Welcome to Stately Homes

Bowood was bought by the 1st Earl of Shelburne in the mid 18th century. The story of Bowood is both interesting and remarkable, reflecting the ups and downs of successive generations. The house and gardens have been added to by many famous architects and designers, including Henry Keene, Robert Adam, 'Capability' Brown, C.R. Cockerell and Sir Charles Barry.

Today you can enjoy some splendid interiors: the Adam Orangery, the Chapel, Library, New Hall, the Sculpture Gallery and the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774. There is also a series of Exhibition Rooms with a wealth of fine furniture, costume, porcelain, jewellery and paintings on display.

The grounds have developed over the years to become one of the special glories of Bowood, encompassing almost every phase of English garden design from the early Georgian period onwards.

The Park remains much as 'Capability' Brown intended, with a fine lake, gently sloping lawns and belts of trees. Towards the end of the 18th century, a 'picturesque' rockwork valley was constructed below the lake dam, incorporating a beautiful cascade and a hermit's cave. Closer to the House are the great 19th century Italianate terraces.

Visitors can also see an arboretum and a pinetum in the Pleasure Grounds, and (during the flowering season only) acres of rhododendrons. All are maintained to the highest standard and little has changed since these great gardens were laid out. For children - there is a fantastic adventure playground and soft play palace.

You should contact them directly to arrange group bookings; they look forward to welcoming you to the splendours of Bowood - where there really is something of interest for all ages.

The first house at Bowood was built c.1725, on the site of a hunting lodge. The house and park were bought in 1754 by the first Earl of Shelburne (1705-1761), who employed architect Henry Keene to extend the house and build an E-shaped service wing behind it. Both the 7th Marquess and his brother were killed in action in 1944, the title and property passing to their cousin. During the war the Big House was occupied by a school, then by the RAF.

Afterwards it was left empty, and by 1955 it was so dilapidated that the 8th Marquess demolished it, employing architect F. Sortain Samuels to convert the Little House into a more comfortable home.

Opening Times - 2010:

House & Garden:
1st April - 1st November; House: 11 am - 5.30 pm, Grounds: 11 am- 6 pm. (or 1 hour earlier after the autumn clock change).

Rhododendron Walks 11am - 6 pm (open daily from late April to early June - please telephone or check this Web Site for exact dates).

Admission Prices - 2010:

House & Gardens:

Adults - £8.40
Senior - £7.40
Child (2 - 4 yrs) - £4.75
Child (5 - 15 yrs) - £6.85
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) - £26

Group Rates (groups of 20 or more)

Adults - £7.40
Senior - £6.40
Child (2 - 4 yrs): £3.75
Child (5 - 15 yrs): £5.85

Rhododendron Walks

Adults - £5.60
Senior - £5.10
Child (0 - 15 yrs) - Free

The charge for the Rhododendron Walks is reduced by £1.00 per person if combined with a visit to Bowood House and Gardens on the same day.

Season Tickets

Alternatively, why not enjoy the pleasures of Bowood as often as you wish, with no further entrance fee, as a Bowood Season Ticket Holder (Tickets are non-transferable and you may be required to provide identification)
(Also valid for Rhododendron Walks)

Adult - £38
Senior Citizen - £33
Junior - (5-12yrs) - £31
Junior - (2-4yrs) - £23

Corporate and Other Events

The Bowood Estate covers an area expanding to over 2000 acres of some of Wiltshire's finest countryside. With rolling hills, extensive woodlands, lakes and large open flat areas, the estate opens itself to host a whole variety of events - both large and small. Events could include:

· Classical and Popular Music Concerts
· Corporate Family Fun Days
· Product Launches
· Ride and Drive Motor Launches
· Photography Shoots
· Filming Locations

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.