PLAN A GROUP VISIT AT WILTSHIRE HOUSE & GARDENS
Group Visits
Group Admission
Home of the Lansdowne Family, Bowood House lies in 2,000 acres of Grade 1 listed ‘Capability’ Brown parkland. Explore the rich and fascinating history of Bowood with tours of the historic house, gardens and parkland.
GROUP ADMISSION TO HOUSE & GARDENS
(15+ people)
Open from 1st April - 2nd November 2025
Adult (18+) £14.00
Senior (60+) £12.00
Group Admission
Another must see, is the spectacular Woodland Garden (open six weeks in the Spring) offering vibrant colours from over 30 acres of bluebells, azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons.
GROUP ADMISSION TO WOODLAND GARDEN
(15+ people)
Open mid April to early June 2025
Adult (18+) £8.00
Senior (60+) £7.00
Woodland Garden Group Visits
Open from mid April to early June 2025, 10:30 - 17:30, last admissions 16:30.
The Woodland Garden is one of the most exciting gardens of its type in Wiltshire, with unusual plants some thought to be extinct. Bursting into colour in spring the bluebells, magnolias, azaleas and rhododendrons are enchanting. Located two miles from Bowood House, this secluded garden offers a serene atmosphere perfect for groups. While the Woodland Garden is closed for the 2024 season, groups can plan visits for 2025, with tours available from mid-April to early June. This seasonal attraction can be paired with a visit to the main House & Gardens for a full day of exploration.
(For groups of 15 or more.)
WOODLAND GARDEN ADMISSION ONLY (Excluding Tour)
Adult (18+): £8.00
Senior (60+): £7.00
WOODLAND GARDEN PLUS BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS ADMISSION (Excluding Tour)
Adult (18+): £19.00
Senior (60+): £17.00
WOODLAND GARDEN TOUR
Join an exclusive guided tour of Bowood’s spectacular Woodland Garden.
Adult (18+): £13.00
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
• Admission to Woodland Garden.
• 90-minute tour.
Please note: The Woodland Garden will require walking on some uneven terrain and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
NEW for 2025, The History of Bowood Talk
(For groups of 15 or more.)
Adult (18+): £15.50
An introductory talk, providing an outline of the 270-year history of Bowood under the stewardship of the Lansdowne family.
TALK INCLUSIONS:
• Admission to Bowood House & Gardens.
• Lasts approx. 20 minutes, with additional 10 minutes for Q&A’s.
Following any House Tour or Talk, visitors have the opportunity to continue with self-guided access of the House, Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, (including the Arboretum, Doric Temple, Cascade and Hermits Cave). Access to the Walled Garden is available from 12:00-16:00.
Bowood House Tour
Steeped in history, Bowood House has been home to the Lansdowne family since 1754 and has seen vast changes over the years. A visit to the House & Gardens can be tailored to suit both those wishing to spend a full day or an enjoyable short visit between other attractions.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Queen Victoria’s wedding chair.
- Napoleaon’s death mask.
- Laboratory in which Dr. Joseph Priestley identified Oxygen gas.
- Collection of art and historical treasures.
Adult (18+): £17.50
Your guide will uncover the history of Bowood House and the evolution of the wider Estate.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
• Admission to Bowood House & Gardens.
• 60-minute tour to include; sculpture gallery, orangery, library, chapel, laboratory and exhibition rooms. (Excludes the private areas of the House.)
(Groups of 15 or more.)
Garden Tour
An exclusive opportunity for groups of 15 or more, the 90-minute Garden Tour offers a tranquil and immersive exploration of Bowood’s four-acre walled garden, and also includes admissions into the House & Gardens. Each of the four sections showcases seasonal blooms, from cascading wisteria to walls of climbing roses, creating a picturesque and ever-changing display. Guided tours are led by our expert team, who adapt the experience based on the season, offering insights into the garden’s design and plant varieties.
Adult (18+): £19.00
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
• Admission to Bowood House & Gardens.
• 90-minute tour.
Only morning garden tours have exclusive access to the Walled Garden, prior to general opening between 12:00-16:00.
Following the tour, visitors have the opportunity to continue with self-guided access of the House, Gardens and Pleasure Grounds. (including the Arboretum, Doric Temple, Cascade and Hermits
Cave).
Please note: This tour requires walking on some uneven terrain and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Historic Parkland Tour
Bowood is considered to be one of ‘Capability’ Brown’s finest landscapes. An expert guide will lead groups of 15 or more, through the Pleasure Grounds to explore how Bowood’s landscape and architecture has evolved over the years.
Adult (18+): £18.00
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
• Admission to Bowood House & Gardens.
• 60-minute tour.
Following the tour, visitors have the opportunity to continue with self-guided access of the House, Gardens and Pleasure Grounds (including the Arboretum, Doric Temple, Cascade and Hermits Cave). Access to the Walled Garden is available from 12:00-16:00.
Please note: This tour requires walking on some uneven terrain and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Special Interest Groups
Does your Group have a specific interest?
House Tours can be requested to focus on a specific theme to suit your group, i.e. Priestley’s Scientific Discovery, Art - The Watercolour Collection, War Time to incl. Napoleonic memorabilia or Bowood’s historical connection to the Royal Family.
Enquire for more details on what these visits include.
School & Educational Visits
Join us for an immersive visit where you can admire the wonders of our natural world and learn more about our rich local history. Every session is packed with hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations and fascinating stories to ignite curiosity that will last a lifetime. We offer several themed sessions across the academic year, designed for children aged 4 to 11 years old. Our dedicated leaders will guide you through your morning where you can absorb all that nature has to offer. You have flexibility and freedom to continue your journey into the afternoon, with exclusive use of The Gardener’s Bothy to act as your base for the day.
Group Facilities and Information
At Bowood, we aim to ensure that every group visit is comfortable and seamless. For groups of 15 or more, we offer tailored itineraries, group dining options, and accessible facilities, including dedicated parking. Coach drivers are treated to complimentary entry and a refreshment voucher for use in the Treehouse Café. We can also provide promotional materials to help you plan and advertise your trip. Let us take care of the details, so you can focus on enjoying your visit.
ACCESSIBILITY
We make every effort to ensure access for all our visitors, however please note that some of the outdoor terrain may be unsuitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues. The upper sections of the House are only accessible via a staircase. Please ask us for further clarification.
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