Bowood House & Gardens

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Overview

Built in 1726, the house was finished by the first Earl of Shelburne, who employed celebrated architects, notably Robert Adam, to complete the work. Adam's library is particularly admired, and also in the house is the laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered the existence of oxygen in 1774. The house overlooks terraced gardens towards the 40-acre lake and some beautiful parkland. The gardens were laid out by 'Capability' Brown in the 1760s, and are carpeted with daffodils, narcissi and bluebells in spring. For children between 2 and 12 years there is the superb adventure playground, which boasts a life size pirate galleon and the famous space dive. There is also an indoor soft play palace for younger children and Tractor Ted's little farm.

Ratings & awards

Green Tourism Bronze

Features

Opening Times
Opening Times: Open Apr-Oct, daily 11-6 (last admission 5). Please check website

Facilities
Parking onsite
Cafe

Children

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Location

CALNE, SN11 0LZ

About the area

Wiltshire’s charm lies in the beauty of its countryside, with expansive chalk landscapes of the Marlborough and Pewsey downs and miles of uninterrupted views deep into Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Stroll through quaint timbered and thatched villages in the southern Woodford and Avon valleys and explore the historic streets of the stone villages of Lacock, Castle Combe and Sherston.