A 70ft long and 8ft deep herbaceous border
Having passed through the yew arches at the eastern end of the lower terrace the visitor is presented with the spectacular view across the lake to the temple in the far distance.
Turning left towards the north, the path runs parallel to the Dowager Terrace. Originally an eight foot grass verge separated the path from the terrace wall. Six years ago Rosie Abel Smith our Garden Consultant with David Glass our Head Gardener and his small team planted an herbaceous border along the whole length. This stunning border divided into bays radiates colour from spring through to the first winter frosts.
Bowood Gardens & Grounds are now open for the 2021 season daily until 1st November.
Open from 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. (Excluding the Wendy House, Flying Fox and Ball Pit.)
-The outdoor area only of The Den to open.
-Ice-cream Kiosk to open.
23rd April 2021
-Woodland Gardens to open.
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.
All visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants are charged at half the normal admission rate. This must be purchased on the day at Admissions. You do not need to book Adventure Playground slots in advance, these can be booked on the day at a first come first served basis. 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
Unfortunately, only assistance dogs are permitted inside the Grounds of Bowood House & Gardens.
All visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants are charged at half the normal admission rate. This must be purchased on the day at Admissions. Children under 2 years old are complimentary and do not need a ticket.
The Woodland Gardens open from Friday 23rd April at 11am for the flowering season, closing early June 2021.
Pricing:
Adult: £7.50
Senior / Young Adult £6.50
Children under 12 – Free
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads.
Entrance to the Woodland Gardens is complimentary for Season Ticket Holders.
All visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants are charged at half the normal admission rate. This must be purchased at Admissions on the day. All dogs kept on leads are allowed within the Woodland Gardens, open from 23rd April to early June.
Is Bowood House & Gardens open?
Bowood Gardens & Grounds are now open daily for the 2021 Season, until 1st November. Following Government Guidelines, please CLICK HERE to view a summary of the expected opening milestones, all are subject to any changes to the Government Guidelines.
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 Gardens & Grounds are now open for the 2021 Season daily from 11am; last admissions at 5pm, closing at 6pm, until 1st November. The Adventure Playground and the outdoor areas of The Den are open. The House will reopen on Monday 17th May. Following Government Guidelines please view a list of our opening dates HERE.
I’m a member of the Historic Houses, do I get complimentary entry to Bowood House & Gardens?
Yes, you can visit Bowood House & Gardens only, up to 3 times on a complimentary basis. You must show your card on arrival. The offer is not available to those holding a Corporate membership. The Woodland Gardens is not included in the offer.
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?
RHS members receive complimentary entry to Bowood Woodland Gardens only. Please note the Woodland Gardens are open from Friday 23rd April to early-June. Tickets will be available to pre-book online from Tuesday 6th April.
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 not currently available. For more information, 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.
Please note: Disabled and carer tickets, receive a 50% discount, only available to purchase on the day at Admissions.
For more information, please call: 01249 812 102 or email: reception@bowood.org
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