EDUCATIONAL VISITS TO BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS
School Visits
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.
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.
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.
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.
NON-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL VISITS (excludes a Bowood Educational Session)
Non–Educational School Visits are available throughout our open season.
Bowood offers Non – Educational School Visits for a variety of occasions;
Key Stage 2
‘Year 4 or 5 Residential Trip’ (available late April – mid October)
The opportunity for Key Stage 2 pupils to develop their independence, whilst exploring everything Bowood has to offer.
‘Year 6 Leavers Days Out’ (available early – mid July)
Year 6 pupils can celebrate the completion of their primary school years by visiting Bowood for an enjoyable day out.
Key Stage 3
‘Year 7 Tutor/ Year Group - Team Day Out’
(available early Sept - end of October alternatively early-mid July)
Ideal for schools wanting to support personal development, teamwork, communication skills and independent thinking. Pupils can explore Bowood within their Tutor groups as part of their first term at Secondary school, or towards the end of their final term in Year 7, to celebrate their transition from Primary to Secondary.
The day 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).
We will aim to accommodate similar visits for other suggested occasions, where possible. Please CLICK HERE to complete an enquiry form.
Price
- Schools - non educational (adult 16+) - £7.50
- Schools - non educational (child 2-15) - £7.50
Non-Educational School Visits of 15 or more children.
Please note, these visits exclude an Educational Session. Educational Visits can be booked separately throughout the open season (27th March - 1st November 2026.)
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 Non-Educational Group Visit to Bowood House & Gardens, please email our Group Sales Coordinator – Lisa Kent.
l.kent@bowood.org or call 01249 810968.
