THINGS TO DO AT BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS IN WILTSHIRE

Plan Your Visit

The House & Gardens offer something for everyone to experience and enjoy, including a variety of special events throughout the year. Here are just a few things to discover, so you can plan your perfect day out at Bowood.

Useful Information

The House & Gardens is currently closed and will re-open on 1st April - 2nd November 2025.

The daily opening times will be as follows:

  • Grounds: 10.30am (last entry at 4.30pm) - 5.30pm
  • Treehouse Café: 10am - 5.30pm
  • Adventure Playground: 10.30 - 5.15pm (equipment locked from 5pm)
  • The Den: 10.30am - 5.15pm
  • House: 10.30am - 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)
  • Stables: 11am - 4:30pm, (Lunch: 12pm - 2pm, Cream Tea: 2.30pm - 5pm)

The Woodland Garden is a separate attraction on the Estate and is currently closed. The Woodland Garden will open again for 2025 during the flowering season, from mid April to early June (dates TBC). 

Complimentary visitor car parking is available next to admissions. For the safety of your pets, please do not leave animals in parked cars while visiting Bowood. While we strive to provide a secure environment, Bowood cannot assume responsibility for any damage, accidents, or losses that may occur while using our car park. 

We offer half-price admission for visitors with disabilities and their carers. Assistance dogs are welcome, ideally with a recognisable harness. Gravel paths may make wheelchair and pushchair access challenging, but designated parking and wheelchairs are available (subject to availability). A drop-off point near the House can be arranged upon request, with car keys held for security reasons. 

Accessible toilets are located in the Treehouse Café and baby changing facilities are also available in multiple locations. Please note that this is a heritage environment and therefore certain areas such as the upper floors of the House and parts of the gardens/grounds, may be difficult to access due to stairs and uneven terrain. You can read our Accessibility Policy, here. If you have any questions, please contact our team, here. 

Bowood House

Step inside Bowood House, the home of the Lansdowne family, and discover stunning Georgian architecture, fine art, and fascinating historical artefacts. Learn about the family’s rich history in the beautifully restored state rooms, and see where Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in his on-site laboratory. 

Walled Garden

Located behind towering walls this four acre ‘secret garden’, is centred around the environment and the protection of nature, it offers an oasis of splendour and an escape from the everyday. Wander through meticulously designed flower beds and enjoy the seasonal blooms, from tulips in the spring, to roses in June, to perennials in late summer. Discover the Greenhouses and Sensory Garden where inspired learning can come to life.

Day Tickets

Our day tickets include full access to the house, the terrace gardens, and the wider estate during open season, and there are plenty of options to suit all visitors.

2025 Prices coming soon...

Terrace Garden

The Italianate Terrace Garden offers stunning panoramic views of Bowood’s ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland. Brimming with vibrant flowers and delicate water features, this formal garden is the perfect spot to wander, to relax, and take in the estate’s natural beauty.

Adventure Playground

Families with young children will love the Adventure Playground, voted one of the most exciting play areas in the South West. Discover a life-size pirate ship, aerial walkways, and zip wires, it offers hours of fun for children aged 12 and under. For younger children, The Den is a covered building designed with safe and engaging play in mind for those aged 7 and under. 

Discover our activities

Arboretum

Located in the Pleasure Grounds, the Arboretum is regarded as one of the best places in Britain to look at trees. Collectively the trees provide the visitor with an all year round spectacle whether it be bark, habit, flower, fruit, foliage or autumn tints. Explore shaded paths lined with rare record-breaking trees, breathe in the fresh air and spot some of Bowoods local wildlife.

Woodland Gardens

A separate attraction on the Bowood Estate, only open for six weeks during the flowering season, our Woodland Gardens offer breathtaking vistas of colour and beauty.

Discover Woodland Gardens

Hidden Gems

Bowood is full of historical treasures waiting to be discovered. Visit the Doric Temple, Cascade, and Hermit’s Cave — each feature with its own fantastic story and romantic charm. These secluded spots invite you to pause and immerse yourself in the estate’s natural wonders. 

Explore Bowood

Doric Temple The Doric Temple, built in the 18th century, features the sturdy columns of the Doric order. Once a focal point in the estate’s gardens, it offered views of the parkland. Inspired by ancient Greece, the temple is a key example of neoclassical design on the estate.
Adventure Playground One of the most exciting play areas in the South West, with a life-size pirate ship, aerial walkways, and zip wires for children up to 12 years old.
Golden Gates The Golden Gates, crafted in the 18th century by Sir Charles Barry, are a striking example of ironwork on the estate. Positioned at the entrance, they provide a grand welcome, symbolising the estate’s heritage.
Queenwood Queenwood on the estate is a peaceful woodland with mature trees, perfect for walks and wildlife. Part of the estate’s historic landscape, it offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature and explore the wider parkland.
Bowood Resort Our 4 AA Red Star hotel and resort provides luxury rooms and suites, a PGA golf course, luxury spa, and award-winning dining experiences.
Woodland Gardens Open for six weeks during the flowering season, these gardens offer breathtaking vistas of colour and beauty.
House & Gardens Step into the rich history and natural beauty of our House & Gardens, a captivating Georgian estate set within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped “Capability” Brown parkland.
  • Doric Temple The Doric Temple, built in the 18th century, features the sturdy columns of the Doric order. Once a focal point in the estate’s gardens, it offered views of the parkland. Inspired by ancient Greece, the temple is a key example of neoclassical design on the estate.
  • Adventure Playground One of the most exciting play areas in the South West, with a life-size pirate ship, aerial walkways, and zip wires for children up to 12 years old.
  • Golden Gates The Golden Gates, crafted in the 18th century by Sir Charles Barry, are a striking example of ironwork on the estate. Positioned at the entrance, they provide a grand welcome, symbolising the estate’s heritage.
  • Queenwood Queenwood on the estate is a peaceful woodland with mature trees, perfect for walks and wildlife. Part of the estate’s historic landscape, it offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature and explore the wider parkland.
  • Bowood Resort Our 4 AA Red Star hotel and resort provides luxury rooms and suites, a PGA golf course, luxury spa, and award-winning dining experiences.
  • Woodland Gardens Open for six weeks during the flowering season, these gardens offer breathtaking vistas of colour and beauty.
  • House & Gardens Step into the rich history and natural beauty of our House & Gardens, a captivating Georgian estate set within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped “Capability” Brown parkland.

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