Background

Bowood House & Gardens: A Historic Wiltshire Estate of Natural Beauty and Family Fun

Historic Bowood House & Gardens: Timeless heritage, stunning Capability Brown parkland, and family adventure in Wiltshire’s countryside.

4.6

Bowood House & Gardens is the magnificent family home of the Lansdowne family, set within 100 acres of Capability Brown-designed parkland near Calne, Wiltshire. Visitors can explore the historic house with its rich collections, extensive landscaped gardens, a renowned adventure playground, and seasonal woodland gardens featuring rare rhododendrons. Open from late March to early November, Bowood offers a blend of heritage, nature, and family-friendly activities in a tranquil countryside setting.

A brief summary to Bowood House & Gardens

  • Old Rd, Calne, Derry Hill, SN11 0LZ, GB
  • +441249812102
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Woodland Gardens in spring (mid-April to early June) to see rare rhododendrons in full bloom.
  • Explore the Adventure Playground for a fun-filled experience, especially if visiting with children.
  • Check seasonal opening times and last admission hours before visiting, as the estate operates from late March to early November.
  • Use the designated wheelchair parking and ramps; assistance dogs are welcome, and special early openings are available for visitors with additional needs.
  • Enjoy refreshments at the Treehouse Café near the entrance or The Stables café by the house for homemade cakes and meals.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from central Calne or Chippenham, take the A4 towards Derry Hill village. Parking is complimentary on-site next to admissions. Expect a 15-20 minute drive from Chippenham. Note that access is via the White Gate in Derry Hill; no access from the Golden Gates entrance near the Lansdowne Arms.

  • Bus

    Bus route 55 stops on the A4 near the turning into Derry Hill village, approximately 1.5 miles from Bowood House & Gardens entrance. From the bus stop, a taxi or a 30-minute walk on rural roads is required. Service frequency varies, so check local timetables.

  • Train and Taxi

    The nearest mainline train station is Chippenham. From there, taxis to Bowood House & Gardens take about 15 minutes. Alternatively, combine train with bus route 55 as described, but taxis offer more direct access.

  • Walking

    Walking from Derry Hill village to the estate entrance is possible but involves rural roads and uneven terrain, taking approximately 30 minutes. Not recommended for those with mobility issues or in poor weather.

Bowood House & Gardens location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies

Unlock the Best of Bowood House & Gardens

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Bowood House & Gardens

A Storied Country Estate with Deep Historical Roots

Bowood House, begun around 1720 and acquired by the 2nd Earl of Shelburne in 1754, stands as a testament to centuries of British aristocratic heritage. The house showcases remarkable interiors including Robert Adam's Library, the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774, and a family chapel still in use today. The extensive collection of heirlooms and artworks amassed over 250 years offers visitors a rich glimpse into the Lansdowne family's legacy and British history.

Landscaped Gardens by Capability Brown and Later Designers

Surrounding the house are 100 acres of Grade I listed parkland originally designed by the famed landscape architect Capability Brown in the 1760s. The grounds feature a lake, arboretum, pinetum, and a cascade, all set within sweeping parkland that invites leisurely walks and exploration. The upper terrace was designed by Sir Robert Smirk in 1818, with the lower terrace added by George Kennedy in 1851. The pleasure grounds boast an outstanding collection of labelled trees and shrubs, including nine champion trees, reflecting centuries of careful cultivation.

The Enchanting Woodland Gardens and Seasonal Highlights

Located nearly two miles from the main house, Bowood’s Woodland Gardens open from mid-April to early June, showcasing one of the earliest rhododendron collections in the country. Established in the mid-19th century by the third Marquis of Lansdowne, this 70-acre woodland oasis features rare hybrid rhododendrons thought extinct elsewhere. The Walled Garden, a four-acre ‘secret garden’ within the estate, offers a sensory experience with meticulously designed flower beds, seasonal blooms, and greenhouses dedicated to environmental protection and inspired learning.

Family-Friendly Adventure Playground and Facilities

Bowood is renowned for its extensive Adventure Playground, one of the largest in Wiltshire, featuring a life-size pirate ship, aerial rope walks, giant slides, and the famous Space Dive. The Activity Barn and The Den cater to younger children with engaging activities for under-sevens and under-fours. Ample picnic areas and open parkland provide space for family games and relaxation. On-site cafés such as the Treehouse Café at the entrance and The Stables near the house offer freshly made meals, homemade cakes, and refreshments.

Accessibility, Visitor Services, and Seasonal Operations

The estate is wheelchair accessible with designated parking and ramps, though some gravel paths may present challenges. Assistance dogs are welcome, and special monthly early openings cater to visitors with additional needs. Bowood House & Gardens operates seasonally from late March to early November, with daily opening hours generally from 10:30 to 17:30 and last admissions at 16:30. Complimentary parking and coach parking are available on-site. Group rates and half-price admission for visitors with disabilities and their carers are offered.

Preserving Heritage While Creating Memorable Experiences

Bowood continues to balance conservation with visitor engagement through exhibitions celebrating 50 years of public open days, guided garden tours, creative workshops, and family activities. The estate’s rich history, architectural elegance, and natural beauty combine to create a timeless destination that appeals to history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families alike, set in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Bowood House & Gardens

Popular Hotels near Bowood House & Gardens

Select Currency