One of the special glories of Bowood, encompassing almost every period of English garden design from the early Georgian period.
The south-facing Terrace Gardens in front of the Georgian House were commissioned by the 3rd Marquess to remind him of his time in Italy. The upper terrace, designed by Sir Robert Smirke, was completed in 1818 and the lower terrace, designed by George Kennedy, was added in 1851.
The upper and lower terraces are separated by ornamental stone balustrades decorated with urns overflowing with colourful plants. These four urns at the bottom of the central steps were taken from the balustrade of the Big House when it was demolished in 1955. So too are the charming recumbent lions that once looked down from the stone entrance gateposts.
Fountains of trickling water are surrounded by colourful formal beds edged with box hedging. Spring brings delightful tulips, succeeded in summer by aliums and Corinda geraniums. the summer roses provide a profusion of fragrant blossom. The distinctive leaning yews were planted in 1900, over the years they have grown towards the sun creating a unique design.
From every angle a remarkable view can be had of the parkland created by ‘Capability’ Brown. He has left a legacy that continues to epitomise the meaning of an ‘English country garden’.
Bowood House & Gardens is now closed for the 2020 Season. We look forward to welcoming you back in the Spring 2021.
Pricing and details for 2021 Day Tickets will be available in the Spring.
Unfortunately, only assistance dogs are permitted inside the Grounds of Bowood House & Gardens. Students are charged at our normal group rates. All visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants are charged at half the normal admission rate. Children under 2 years old are complimentary and do not need a ticket.
Pricing and details for 2021 Season Tickets will be available in the Spring
Is Bowood House & Gardens open?
Bowood House & Gardens has now closed for the 2020 Season. We look forward to welcoming you back in Spring 2021.
Is Bowood House & Gardens fully accessible?
Bowood welcomes people with disabilities and offers half-price admissions for visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants. Working Assistance Dogs are also welcome.
Please also note paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore Wheelchairs and Pushchairs may find it difficult. 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.
Are bicycles, tricyles, scooters and skateboards allowed in to the Grounds?
No wheeled forms of travel are allowed within the Grounds. Parking is available opposite the Admissions point and bicycles may be left in our car park area but entirely at the owner’s risk. If you choose to cycle to visit us, please be aware that the roadways are very narrow.
Pushchairs are allowed.
Are dogs allowed into Bowood grounds?
Only working Assistance Dogs are permitted at Bowood House & Gardens. During the six week season that the Woodland Gardens (a separate attraction on the estate are open late April to early June), here dogs are permitted in that area only, provided they are kept on a lead.
Can I take photographs?
Amateur photography and filming is allowed within the Grounds of Bowood. No photography/film is allowed within the House. For professional photoshoot and filming requests please contact reception@bowood.org or 01249 812102.
Can I bring a Drone?
Drone’s are not allowed on the estate.
Is Bowood a National Trust property?
Bowood House & Gardens is not part of the National Trust but is privately owned the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne.
Are baby changing facilities available?
Baby changing facilities are available, please ask a member of the team.
Where can I get refreshments?
Picnics are allowed anywhere within the grounds (except the Terraces by the House) and picnic benches are provided.
We regret that barbeques are not permitted anywhere within the Grounds including the car park.
How do I get 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 and Gardens.
Train – The nearest main line station is at Chippenham. Taxis are available or take the 55 bus to Studley crossroads.
Which entrance do I use?
The entrance to the Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is through the Golden Gates opposite the Lansdowne Arms public house in Derry Hill. There is no access from here to the House & Gardens.
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.
The Woodland Gardens (open from late 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 main Admission point.
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 810961 for all group booking enquiries.
For more information, please call: 01249 812 102 or email: reception@bowood.org
If you have a question about your visit to Bowood, you might find it here.
Are you currently open to the public?
Bowood House & Gardens is now closed for the 2020 Season, we look forward to welcoming you back in Spring 2021.
I’m a member of the Historic Houses, do I get complimentary entry to Bowood House & Gardens?
Yes, you are welcome to visit Bowood House & Gardens, but only up to 3 complimentary visits. The membership does not include the Woodland Gardens.
