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One of the Grand Stately Homes in Wiltshire
Bowood House sits within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland and has been home to the Lansdowne family since 1754.
Visitor Information
Family History
Home to the Lansdowne family since 1754.
The Bowood Estate was bought in 1754 by the 1st Earl of Shelburne, his descendants have lived here ever since. Not simply landowners, the Petty-Fitzmaurices have served in public office almost continuously for over 200 years.
The changing fortunes of the family, through difficult and easier times, are reflected in the evolution of Bowood.
ViewState Rooms
Bowood House hosts a wealth of unique art and antiques with many historical treasures.
Explore the family Library and Chapel, the room where Joseph Priestley discovered Oxygen in 1774, the Sculpture Gallery, the Orangery and a range of exhibition rooms.
Nearly 300 years of amazing artefacts and antiques from the family history are on display.
view2024 Bowood House Exhibition
‘A New Pure Air’: Joseph Priestley and the Discovery of Oxygen
The 1st of August 2024 marks the 250th anniversary of oxygen being ‘discovered’ in the Laboratory at Bowood House. Whilst employed by William, 2nd Earl of Shelburne (later 1st Marquess of Lansdowne) Dr Joseph Priestley undertook some of his most important scientific work on gases. Everyday millions of people benefit from inventions inspired by Priestley’s breakthroughs.
Find out morePrivate Hire & Events
An exquisite setting to hold an event.
Benefit from a backdrop of one of England’s finest Georgian House with an event site combining acres of space and stunning beauty and unrivalled accessibility.
The Gardeners’ Bothy, available for private hire. The perfect setting for talks, courses, meetings, seminars and private family celebrations.
viewFilm and Photography Location
Bowood Estate, in the heart of Wiltshire is an ideal location for shooting films and photo shoots.
The private Georgian House sits amongst stunning scenery offering far reaching views across the ‘Capability’ Brown landscape.
For more information, please telephone the Events Team on 01249 810 961 or email Sarah Forwood – s.forwood@bowood.org
viewBowood House & Gardens Opening Hours
Bowood House & Gardens is now open, Friday 29th March – 3rd November 2024 daily.
Opening hours: 10:30 – 17:30 with last admissions at 16:30 daily. (Daylight saving hours: From 27th October to 3rd November everything will close 30 minutes earlier).
- Treehouse Café: 10:00 – 17:30
- Adventure Playground: 10:30 – 17:15 (Equipment locked from 17:00)
- The Den and Activity Barn: 10:30 – 17:15
- Bowood House and Gift Shop: 10:30 – 17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)
- The Stables Café: 11:00 – 17:00 (Lunch between 12:00 -14:00, Cream Tea between 14:30 – 16:30)
House & Gardens Day Ticket Prices
Bowood House & Gardens is open daily from Friday 29th March till 3rd November 2024.
2024 Day Ticket prices are available to purchase online and on the day at admissions.
Please note: Bowood House & Gardens will continue to operate as a cash free site.
Adult (17+) – £17.20
Senior (60+) – £14.50
Young Adult (13-16 years) £14.50
Junior (7-12 years) – £13.00
Child (2-6 years) – £10.50Family ‘Option 1’. 2 Adults + 1 Child under 12 years – £42.00
Family ‘Option 2’. 2 Adults + 2 Children under 12 years or 1 Adult + 3 Children under 12 years – £51.00
Family ‘Option 3’. 2 Adults + 3 Children under 12 years – £60.70Help conserve Bowood for future generations and travel the greener way to Bowood House & Gardens via public transport or bicycle. You will receive a 20% discount off your day ticket, only available at admissions (not valid on Woodland Gardens tickets) must show your proof of travel by bus, train or bike on arrival at admissions.
Bowood House & Gardens Facilities
FACILITIES:
- The Treehouse Café is located by admissions, and the café offers a range of sandwiches, paninis, wraps, etc. with a selection of fillings.
- The Stables Café is located in Bowood House, serving a seasonal hot and cold buffet, cream teas, and refreshments.
- Conveniently located in the middle of the Adventure Playground, the Ice Cream Kiosk is open during school holidays and weekends.
- Complimentary car park available next to admissions. Please do not leave pets in parked cars. If you use our car parks, you do so at your own risk. Bowood is not able to accept any responsibility for damage, accidents, or losses.
- Designated 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.
- Toilets are available within the Treehouse Café, next to admissions, next to the Adventure Playground, and within Bowood House.
- Accessible toilets are initially provided in the Treehouse Café. Baby changing facilities are available in the Treehouse Café and next to the Adventure Playground. Please ask a member of the team if you require any assistance.
- Picnics are allowed anywhere within the grounds (except the Terraces by the House) and picnic benches are provided.
- Barbeques are not permitted anywhere within the Grounds including the car park.
- Only working Assistance Dogs are permitted at Bowood House & Gardens
- Please also note paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore Wheelchairs and Pushchairs may find it difficult.
- Bowood House & Gardens will continue to operate as a cash free site.
- Children’s Activities are available here at Bowood, click here
Bowood House & Gardens Find Us
HOUSE & GARDENS
What3words address: ///wacky.admire.spurted will get you to our Studley entrance gates for Bowood House & Gardens.Can I travel to Bowood using public transport?
Bus – Routes 33 and X33 (Chippenham to Devizes) go through Derry Hill Village.
Route 55 stops on the A4 close to the turning into Derry Hill Village.
It is approximately 1½ miles from the entrance gate to Admissions for the House & Gardens.Train – The nearest mainline station is Chippenham. Taxis are available or you can take the 55 bus to Studley crossroads.
Which entrance do I use?
The entrance to the House and Gardens is at the other end of Derry Hill village, just off the A4. You will enter via a White Gate. If using Satellite Navigation, please use postcode SN11 9NF.All are signposted from the A4 and A342.
Please note: There is no access from the Golden Gates entrance to Bowood Hotel, Spa, and Golf Resort opposite the Lansdowne Arms public house in Derry Hill.The Woodland Gardens (open from 12th April to early June) are located off the A342 between Derry Hill and Sandy Lane. For Satellite Navigation please use the postcode SN11 9PG.
Is there a car and coach park at Bowood?
Free parking is available opposite the Treehouse Café and the main Admission point as well as the Woodland Gardens.Can coaches drop passengers at Bowood House?
It is possible for coaches to drop off and collect passengers from the House by prior arrangement. Please call 01249 812 102 for all group booking enquiries.For more information, please call: 01249 812 102 or email: reception@bowood.org
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