Bowood House and Garden, Wiltshire

Bowood is Georgian country house with interiors by Robert Adam and a garden designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown.

The "big house" was demolished in 1955 for economic reasons. However, the remaining house is still large, and the front wing is open to the public with fine 18th-century architecture and splendid interiors: the Adam Orangery, the Chapel and Library by C.R. Cockerell, the New Hall, the Sculpture Gallery. There is also a series of exhibition rooms with a wealth of fine furniture, costumes, pocelain, jewellery and paintings on display. One of the rooms was the laboratory of Joseph Priestley, who discovered oxygen there in August 1774.

Outside, the house is surrounded by ‘Capability’ Brown’s stunning park; there are magnificent formal gardens, a ‘Picturesque’ rockwork garden; and the renowned pinetum and arboretum. It was discovered that the lake was formed at the sacrifice of a village called Manning's Hill, which to this day remains submerged in the lake.

In the grounds is an adventure playground, for children aged 12 and under, a large waterfall, and many gardens incorporating 2 miles or 3.2 km of Rhododendron walks in May and June and carpets of daffodils, narcissi and Common Bluebells in Spring.

Opening Times

House 11am - 5.30pm
Grounds 11am - 6.00pm
Coffee Shop - 10.30am to 6.00 pm last order for food at 5pm
House Restaurant - 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm Sundays only
Rhododendron Walks - 11am - 6pm
Open daily from late April to early June - please check the website for exact dates.

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Ticket Prices

Adults (13yrs and above):£9.50
Senior Citizens: £8.00
Children 5 - 12 yrs: £7.50
Children 2 - 4 yrs: £5.00
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) : £28.50

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Disabled Facilities

The ground floor of Bowood House is fully accessible to wheelchair users. The upper floors and exhibition rooms are available to view in the New Hall via a pre-recorded tour given by our curator, Dr. Kate Fielden. Tours written in Braille are also available on request.

Visitors to the House may be allowed to drive to a set off point adjacent to Bowood House upon request.

Designated parking is available and wheelchairs can be borrowed, subject to availability.
Please book wheelchairs in advance by calling The Estate Office on 01249 812102.

Working assistance dogs are welcome in the House and Grounds. We also offer half price admissions for registered disabled visitors and their carers.

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More Information

Telephone: 01249 812102

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