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- Bowood’s Terrace Gardens
Visitor Information
Bowood's Terrace Gardens
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 Opening Hours
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
House & Gardens Ticket Prices
Bowood House & Gardens will reopen for the 2023 season from 1st April – 1st November. 10:00 – 17:00, last admissions 16:00 daily.
2023 Day Ticket Prices:
- Family option 1 (2 Adults + 1 Child aged 12 and under) – £40.00
- Family option 2 (2 Adults + 2 Children or 1 Adult + 3 Children aged 12 and under) – £48.60
- Family option 3 (2 Adults + 3 Children aged 12 and under) – £57.80
- Adult (17+) – £16.40
- Senior (60+) – £13.80
- Young Adult (13-16) – £13.80
- Junior (7-12) – £12.40
- Child (2-6) – £10.00
Available to purchase online HERE
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 Pantry located within the House offers light 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
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 Opening Hours
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
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 Pantry located within the House offers light 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
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