A garden made up of four distinctly different one-acre squares.
Welcomed by a profusion of colour and fragrance, from tulips, roses, lavender, peonies, hydrangeas, honeysuckle and many other plants. The garden includes a 250 metre formal borders, a picking garden, working greenhouses and a kitchen garden full of fruits and vegetables.
In spring, one of the most striking sights of all is the arched arbors covered with trailing wisteria flowers over the pathways. You will see our large selection of wall climbing plants and wall climbing roses. Also our spectacular mixed boarders. Visitors can learn which flowers thrive in the beating sun and the cool shady spots as you pass each border from north to south. You will be amazed by the inspiring use of wall space and vertical gardening. The long border still holds an Osmanthus Birkwood, planted by Sir Harold Hillier over forty years ago. It must now be a Champion, it is over eighteen feet high.
What you can expect to see:
April, will be tulips, possible Wisteria in flower and some late spring blossom.
May and June, the wall climbing roses to be out and one of the most striking sights of all is the arched arbors covered with trailing Wisteria flowers over the pathways.
July and August, the roses will be in full bloom and everything will be out in our mixed borders.
On all tours you will see our large selection of wall climbing plants throughout the Wall Garden and House, along with our spectacular mixed boarders.
Closed to the public but available for group bookings and for visitors to book onto our Individual Private Walled Garden Guided Tours throughout the season.
Please note: The tour requires around 90 minutes of walking, with limited seating. The paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore Wheelchairs and Pushchairs may find it difficult. We have a ramp leading onto the top terrace, however there are steps leading to the lower terrace.
We offer a number of dates throughout the season to visit Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s award-winning Private Walled Garden. All tours are tailored to suit the season and the flowers in bloom; from wonderful wisteria to the vibrant wall of roses.
Individuals can join a Private Walled Garden Tour.
Morning Tours including lunch – £36.50 per person
2023 dates as below:
Meet at Admission at 10:30, where you will be met by a tour guide. The tour includes a 90-minute guided tour. After the tour, you are welcome to wander the gardens, grounds, and Bowood House at your leisure and then enjoy a one course lunch. Please note Bowood closes at 17:00.
10:30 Arrive at Admissions
10:45 – Tea and coffee on arrival
11:00 – Tour to commence.
12:30 – Enjoy a one-course lunch.
13:30/14:00 – Free to explore the grounds.
Afternoon Tours including a Cream Tea – £33.00 per person
2023 dates as below.
Meet at Admissions for 12:45, where you will be met by a tour guide. The tour includes a 90-minute guided tour. After or before your tour, you are welcome to wander the gardens, grounds, and Bowood House at your leisure. Then after the tour enjoy a Cream Tea. Please note Bowood House & Gardens opens from 10:00 and closes at 17:00.
12:45 – Guests to arrive at Admissions
13:00 – Tour to commence
14:30 – Enjoy a Cream Tea.
Please note, these tours require around 90 minutes of walking with limited seating. The paths around the House and Grounds are gravel therefore Wheelchairs and Pushchairs may find it difficult, there is also steps leading down into the lower terrace.
A tour can be organised on a weekday of your choice with discounted rates.
Groups of 15 or more can enjoy an exclusive tour of Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s award-winning Private Walled Garden. A truly special experience as our experienced guides tailor each tour to suit the season and the flowers in bloom, from the trailing wisteria to a wall of climbing roses.
To book a group tour please contact our Groups Sales Coordinator Lisa Kent. Email: l.kent@bowood.org or call 01249 810968
If you have a question about your visit to Bowood, you may find it here.
