Bowood House & Gardens Tickets Historic house, gardens and family play in one visit
Calne, Wiltshire
Official Ticket SellerWhat to Expect...
Book Bowood House & Gardens tickets for a family day out that mixes grand interiors, landscaped gardens and plenty for children to explore. Your visit can include Bowood House, the formal grounds and a large adventure play area, depending on the ticket you choose.
For 2026, Bowood House & Gardens is open from Friday 27 March to Sunday 1 November. Families can explore the Adventure Playground, The Den & Activity Barn, the Arboretum Tree Trail, and seasonal exhibitions including 1776: Secrets, Spies and the American Revolution in the House and The Lifecycle of Plants in the garden setting.
The Woodland Garden has its own opening season and ticket category, so it should not be treated as standard entry unless you book the correct ticket. For more family attractions nearby, see our Wiltshire days out.
Suitable for All Ages
Typical Visit Times 3 - 4 hours
On site parking is available
Book Tickets from £17.50
Includes 1-day entry to Bowood House, Adventure Playground, and all gardens and parkland.
- Apr 2026
- Clear
- Open 10:00-17:30 (entry by 16:30)
- Under 12's must be supervised; no pets allowed
- Large adventure playground & tranquil gardens
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What's Included in your ticket
Day Tickets to House & Gardens give access to Bowood House, the formal gardens and parkland, the Adventure Playground, The Den & Activity Barn, and the Walled Garden during standard opening hours. Official opening hours for House & Gardens are 10:30 to 17:30, with last admission at 16:30.
Day Tickets to Woodland Garden and Combined House & Gardens and Woodland Garden day tickets are also listed separately by Bowood. The Woodland Garden is not standard entry unless you book the relevant ticket.
Some special activities and third-party events may require a separate ticket.
Includes:
Entry to Bowood House during the open season- Access to formal gardens and landscaped parkland
- Entry to the Walled Garden during opening hours
- Access to the Adventure Playground
- Access to The Den & Activity Barn
- Use of the Arboretum Tree Trail and grounds walks
Excludes:
Woodland Garden entry unless you book a Woodland Garden or combined ticket- Special third-party events and selected paid activities
Before you visit
The Woodland Garden is a separate attraction with separate ticketing and a shorter seasonal opening period.
Only working assistance dogs are allowed in House & Gardens. Other dogs are not permitted in this area.
Day tickets bought online are non-refundable, but Bowood states dates can be transferred within the current open season if you created an online account and manage the booking through your order history.
Bowood confirms some outdoor play features, including zip wires, jumping pillows and large outdoor slides, may close in poor weather without refund.
What's On - Events & Specials
Bowood House & Gardens works well for families who want more than just a quick play stop. You can explore historic rooms inside the house, walk through formal gardens and parkland, then head to the large outdoor play areas for the rest of the day.
For children aged 12 and under, the Adventure Playground is one of the main draws, with a full-sized pirate ship, scramble nets, rope bridges, long slides and treetop walkways. Younger visitors also have the Under 7s Partridge Play Pen, while The Den & Activity Barn adds tractor play, den building, sand play, indoor role play and a water play area for younger children.
There is also plenty for adults and mixed-age groups, including Bowood House, the Terrace Garden, the Walled Garden, the Arboretum and quieter hidden corners such as the Cascade, Hermit's Cave and Doric Temple. Seasonal 2026 exhibitions add another reason to visit, with 1776: Secrets, Spies and the American Revolution in the house and The Lifecycle of Plants in the Walled Garden.
During the Easter holidays, the BIG Easter Adventure runs from 28 March to 12 April 2026, with an Easter Egg Trail and themed arts and crafts. For more nearby inspiration, browse things to do in Wiltshire.
Bowood House has been the home of the Lansdowne family since 1754 and includes Georgian interiors, fine art and historical objects. Visitors can explore spaces such as the Sculpture Gallery, Orangery, Library, Chapel and Laboratory, where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen gas.
The Adventure Playground is designed for families with children aged 12 and under and centres around a full-sized pirate ship, aerial walkways, scramble nets, rope bridges and slides. Younger children can use the Under 7s Partridge Play Pen, while The Den & Activity Barn offers tractor play, den building, sand play, indoor role play and water play.
Beyond the main play areas, Bowood also offers the Walled Garden, Terrace Garden, Arboretum and a signed Arboretum Tree Trail featuring 24 notable trees. Families can also look out for the Cascade, Hermit's Cave and the Doric Temple while walking the grounds.
Ticket Instructions & Booking Process
- Day tickets bought online are non-refundable, but Bowood states dates can be transferred within the current open season if the booking was made through an online account.
- Booking online helps secure your visit before travelling.
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Bowood House & Gardens, Bowood House, Bowood, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ
Get DirectionsBy Train
The nearest train station is Chippenham, around 5 miles from Bowood House & Gardens. From there, you can take a taxi or use local bus services to reach the estate.
By Bus
Regular bus services run from Chippenham to Calne. From Calne, it’s a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk to Bowood House & Gardens. Check local timetables in advance, as rural services may vary.
By Car
Bowood House & Gardens is located between Calne and Chippenham in Wiltshire, with easy access from the M4 (junction 17) and the A4. Follow the brown tourist signs to the main visitor entrance, where free parking is available.
Last admission to House & Gardens is 16:30.
Adventure Playground and The Den operate from 10:30 to 17:15, with equipment locked from 17:00.
Walled Garden is open daily from 12:00 to 16:30, with last entry at 16:00.
Treehouse Café opens 10:00 to 17:00.
The Stables opens 11:00 to 16:00 on weekends and holidays.
The Kiosk opens 11:00 to 16:45 on weekends and holidays.
Woodland Garden is a separate attraction with a separate opening period and separate ticket category.
BIG Easter Adventure runs from 28/03/2026 to 12/04/2026.
Some special events and activities are not included in standard admission.
- Official 2026 open season runs from 27 March to 1 November.
- Last admission to House & Gardens is 16:30.
- Free visitor parking is available next to admissions.
- Disabled visitors and carers receive half-price admission.
- SEND hour takes place on the first Saturday of each month during the open season from 9:30am.
Booking FAQs
Most asked questions relating to Bowood House & Gardens.
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Last Updated: 15:17 07/04/2026
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