooms within Bowood House are only accessible via stairs (hand rails available).
Walking down to the Cascade and Lake have a steep incline and please note Hermits Cave is in complete darkness we do ask to be careful when walking through here.
Please download a copy of our Map of the grounds here, which will give walking distances around the grounds.
Private Walled Garden Tour distance and walking overview.
Duration of our Garden Tours is around 90 minutes.
Total tour length
1903m (1.2 miles)
(Plus the 400m (10min walk) back to the Admissions Desk / The Treehouse Café after the tour from The Stables Pantry within the House)
Estimate total time duration
(55 minutes walking excludes tour guide talks/discussion, so please allow 90 minutes)
If your tour guide offers (time permitting) to walk your group down to the Cascades, Hermit Cave and The Doric Temple please be advised this is a steep decline and then incline on route back, so an additional 30 minutes walk.
Please be advised: there is limited seating within ‘The Private Walled Garden’
Open from mid-April to early – June.
There are over two miles of pathways throughout the Woodland Gardens.
Please note that wheelchair access to remote areas of the park can be limited as there are some paths with fairly steep gradients and different terrains. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available near the Admission Kiosk.
The Woodland Gardens are a separate attraction and have a separate entrance to Bowood House & Gardens. The entrance is just off the A342, Devizes Road, between Derry Hill and Sandy Lane villages. If using Sat Nav please use the postcode SN11 9PG.
Parking is available, free of charge, adjacent to the Admissions Kiosk. Toilets are available at the entrance by the Admissions Kiosk.
Bowood’s Culture
We believe in providing a working environment where everyone can give their best, we do this through encouraging mutual trust, collaboration, respect, and encouraging everyone to accept the concept of individual responsibility. We want our team members to be proud of working for Bowood and we in turn want to be proud of our team.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We strive to promote a working environment that values employees as individuals, an environment that encourages diversity and inclusion and appreciates the business benefits these principles bring. We are committed to allowing our teams to reach maximum potential by providing opportunities to learn and develop.
You can read our full Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.
