Stowe Gardens
Stowe, Buckinghamshire
About Stowe Gardens
When it comes to planning a memorable family day out, Stowe Gardens should be at the top of your list. Located in the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside, Stowe Gardens offers an enchanting escape for families, combining natural beauty, fascinating history, and endless fun for kids of all ages.
Exploring Stowe Gardens is the gift that keeps on giving with timeless landscapes, lakeside walks, and winding paths, your kids' imaginations will run as wild as their feet. Not to mention all the excellent photo opportunities. Stowe Gardens is the perfect place to take the kids.
This Summer Holidays for 2024
This summer, Little People BIG DREAMS® comes to Stowe Gardens from 15th July to 1st September. This bestselling biography series created by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara has sold more than 7.5 million copies worldwide.
Perfect for children aged 4-7+, the series introduces trailblazers and dreamers who have made a big impact in the world around them. As you explore the garden, you’ll delve into the lives of some extraordinary people, including designers, artists, and scientists, to name a few. Follow the trail to see how their dreams as little children grew to become their reality.
There will be plenty of stories and activities to encourage your little ones to dream big amongst the iconic landscape and monuments of Stowe Gardens. Free with normal admission.
Things To Do
Gardens and Outdoor Activities
Stowe Gardens is a vast and exciting natural playground for children. It has been a tourist attraction for more than 300 years because of the scale and beauty of its garden. The landscape features have been precisely sculpted and provide Instagrammable views with winding paths, wildlife-filled lakes and intriguing statues and monuments - perfect for hide-and-seek.
The sprawling estate, which has over 250 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland, was designed in the 18th century by renowned landscape architects, including Capability Brown. The gardens are a masterpiece of natural and man-made beauty. The lush greenery, serene lakes, and majestic temples create a picturesque setting that captivates kids and adults alike.
Iconic History
Stowe Gardens is also steeped in history, giving families a unique opportunity to learn about England's heritage. The estate was once the home of the powerful Temple-Grenville family and later became the prestigious Stowe School. Walking through the gardens, you’ll encounter numerous historical landmarks, including the Palladian Bridge, the Gothic Temple, and the Temple of British Worthies. Each structure has its own story, providing a fun and educational experience for curious minds.
Food & Drink
National Trust Stowe Gardens offers a lovely, family-friendly café where you can grab some snacks, enjoy a cuppa and maybe even indulge in something sweet.
From freshly made sandwiches and baked goodies to breakfast baps, light bites, sausage rolls, and pasties. There's also a range of hot and cold drinks ready to enjoy.
Accessibility
- Accessible toilets & baby change facilities
- Induction loops are supported in the café, shop and Bell Gate kiosk.
- The gardens include uneven and hard gravel paths, hoggin and grass pathways, and steep slopes, and are hilly in places.
- Seating is available at regular intervals along the visitor route. Picnic benches are available in the picnic area to the left of the New Inn. Indoor and outdoor seating is available for the café.
- You can hire a single mini-crosser, a 4 seater buggy and manual wheelchairs for free; please contact Stowe to book. You are welcome to bring your own all-terrain vehicle if you have one.
- Free parking for members and non-members. Plenty of accessible parking is available.
Why We Suggest Stowe Gardens For Families
Stowe Gardens is a haven for families seeking a day out filled with adventure, learning, and natural beauty! Its expansive grounds, rich history, and family-friendly facilities make it an ideal destination for a memorable outing.
Whether you’re exploring the enchanting gardens, enjoying a picnic, or participating in engaging activities, Stowe Gardens offers a perfect blend of relaxation and fun for all ages.
Discover Little People, Big Dreams at Stowe Gardens
This summer it's time to get excited with the arrival of Little People BIG DREAMS® by the iconic author Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara. Aimed at kids aged 4-7, the book series introduces iconic dreamers who have made a BIG impact on the world.
Dive into new worlds of amazing people, follow the trail and learn more about them!
Picturesque Picnic Spots
Enjoy a delightful family picnic amidst the stunning scenery of Stowe Gardens. With numerous beautiful spots to choose from, you can relax while surrounded by serene lakes, lush greenery, and majestic temples.
Explore and Discover at Stowe
Adventures await your family at Stowe Gardens this season with lots for children of all ages to discover and acres of space for them to run in and stretch their legs. Leave your worries behind, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and set off hand-in-hand with your children into the majestic gardens.
Facilities
Toilets
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
During the winter, Stowe Gardens closes at 16:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £7.50
- Adult (18+-18+) : £15.00
Under 5s free.
Family (2+2) £37.50
Family (1+4) £22.50
National Trust members free
Parking free
RHS members free (one person free entry per membership)
Summer 2024
Little People, Big Dreams trail free with normal admission.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
At the cafe you can grab freshly made sandwiches, sausage rolls, pasties and baked goods.
Hot food is served daily between 12:00 - 14:30.
There are children's lunchboxes with hot chocolate, Pom-Bear crisps, chocolate bars and fruit juices.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
On foot
Stowe Gardens is 1½ miles from Buckingham, take a stroll up Stowe Avenue for monumental views to arrive at The New Inn.
By Train
There are a number of train stations nearby: Bicester North 9 miles; Milton Keynes Central 14 miles. Taxis are available at all stations. Direct connections from London Marylebone and Euston stations, both with only a 50-minute journey.
By Bus
Stagecoach X5 bus runs from Oxford to Cambridge and stops in Buckingham town, 1.5 miles from Stowe.
The Arriva X60 bus runs from Aylesbury to Milton Keynes, stopping in Buckingham town, 1.5 miles from Stowe. On arrival at Buckingham High Street, walk uphill and on to West Street, continuing on the A422 until you reach a right turn for Stowe Avenue. Follow the 1.5 mile avenue until you reach the New Inn.
By Bike
1½ miles from Buckingham, take a ride up Stowe Avenue for spectacular views to arrive at The New Inn where you'll find cycle racks located in the middle of the car park on the left next to the visitor path.
Verification
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Stowe Gardens Reviews
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