Bowood House sits within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland and has been home to the Lansdowne family since 1754.
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.
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.
Bowood’s Changing Landscape
In 1754 John, 1st Earl of Shelburne purchased a fairly standard designed landscape with straight vistas cutting through woodland to give controlled views to and from the house. The newly built house was surrounded by a semi-formal garden with avenues of trees and there was a rectangular lake to the east.
Probably the most significant changes to Bowood’s landscape are Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s redesign of the park with the introduction of the magnificent lake in the 1760s and, more recently, the opening to the public in 1972, and the creation of the championship standard golf course in 1992.
Our 2023 exhibition is a celebration of the many changes – driven by both fashion and economy – that have occurred over the last 269 years to Bowood’s landscape.
Image: The Lake, Bowood, c.1890
In this auspicious year of King Charles III’s Coronation, we are displaying the Marquis and Marchioness’ Peer Robes. These can be viewed within Bowood House.
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.
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
Bowood House & Gardens will reopen for the 2023 season from 1st April – 1st November.
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 with last admissions at 16:00 daily.
Treehouse Café opens from 9:30 – 17:00
Bowood House & Gift Shop opens from 10:00 – 16:30 last entry at 16:00
Adventure Playground and The Den closes at 16:45
2023 Day Ticket Prices:
Available to purchase online HERE
FACILITIES:
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 14th 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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