Bowood is regarded as one of the best-preserved examples, with a flowing mix of plantations and sweeping lawns leading down to a mile long lake.
Like the House, the park and grounds have also undergone major changes reflecting the tastes and fortunes of the family living at Bowood over the years. The earliest painting of the house from 1725 shows that the park was laid out in a semi-formal style, with ha ha avenues, wilderness and ornamental lakes. All of this was swept away by ‘Capability’ Brown, a fashionable 18th-century garden designer, who was brought in by the 2nd Earl to landscape the park in 1762 through to 1768.
Called ‘Capability’ because he told his clients their parkland had capability for improvement. Brown said himself that his landscapes stood for ‘all the elegance and all the comforts that mankind wants in the Country’.
Bowood was landscaped when Brown was at the height of his career, creating naturalistic landscapes of sweeping lawns and wooded plantations. Brown used all his skills and experience in designing the great lake that dominates the park. Without mechanical assistance he drained the land, dammed two streams and moved earth to form the mile long lake.
In 1841, actress Fanny Kemble confirmed Brown’s achievement at Bowood: “… a home of terrestrial delights … a charming English landscape, educated with consummate taste into the very perfection of apparently natural beauty…”
Although other designers and gardeners have worked at Bowood after Brown, the 40 hectares of pleasure grounds and surrounding park have been preserved and added to over the past 250 years.
During Autumn you can expect to see the most breathtaking autumnal colours as you explore the grounds that come alive at this time of year. Awash with crisp oranges and deep red hues, it’s worth wrapping up warm and enjoying the beauty of our Arboretum. With a collection of over 700 species of trees, full of interesting and unusual trees and shrubs. Designed by ‘Capability’ Brown in 1762, it retains much of his original vision. Walking through the Arboretum an extensive range of trees can be explored, including 11 Champion trees – the tallest or largest of their kind in Britain.
Whether you are a tour operator, special interest group or planning to visit with friends and family, we have a variety of garden tours and packages at Bowood House & Gardens to suit all interests.
A guided tour of the enchanting landscape awaits you, with a flowing mix of plantations and sweeping lawns leading down to a mile long lake. Behind the Georgian house through a secret door is Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s Private Walled Garden. Offering guided tours of the four distinct one-acre square garden’s comprising of formal borders, a picking garden, glass houses and a working kitchen garden.
You may wish to book a group of 12 guests or more on to a special ‘Capability’ Brown themed garden tour. The Bowood landscape has an exceptionally interesting history which will be revealed in this special tour. The tour will include the beautiful House Terrace, overlooking the magnificent ‘Capability’ Brown landscape and lake, where the group can wander down to Hamilton’s Cascade, the Doric Temple and through the Arboretum. The tour will focus on Brown’s revolutionary visions, as well as his aesthetics and practical skills.
For more information please email houseandgardens@bowood.org or telephone 01249 810961.
Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne’s Private Walled Gardens, surrounding Bowood House.
A truly special experience as you walk through the secret door into an enchanting land of four distinctly different gardens including a formal boarder, a picking garden, the glass houses and a kitchen garden. Our tour guides tailor each visit to suit the season and the flowers in bloom, from the wandering wisteria to the wall of vibrant roses.
We offer the opportunity for guests to book onto our monthly guided tours, to view dates please click here.
For groups of 12 or more, a tour can be organised on a weekday of your choice with discounted rates. For more information please email houseandgardens@bowood.org or telephone 01249 810961.
Whether you’re a tour operator, special interest group or planning to visit with friends and family, we have a variety of group packages and guided tours for all interest.
New to Bowood House & Gardens is a bespoke educational programme for Nursery and Primary Schools. It includes a variety of topics to stimulate and inspire.
In my opinion, Bowood is important as one of the earliest examples of Brown’s fully-developed style, with perimeter belts, circuit rides, and no residual geometry. It is also, for my money, one of the best preserved examples of his work.
Tom Williamson, University of East Anglia
Bowood House & Gardens will reopen for the 2021 Season on 1st April until 1st November.
11:00am last admissions at 5:00pm, closing at 6:00pm.
Following Government Guidelines, please view a summary of the expected opening milestones below, all are subject to any changes to the Government Guidelines.
1st April 2021
-Gardens and Grounds to open.
-Treehouse Café to open for takeaways only.
-Big Spring Adventure Trail to run from 1st – 18th April.
12th April 2021
-Adventure Playground to open.
-The outdoor area only of The Den to open.
-Ice-cream Kiosk to open.
16th April 2021
-Woodland Gardens to open. (This date is to be confirmed in March)
17th May 2021
-Bowood House and Gift Shop to open.
-Soft Play to open. (To be confirmed)
-Treehouse Café, eat in to become available. (To be confirmed)
21st June 2021
-All restrictions to be eased. (To be confirmed)
-Stables Restaurant to open. (To be confirmed)
All of the above is subject to change, with following the government guidelines.
Family 1- 2 Adults + 1 Child (under 12) £34.75
Family 2- 2 Adults + 2 Children (under 12) £42.25
Family 3- 2 Adults + 3 Children (under 12) £50.00
Adult £14.25
Senior (60+) £12.00
Young Adult (13-16) £12.00
Junior (7-12) £10.75
Child (2-6) £8.75
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
Family 1- 2 Adults + 1 Child (under 12) £150.00
Family 2- 2 Adults + 2 Children (under 12) £181.00
Family 3- 2 Adults + 3 Children (under 12) £212.00
Adult £61.50
Senior (60+) £50.00
Young Adult (13-16) £50.00
Junior (7-12) £49.00
Child (2-6) £35.50
General Day Tickets will go on sale from Monday 15th March 2021.
Is Bowood House & Gardens open?
Bowood House & Gardens will reopen for the 2021 Season on 1st April until 1st November.
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 reopens from 1st April to 1st November 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?
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?
Please visit our website for 2021 pricing.
How much is a ticket to the Woodland Gardens?
Please visit our website for 2021 pricing.
How can I purchase a Season Ticket?
Please visit our website for 2021 pricing.
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 will reopen for the 2021 Season on 1st April until 1st November.
11:00am last admissions at 5:00pm, closing at 6:00pm.
Following Government Guidelines, please view a summary of the expected opening milestones below, all are subject to any changes to the Government Guidelines.
1st April 2021
-Gardens and Grounds to open.
-Treehouse Café to open for takeaways only.
-Big Spring Adventure Trail to run from 1st – 18th April.
12th April 2021
-Adventure Playground to open.
-The outdoor area only of The Den to open.
-Ice-cream Kiosk to open.
16th April 2021
-Woodland Gardens to open. (This date is to be confirmed in March)
17th May 2021
-Bowood House and Gift Shop to open.
-Soft Play to open. (To be confirmed)
-Treehouse Café, eat in to become available. (To be confirmed)
21st June 2021
-All restrictions to be eased. (To be confirmed)
-Stables Restaurant to open. (To be confirmed)
All of the above is subject to change, with following the government guidelines.
Is Bowood House & Gardens open?
Bowood House & Gardens will reopen for the 2021 Season on 1st April until 1st November.
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?