BOWOOD House and Gardens opens between April and November every year and is open 7 days a week. Bowood is the magnificent family home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne.
BOWOOD HOUSE.
Begun c1720, the House was purchased by the 2nd Earl of Shelburne in 1754 and completed soon afterwards. Interesting rooms include Robert Adam's Library, the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774, and the Chapel that is still used for family services. On display within the numerous Exhibition Rooms are remarkable collections of family heirlooms and works of art built up over 250 years. These include Georgian costumes; Victoriana, Indiana and superb collections of watercolours, miniatures and jewellery. The pleasure grounds cover approximately 100 acres, with the formal gardens and terraces immediately around the house.
GARDENS.
The House itself is set in the middle of Capability' Brown's grade 1 park. The upper terrace was designed by Sir Robert Smirk in 1818, the lower terrace by George Kennedy in 1851. The pleasure grounds, which form part of Capability Brown's grand design of 1760, contain an outstanding collection of trees and shrubs, all of which are labelled and can be identified with the aid of a tree guide. There are, within the collection, nine champions. The original plantings date back to the 1760's.
RHODODENDRONS.
Bowood's separate Rhododendron Walks which are open late April to mid-June, depending on the flowering season are located almost 2 miles from the house. The third Marquis of Lansdowne began developing this woodland area in 1854. Almost thirty original hardy hybrid rhododendrons, which were thought to be extinct, have recently been discovered within the collection making it one of the earliest rhododendron gardens in the country.
ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND.
Families love the amazing Adventure Playground, one of the most exciting playgrounds in Wiltshire. Bowood boasts a life-size pirate ship, aerial rope walks, giant slides and the famous Space Dive. There is an indoor Soft Play Palace for younger children and birthday party packages are available. The parkland provides ample space for games and picnics, the perfect location for children to burn off their endless energy.
NEW for 2020, A new area focusing on fun activities for our intrepid under 7 and inquisitive under 4 visitors.
EATING OUT.
The Treehouse is located at the entrance to the grounds, serving a selection of freshly made meals or delicious homemade cakes; Bowood provides an ideal family day out! The Stables Restaurant located within Bowood House, open daily from midday to 5:00 pm throughout the open season. Offering a variety of hot and cold dishes with vegetables and fresh fruit from the Kitchen Garden within Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s Private Walled Garden. Enjoy a selection of homemade cakes or a Cream Tea, served throughout the day.
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Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Adult (17 and Over) - Adult | £13.50 per ticket |
Child (2-6 Years) - Child | £8.25 per ticket |
Family Day Ticket 1 (2 Adults & 1 Child) - Family | £33.25 per ticket |
Family Day Ticket 2 (2 adults & 2 Children) - Family | £40.50 per ticket |
Family Day Ticket 3 (2 adults & 3 Children) - Family | £48.00 per ticket |
Junior (7-12 Years) - Child | £10.25 per ticket |
Senior Citizen (60 years+) - Concession | £11.25 per ticket |
Young Adult (aged 13-16 Years) - Concession | £11.25 per ticket |
2020 Season Tickets are available for purchase, more information on the website.
Group rates (for groups of 12 or more) and season tickets are available. All visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants are charged at half the normal admission rate.
Tickets allow access to Bowood House and Gardens and the Adventure Playground. The Rhododendron Walks will re-open in April 2020.
Close to J17 of the M4. Nearest major road is A4. Between Chippenham and Calne turn into village of Derry Hill.
Nearest station is Chippenham station. Need bus or taxi.
2021 (1 Apr 2021 - 1 Nov 2021) | ||
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Day | Times | |
Monday - Sunday | 11:00 | - 18:00* |
*
Bowood House & Gardens is open for the 2020 Season from 1 April until 1 November 2020
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