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’.