Great Summer Adventure

Things to do in Wiltshire this summer

Your Great Summer Adventure at Bowood

Step into a summer of adventure at Bowood — where nature, history, and unforgettable memories come together. Whether exploring the Estate's rich heritage, immersing yourself in culture, or enjoying hands-on fun with the family, there's something for everyone.

Let the kids run wild with Mud & Guts, scale new heights with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company, and try your hand at a range of have-a-go country pursuits at the Wiltshire Game & Country Fair.

Get creative with family-friendly craft activities, or sit under the open sky for a magical outdoor theatre performance.

Discover. Explore. Reconnect.

Your summer adventure starts here—at Bowood.

2025 Earth Photo Exhibition: 23rd July - 1st September

Now, more than ever, photography has the power to draw attention to the challenges facing the natural world and our planet.

Earth Photo is a world leading international programme, established in 2018. The programme engages with still and moving image makers, across all genres. Earth Photo addresses prescient issues affecting our planet, aiming to stimulate conversations about our environment and the impact of climate change.

In partnership with Forestry England, Parker Harris and the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), Earth Photo organises exhibitions, awards and events that celebrate photography and moving images.

Earth Photo tells compelling stories about our planet, its inhabitants, its beauty, fragility, and resilience. Find out more about the Earth Photo Exhibition HERE.

The exhibition can be viewed within the Arboretum between 23rd July - 1st September.

Included within Bowood House & Gardens Day Tickets.

Purchase a Day Ticket

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust: 2nd - 10th August

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will be at Bowood House & Gardens between 2nd - 10th August with some great activities for you to get involved with.

Butterflies

Have fun completing the butterfly trail looking at butterfly cycles, with fun activities and crafts planned.

Incredible Insects

Have fun taking part in the bug hunt and insect photo hunt, along with fun themed activities and crafts planned.

Vibrant Vegetation

Enjoy taking part in a scavenger for trees and plants, with themed activities and crafts to take home such as making your own celebration tree.

All activities are included in Bowood House & Gardens Day Tickets.

Purchase a Day Ticket

Summer Activities

ARTS & CRAFTS:

Arts & Crafts will be taking place daily within the Gardeners' Bothy.

50 THINGS TO DO:

Have you completed our 50 things to do at Bowood? Available to collect from the Treehouse Cafe or download HERE.

GOLDEN COIN HUNT:

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, one Bowood 50th anniversary golden coin will be hidden deep within the grounds, look high and low and all around. Once found, return to admissions to claim your prize!

A different prize is available to win each day; keep an eye on our social media pages for more details.

Purchase a Day Ticket

Mud & Guts

Experience den building, fire lighting, game playing and fun all within an inspiring, learning and educational environment with Mud & Guts.

Morning and afternoon sessions are available on the below dates.

Thursday 31st July
Thursday 7th August
Thursday 14th August
Thursday 21st August
Thursday 28th August

PRICE: £21.50 per child

These activities are separate from our general Admission Fees and additional fees may apply. Please note that Mud & Guts activities do not require you to pay for a Day Ticket to take part, as these are both hosted outside our House & Gardens, near the main car park.

Season Ticket Holders should purchase their tickets from the Members Ticket Area.

For more information and to book a place

Big Tree Climb

The Great Big Tree Climbing Company is the largest provider of recreational tree climbing in the country and offer a safe and fun way to enjoy trees from a new perspective. All ages from 6 years old can take part and it is a great family activity. So why not test your skills and learn the techniques in rope climbing? (Separate tickets apply).

There are morning and afternoon sessions available on the below dates.

Tuesday 29th July
Wednesday 30th July
Friday 29th August
Saturday 30th August

PRICE: £30.00 per child

These activities are separate from our general Admission Fees and additional fees may apply. Please note that Big Tree Climb activities do not require you to pay for a Day Ticket to take part, as these are both hosted outside our House & Gardens, near the main car park.

Season Ticket Holders should purchase their tickets from the Members Ticket area.

For more information and to book a place

Outdoor Theatre

Pack a picnic, grab a chair or blanket and dress for the weather! Enjoy a great summer of theatre.

'Emma' by Jane Austen - This is My Theatre - Saturday 2nd August
'Macbeth’ by Shakespeare presented by The Dukes Theatre Company - Friday 15th August

All theatres and music events take place inside Bowood House & Gardens grounds; this does not include access during the day. A separate Day Ticket needs to be purchased if you wish to visit during the day.

Purchase a ticket for Emma Purchase a ticket for Macbeth

Wiltshire Game & Country Fair: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th August

Get the family involved and visit the Wiltshire Game & Country Fair for fun and have-a-go activities.

Set within beautiful surroundings with the Bowood Estate, near Calne, Wiltshire, all are welcome to see the live entertainment in the main arena, countryside activities, demonstrations and dog shows, including working gun dog tests and multi-scurry.

A large craft village, with marquees and traditional craft demonstrations, is the perfect place to buy that special gift for yourself or someone special.

So why not visit the Wiltshire Game & Country Fair for an unbeatable family day out?

More information and to purchase a ticket