EDUCATIONAL VISITS TO BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS

School Visits

Join us for an immersive experience where you’ll explore the marvels of nature and dive into our vibrant local history. Each session is filled with engaging activities, interactive demonstrations, and captivating stories designed to spark a lifetime of curiosity.

Useful Information

Numbers and Ratios:

For every five paying children we allow one complimentary adult. Staff who are employed in a 1:1 role for children with educational needs have complimentary entry. Please note that children are the responsibility of the lead teacher at all times.

Pricing and Payment:
2025 prices coming soon, please enquire now for each child for groups of 15 or more children. This includes entry into Bowood House & Gardens, an educational session lasting between 90-120 minutes including a tour of the grounds, and access to self-led activities for the afternoon. Full payment must be made 14 days prior to the visit.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information.

Bowood House & Gardens opens from 10:30 – 17:30, (last admissions 16:30)
1st April - 2nd November 2025
You will have access to The Gardener’s Bothy which will act as your base for the day.

We are happy to provide support with completing risk assessments and share our own risk assessments with you if needed. Please note that we have areas of open water, so you may need your risk assessment approved at Local Authority level. We have a First Aid Hut within the Adventure Playground located behind the Kiosk. Each department on site is equipped with a first aid kit, but you may find it more practical to bring your own compact kit, including individual children’s inhalers and medication.

Our Gardens and Grounds are shared with members of the public. We recognise that for children with Sensory Processing Disorders, or those who have additional needs, you may require additional information. Please consult with our staff if applicable.

Most of the paths across Bowood House & Gardens are gravel with a few cobbled areas. The paths close to The Gardener’s Bothy are relatively flat, but some areas are steep and can be slippery in damp weather. Areas of steep incline are marked on the map.

The Gardener’s Bothy has one step at the main entrance. Most of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible, except for the Rose Gardens on the lower terrace. The ground floor of the House is accessible by standard sized wheelchairs.
Please discuss any accessibility queries with our staff when booking so we can provide support and guidance.

Accessible toilets are located in:
-Bowood House
-Treehouse Café
-The Gardeners’ Bothy

BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS SESSIONS

Step into a world where nature excels in the most remarkable ways at Bowood House & Gardens. Embark on a journey where learning literally comes alive.

‘Sleeping Seeds’ (EYFS & KS1)
– With adaptable content for younger or older students, this session exposes children to a wide variety ofseeds and plants around the grounds of Bowood. From identifying living and non-living things to determining what a seed or plant needsto survive. An exciting and engaging introduction to the wonders of our natural world.

‘Roots and Shoots’ (Lower KS2)
– By comparing plants and discussing environmental changes, children can explore how growth can be changed or altered. We look into the functional features in a variety of plants throughout the vast gardens and hidden depths of the arboretum.

‘Leaves and Lungs’ (Upper KS2)
– The scientific processes of gas exchange and the co-dependency between animals and plants can be seenbefore your very eyes. We bring history to life based on the incredible discovery of oxygen by Joseph Priestley and leave you in awe of his phenomenal work.

Enquire now

THE CYCLE OF LIFE SESSIONS

Join us for an enchanting school visit to Bowood’s Walled Gardens, where the magic of nature surrounds you and you are immersed in every stage of ‘The Cycle of Life.’

‘Seed Searching’ (EYFS & KS1)
– Within the walled gardens, children can investigate how different plants produce different seeds and how the power of nature enables them to be carried far and wide. The life cycle of a plant is seen in all stages while in the safe and secure enclosed garden.

‘Birds and Bees’ (Lower KS2)
– The vital role of insects and minibeasts in the process of plant reproduction is witnessed first hand within the walled gardens. Vibrant colours and sweet smells support the fertilisation process and children can peep in between petals to identify there productive parts of a flower.

‘Pollinate or Propagate’ (Upper KS2)
– The walled gardens are the perfect place to investigate how different plants reproduce. Fromskipping out the seed cycle, sending out runners and grafting fruit trees; it can all be discovered within our four gardens. Propagating plants and nurturing them to grow is an opportunity not to be missed.

Enquire now

A SENSE OF WONDER

‘A Sense of Wonder’ at Bowood’s Walled Gardens promises a day of delight, discovery, and memories that will linger long after the visit ends. Come along and let your senses dance in the realm of nature’s beauty.

‘Sights and Smells’ (EYFS & KS1)
– A session designed for children to stop and see every small detail in the safety of our garden, from patterns to shapes and more. Familiar smells and discovering where they come from is also a delightful way to illustrate the uses of plants in our everyday life.

‘Taste and Touch’ (Lower KS2)
– The walled gardens are bursting with flavour which we can’t wait to share with you. A world of textures and sensations are desperate to be touched under the watchful eye of our guides. This session invites children to brave the unknown and trust their super senses.

‘Five Senses’ (Upper KS2)
– This session asks big questions to provoke debates on plants being helpful or harmful to our bodies. We put oursenses to the test and see if they are good at keeping us safe from harm. A powerful session that aims to educate children on theincredible substances plants can produce.

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OVERVIEW OF ALL SESSIONS

Although sessions can take place in isolation, we recommend booking 3 visits across the year to truly see the changes in nature and build on previous knowledge and understanding.

Our sessions are progressive in content, with coverage across the EYFS, National Curriculum programmes of study in science and working scientifically.

Enquire now

NON EDUCATIONAL VISITS

Year 6 Leavers Days Out available early-mid July

2025 prices to be confirmed. aged 12 years and under. For groups of 15 or more children.

Includes access to Bowood House and Terrace Gardens, Arboretum, Doric Temple, Cascade and Hermits Cave. Children have access to The Adventure Playground (for 12yrs and under) and The Den (for 7yrs and under).

For every five paying children we allow one complimentary adult. Staff who are employed in a 1:1 role for children with educational needs have complimentary entry. Please note that children are the responsibility of the lead teacher at all times.

For more information and to book a No Education School Group Visit to Bowood House & Gardens, please email our Group Sales Coordinator – Lisa Kent on

l.kent@bowood.org or call 01249 810968.

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