Deep in the Wiltshire countryside, Bowood House and Gardens is a magnificent estate with a unique blend of nature and heritage. You’ll find extensive Capability Brown landscaped parkland, formal gardens, a historic house and family activities. There is a hotel with a spa and golf resort, and in the springtime you can also visit the charming Woodland Garden. Something for every type of visitor.
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A Historic Country House
At the centre of the Bowood estate is Bowood House, the ancestral home of the Lansdowne family. First built around 1725 it has seen numerous changes over the centuries. The original “Big House” was demolished after World War II, and the current house was created around the former orangery, the “Little House” which once acted as a service area, and the chapel.
Bowood House is now a Grade I listed building with a rich history, having played host to many eminent visitors. It is particularly notable for the fact that Joseph Priestley, at one time employed as a tutor and librarian at Bowood, discovered oxygen here in 1774. The family still lives in a part of Bowood house.
Landscaped Gardens
Bowood’s gardens were designed by Capability Brown, and are regarded as one of his finest – and best preserved – landscapes. In keeping with Brown’s philosophy the sweeping parkland, rolling lawns, and carefully placed trees create a harmonious blend of natural beauty and deliberate design.
The gardens include formal plantings, a lake and an arboretum. And in 2025 the walled garden is open to the public for the first time. The separate Woodland Garden is a well preserved Victorian garden that can be visited each year during the spring.
What To See And Do At Bowood House And Gardens
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Bowood Estate opening to the public. Today you can visit the house and gardens, stay at the hotel, or visit for golf or spa treatments.
Bowood House
Step inside the house and you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning Georgian architecture. In one direction is the library and the room which Joseph Priestley used as a laboratory, and in which he discovered oxygen. On the other side is the long sculpture gallery with its collection of statues, paintings, and tapestries.
Upstairs are the exhibition rooms, which are full of paintings and other artworks, including an early Turner watercolour. And there is an eclectic mixture of artefacts collected by the family over the centuries. These reflect the wide range of friends and acquaintances: among other objects you’ll see clothes belonging to Lord Byron, Napoleon’s death mask, and a selection of Victorian masquerade costumes.
Park And Gardens
Immediately in front of the house is the immaculate Italian-style Terrace Garden, overlooking the park and the lake. Make sure to allow plenty of time to explore all areas of the garden; families will also want to spend some time in the adventure playground with its aerial walkways, zip wire and life-size pirate ship.
Around The Lake
At the bottom of the garden is a picturesque lake. A stroll around the lake takes you to the Doric Temple, the cascade, the grotto and the hermit’s cave. All of these features, including the lake, are artificial and were created at the same time as the gardens.
One side of the cascade is approached via a reasonably level path. On the other side you can walk down uneven rocky steps towards the caves of the grotto.
Arboretum
The arboretum is a peaceful area for a walk. It has a collection of around 700 trees, with several champion trees (both national and county champions), and representatives of endangered species.
Walled Garden
Although it dates back to the 18th century, the walled garden is now open to the public for the first time. Apart from the carefully designed flower beds, trees and greenhouses, a particular feature is the sensory garden area. Here you will find five separate areas, each dedicated to a different sense.
Bowood Woodland Garden
Separate from the main house and gardens, the Bowood Woodland Garden is only open in the spring. At this time it is a massive burst of colour, with trees in blossom and vibrant displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, and bluebells carpeting the ground. Different pathways guide you through the woods, leading to spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
At the top of the Woodland Garden is the family mausoleum, designed by Robert Adam in 1761.
Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
A short drive from the house, Bowood Hotel is a luxurious retreat with a state of the art spa and a PGA golf course that attracts players from across the country. Hotel guests and visitors can play a round of golf or take advantage of inhouse golf coaching. Or they could just relax with a spa treatment or take afternoon tea in the elegant library.
How To Visit Bowood House & Gardens
- Bowood House and Gardens is on the A4, approximately 10 km from Chippenham and 30 km from Bath. The hotel and Woodland Garden are a few minutes’ drive away, along the road to Derry Hill village. All three sites have large car parks.
- The Walled Garden opens at midday, and the Woodland Garden is only open from mid-April to early June.
- Separate entrance tickets are required for the Woodland Garden.
- Some parts of the grounds include uneven terrain, especially around the gravel paths and the cascade area. However there is a wheelchair friendly route around the grounds.
- There are several places to buy food and drink, but note that some are only open at weekends and during the school holidays. The Treehouse Café beside the admissions kiosk at Bowood House is open every day, and the hotel has several options including the award winning Shelburne Restaurant.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit. You may want to add more time if you plan to stay for a meal or to use facilities like the adventure playground.
- Bowood makes a good day trip from Bath. Alternatively you could make the most of your visit by booking an overnight stay at the Bowood Hotel.
Thanks to Bowood House and Gardens for inviting me and my husband to enjoy a visit to the house, gardens, and the Woodland Garden.
