Bowood House is the ideal destination to visit if you’re searching for a day out in the English countryside.
It is one of the most beautiful places in England. It’s home to an amazing landscape and it has been around since 1763. The house itself was built by John Wood, the Younger between 1725 and 1740. He also designed many other famous buildings such as Bath Assembly Rooms, Queen Square, St Mary’s Church in Swindon, Wiltshire County Hall in Trowbridge, and Royal Crescent in Bath.
The house itself has been lovingly restored over time and now holds many treasures from its past including paintings by Gainsborough and Reynolds as well as furniture that once belonged to Marie Antoinette. There are also plenty of activities on offer at Bowood such as clay pigeon shooting or fishing in the lake. You can even take part in their annual flower show! There’s something for everyone here so make sure you don’t miss out on this special place when visiting England.
Bowood House, which is located in Wiltshire, England, has been open since 1811 and it offers visitors the opportunity to explore the grounds. The Bowood House English Garden is one of four public gardens that are on offer at Bowood Park – there are also Italian Gardens, Japanese Gardens, and Rose Gardens which all provide an escape from everyday life for visitors.
What is Bowood House
Bowood House is an estate in Wiltshire with over 8 hectares of beautiful garden and parkland to explore. There are many different attractions on the property, including the English Garden, which provides the opportunity for people to explore what life was like in Victorian times.
It provides a glimpse into what life was like at the turn of the 20th century when Scottish Presbyterian businessman William Robinson Bowes-Lyon, 3rd Earl of Strathmore, decided to build his dream home. The result is a country house with enough modern amenities that ensured it would stay occupied even when he went away on extended trips or was called back to London by his numerous civic duties.
Bowood House is known as the ‘Jewel of the English Garden’, and for good reason. With over 2,000 species of plants and trees from all around the world, there are many different landscapes and exotic flora to see.
What Is The Bowood English Garden Like?
The garden at Bowood House is more like a park, with verdant lawns, oak groves, exotic tree species, and formal gardens like the Sunken Garden. There are also plenty of plant collections that will interest people who love to explore new plants. If you walk around the estate, you may find rare botanical specimens in the form of trees and shrubs in spectacularly landscaped gardens.
For those with an interest in the history of landscaping, Bowood House English Garden is a treat. You can see original landscaping ideas that were developed over time but never came to full fruition. These include the Rose Hill Rotunda (a circular ‘room’ meant to be used as an outdoor theatre) and Temple Grove (a temple built in the classical style meant to be a private retreat).
Visiting The Bowood House and Garden
Bowood House and Gardens is presently closed for the season but will reopen on April 1, 2022, for the 2022 season.
What Else Is There To Do In The Area?
Bowood House is in the midst of a rich agricultural region known for its sheep and cattle. But if you’re not there to take a tour of the garden, local attractions include:
Tatton Park: Tattersall Castle has been used as a backdrop for several films, but it’s also home to a Tudor manor house with formal gardens, an 18th-century hall, Italian water garden, ice well, and tea rooms.
The National Museum Of Rural Life: For those who are interested in agriculture, this is a perfect attraction. Visitors will learn all about how farms have changed over the years!
Guide Prices
The ticket prices are the following: Adult (17 and Over) £14.80 per ticket, Child (2-6 Years) £9.00 per ticket, Family Day Ticket 1 (2 Adults & 1 Child) £36.00 per ticket, Family Day Ticket 2 (2 adults & 2 Children)£43.50 per ticket, Family Day Ticket 3 (2 adults & 3 Children) £51.50 per ticket, Junior (7-12 Years) £11.00 per ticket, Senior Citizen (60 years+) £12.30 per ticket, Young Adult (aged 13-16 Years) £12.30 per ticket, and also, group rates (for groups of 15 or more) and season tickets are available. All visitors with disabilities and their carers/assistants are charged at half the normal admission rate.
What Should I Bring?
You should dress comfortably and appropriately because not only will you be walking during your tour, but it can get warm because of the sunshine. If you’re visiting in the summertime, make sure to drink plenty of water! Take advantage of using umbrellas if it starts raining, even though many plants are protected by their roots.
Is There a Dress Code?
You can wear whatever you want, except for shorts. Women should be sure to wear skirts that go below the knee so they won’t have any problems with their modesty or other people’s sensibilities!
What Is There To See Inside?
Bowood House is filled with many treasures, but two of the most notable are the library and painting collection. The interior was redone by Robert Adam in 1780, so it’s perfect for exploring. On your visit, make sure to look up at the ceiling!
How to get there
You can take the bus routes from Bath Bus Station, Westbury Railway Station (WSB), or Swindon Bus Station.
Things to do
If you’re into gardening, there are lots to see at the Bowood House English Garden, with one of the most breathtaking views in England. It has formal gardens, woodland walks with rhododendrons, wildflowers, and wildlife galore. Stroll through the award-winning garden, exploring the formal terraces and gardens at the front of the house.
For those with an interest in the history of landscaping, Bowood House English Garden is a treat. You can see original landscaping ideas that were developed over time but never came to full fruition. These include the Rose Hill Rotunda (a circular ‘room’ meant to be used as an outdoor theatre) and Temple Grove (a temple built in the classical style meant to be a private retreat).
There’s much more than just gardens and temples at Bowood House English Garden. You can stroll through the lake, admire the cascade and arboretum or go inside Bowood House itself for a look around. The house is now home to art galleries, restaurants, and conference rooms as well as historic rooms where you can find out about the history of the gardens and Bowood House itself.
When you’re done exploring the gardens, head to the Bowood House Estate. Explore how people lived on rural estates in Georgian times with a visit to The National Museum of Rural Life. You’ll get an insight into the hard-working lives that were led by workers on large country estates in times gone by.
The final thing you can do in the area is to take in the stunning scenery of Bowood House. The massive lake at Bowood is an attraction in its own right, and you can stroll around it or admire the spectacular views from various viewpoints dotted around the estate.
Conclusion
Visiting Bowood House and Garden, England is an amazing experience for anyone who loves history or gardening. The expansive gardens are full of rare plants that thrive in the warm English climate, as well as formal terraces and temples built to awe visitors with their beauty. You can explore all the grounds have to offer on a self-guided tour or by engaging one of the knowledgeable guides at Bowood House English Garden (with advance reservations). From art galleries inside of Bowood House itself to historic rooms detailing its origins, there’s something for everyone!