Woodland Gardens

Now closed

Will re open in 2025, mid April to early June.

Bowood's Woodland Gardens

Woodland Gardens now closed.

There are over two miles of pathways throughout the Woodland Gardens.

A separate attraction on the Bowood Estate, only open for 6 weeks during the flowering season from Friday 12th April to Sunday 2nd June 2024. Covering over 30 acres, this garden is an oasis of bluebells, azaleas, magnolias, and rhododendrons. Considered to be one of the most exciting gardens of its type in the country with over 30 hardy hybrids, which were thought to be extinct.

Please note that wheelchair access to remote areas of the park can be limited as there are some paths with fairly steep gradients and different terrains. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available near the Admission Kiosk.

The Woodland Gardens are a separate attraction and have a separate entrance to Bowood House & Gardens. The entrance is just off the A342, Devizes Road, between Derry Hill and Sandy Lane villages. If using Sat Nav please use the postcode SN11 9PG.

Parking is available, free of charge, adjacent to the Admissions Kiosk. Toilets are available at the entrance by the Admissions Kiosk.

Refreshments at the Woodland Gardens will be provided by The Nosh Box, which are located next to the admission entrance. A selection of home-made cakes and locally sourced tea and coffee will be available from a vintage horse trailer that has been lovingly restored. Cash and card payments accepted. Picnic benches available.

Benches are located throughout the Woodland Gardens.

2025 prices coming soon…

 

A horticulturist's paradise

The Jubilee Garden is a four acre section of planting within the Woodland Gardens.

Originally laid out around 1854 by the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne. Maintaining this family tradition, the new addition to the Rhododendron Walks has involved a 12-year labour of love for the present Marquis, who started planting in the wood that is known as ‘The Jubilee Garden’ in 2006.

The Woodland Gardens surround the family mausoleum, one of Robert Adam’s finest classical buildings, which was commissioned in 1761 by the widow of the 1st Earl of Shelburne. Recently, the Woodland Gardens have been the subject of one of the most exciting and significant horticultural finds – over 30 original hardy hybrids which were thought to be extinct. The original plants date back to when the garden was first planted by the 3rd Marquis of Lansdowne in 1854. The present Marquis’s great grandfather substantially expanded the gardens on his return from India where he had been Viceroy.

WOODLAND GARDENS GUIDED TOUR

Join an exclusive guided tour of Bowood’s spectacular Woodland Gardens, 2025 prices and dates coming soon…

As you are led along the rides by your expert tour guide, each step opens a new vista of breathtaking beauty, from the minute detail of the individual flower to the grand sweep of colours formed by hundreds of shrubs.

catering at the woodland gardens

THE NOSH BOX

Refreshments at the Woodland Gardens will be provided by The Nosh Box. A selection of home-made cakes and locally sourced tea and coffee will be available, served from a quirky, vintage horse trailer that has been lovingly restored. Located by the admission kisok. They accept both cash and card. They will also have picnic benches available.
Image credit: Diane Vose

Dogs welcome at the Woodland Gardens

The perfect walk, with ‘man’s best friend’ over two miles of winding paths intersecting the valleys.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.