Bowood House and Gardens

Bowood House and Gardens is a country house near Calne in Wiltshire. It is a grade I listed Georgian country house that has been home to the Lansdowne family for over 250 years. The house is set in stunning Capability Brown parkland and is one of the most unique places to visit in Wiltshire. It also has an excellent adventure playground.

What can you do at Bowood House and Gardens?

The front wing of the house is open to the public with rooms you can explore including paintings, sculptures and furniture. One of the rooms you can see was the laboratory of Joseph Priestley who discovered oxygen there on the 1st of August 1774. You can also see the family library, orangery, sculpture gallery and chapel.

The parkland is one of Capability Brown’s finest parks. There is a lake with sloping lawns, an arboretum, a walled garden, a Doric temple folly and more. The lakeside has a cascade, grottoes and a hermit’s cave. The woodland is only open for 6 weeks a year when the bluebells and other flowers are flowering (an additional ticket is needed)

Within the grounds, there is a large adventure playground suitable for children up to the age of 12. There is a large wooden pirate ship, ride-on tractors for smaller children, den building, tree wall climbing and more. There is also a large climbing structure that features Wiltshire’s most famous slide.

Further Information Bowood House and Gardens

Is there food and drink available?

There is a cafe serving hot and cold food and drinks. You are welcome to bring a picnic.

What are the main things to do?

Historic house with rooms you can explore, a large historic parkland with gardens, an adventure play area, a hermit’s cave, grottoes and more. There are toilets and a cafe.

What are the ticket prices?

An adult ticket costs £14,25, children 13-16 £12, 7-12 £10.75, 2-6 £8.75. Other pricing options including family tickets and annual passes are available.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.