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 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
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
FACILITIES:
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?