I’m a Corporate member of the Historic Houses, do I get complimentary entry to Bowood House & Gardens?
No, I am afraid we do not accept Corporate HHA memberships at Bowood House & Gardens or the Woodland Gardens.
I’m a member of the RHS, do I get complimentary entry to Bowood House & Gardens?
No, however you do get complimentary entry to Bowood Woodland Gardens (open late April to early June, 11:00am to 06:00pm)
Do I have to buy a ticket online?
Day Tickets are only available to purchase online in advance.
Are wheelchairs available?
Wheelchairs are available at the House & Gardens on a first come first serve basis.
How much is a ticket to Bowood House & Gardens?
2021 pricing will be available in the coming months.
How much is a ticket to the Woodland Gardens?
2021 pricing will be available in the coming months.
How can I purchase a Season Ticket?
Season Tickets will be available to purchase in Spring 2021.
How do I book a Birthday party?
Birthday Parties are available during Bowood House & Gardens open season. Please call 01249 812 102 or email houseandgardens@bowood.org
I bought tickets online can I change the date?
Once purchased online, tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Is swimming in the lake allowed?
Swimming or paddling in the lake, cascade, or fountains is strictly forbidden.
Is fishing on the lake allowed?
Fishing on the lake is by annual permit only; day tickets are not available. Please call 01249 812102 for more information.
What happens in inclement weather?
Please note that during inclement weather, the Flying Fox (zip wire) and large outdoor slides will be closed, however all other attractions remain unaffected. There are no reductions/discounts available in poor weather. Bowood management reserves the right to close the House and Gardens in exceptional circumstances.
Can I leave my car overnight?
There are no overnight parking or camping facilities on the Estate. Accommodation is available at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Can I camp in the grounds or the car park?
There are no overnight parking or camping facilities on the Estate. Accommodation is available at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Are dogs allowed into Bowood grounds?
Only working Assistance Dogs are permitted at Bowood. During the six week season that the Woodland Gardens are open, dogs are permitted in that area only, provided they are kept on a lead.
Can I bring a Drone?
Drones are not allowed on the estate.
For more information, please call: 01249 812 102 or email: reception@bowood.org
Bowood House & Gardens is now closed for the 2020 Season. We look forward to welcoming you back in the Spring 2021.
Is Bowood House & Gardens open?
Bowood House & Gardens has now closed for the 2020 Season. We look forward to welcoming you back in Spring 2021.
Is Bowood House & Gardens fully accessible?
Bowood welcomes people with disabilities and offers half-price admissions for visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants. Working Assistance Dogs are also welcome.
Please also note paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore Wheelchairs and Pushchairs may find it difficult. 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.
Are bicycles, tricyles, scooters and skateboards allowed in to the Grounds?
No wheeled forms of travel are allowed within the Grounds. Parking is available opposite the Admissions point and bicycles may be left in our car park area but entirely at the owner’s risk. If you choose to cycle to visit us, please be aware that the roadways are very narrow.
Pushchairs are allowed.
Are dogs allowed into Bowood grounds?
Only working Assistance Dogs are permitted at Bowood House & Gardens. During the six week season that the Woodland Gardens (a separate attraction on the estate are open late April to early June), here dogs are permitted in that area only, provided they are kept on a lead.
Can I take photographs?
Amateur photography and filming is allowed within the Grounds of Bowood. No photography/film is allowed within the House. For professional photoshoot and filming requests please contact reception@bowood.org or 01249 812102.
Can I bring a Drone?
Drone’s are not allowed on the estate.
Is Bowood a National Trust property?
Bowood House & Gardens is not part of the National Trust but is privately owned the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne.
Are baby changing facilities available?
Baby changing facilities are available, please ask a member of the team.
Where can I get refreshments?
Picnics are allowed anywhere within the grounds (except the Terraces by the House) and picnic benches are provided.
We regret that barbeques are not permitted anywhere within the Grounds including the car park.
We have noticed that you could save money if you purchased a family ticket instead
Would you like us to add a family ticket to your basket?