Could you be Bowood’s five millionth visitor? Having first opened to the public in 1975, Bowood House & Gardens annually attracts some 120,000 visitors. The five millionth visitor will be welcomed at some point this summer – and that person will be rewarded with a complimentary lifetime family season ticket.
Families come out to play at the adventure playground at Bowood
The Adventure Playground (for children aged up to 12 years) was opened in 1976, since when almost 50,000 children have visited annually. The life-size pirates’ galleon and drop slide (made from estate timber), dare-devil swings and challenging slides continue to be as popular today as they were 43 years ago. Many attractions have since been added including the Partridge Play Pen, Soft Play, and Tractor Ted’s Little Farm.
The five millionth visitor and their family will get to know the heart and soul of the House and Gardens and go on to witness the continued evolution of improvements which make Bowood one of the most popular Historic Houses in the country to visit.
Alongside the house and gardens, Bowood regularly holds special events and activities for visitors. Among those coming up this year are –
JULY
Friday 26th: Morning and Afternoon Walled Garden tours.
Arrival: 11am. £35 per person (two-course lunch included) or 2pm. £28.50 per person (cream tea included). For further information and advance booking www.bowood.org/bowood-house-gardens/gardens-grounds/private-gardens/
Saturday 27th: Bowood’s Summer Garden Party.
11am-6pm. A day-long celebration to mark the start of the school summer holidays. The line-up of added treats, within the House & Gardens’ entrance ticket price, will include a Punch & Judy show, bouncy castles, flower pot planting and afternoon entertainment from the Silver Band. The Adventure Playground will have a BBQ set-up and there will be facing painting too – both with separate charging, additional to entrance ticket price.
AUGUST
Saturday 3rd: Classic Ibiza concert.
Gates open at 6pm. Concert itself begins at 8pm with Chill-out set. Ends at 10.45pm (following dance set and laser light show). (N.B. Event has already sold-out to the public)
Wednesdays 7th & 14th, Friday 23rd: Morning and Afternoon Walled Garden tours.
Arrival: 11am. £35 (two-course lunch included) or £2pm. £28.50 per person (cream tea included). For further information and advance booking: www.bowood.org/bowood-house-gardens/gardens-grounds/private-gardens/
Sunday 18th: Summer Classic Car & Motorcycle Show.
10am-4pm. Ticket prices and booking: www.classicshows.org
SEPTEMBER
Wednesday 11th & Friday 20th: Walled Garden tours.
Arrival: 11am. Price: £35 per person (two-course lunch included). For further information and advance booking: www.bowood.org/bowood-house-gardens/gardens-grounds/private-gardens/
Thursday 12th September: The Crafty Gardeners: ‘Easy Bulbs for Spring Colour’.
10am – 4:30 pm. £120 per person. Tickets to be booked in advance via www.thecraftygardeners.co.uk/events
Friday 27th: The Crafty Gardeners: ‘Autumn Posy Workshop’.
10am – 2 pm. £95 per person. Tickets to be booked in advance via www.thecraftygardeners.co.uk/events
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th: Wiltshire Game & Country Fair.
10am-6pm. For further details and advance ticket booking: wiltshiregameandcountryfair.co.uk
OCTOBER
Wednesday 9th: Walled Garden tours.
Arrival: 11am. Price: £35 per person (two-course lunch
included). For further information and advance booking: www.bowood.org/bowood-house-gardens/gardens-grounds/private-gardens/
Thursday 10th: The Crafty Gardeners: ‘Creative Plans’.
10am – 4:30 pm. £120 per person.
Tickets to be booked in advance: www.thecraftygardeners.co.uk/events
Sunday 13th: LPS Events Duathlon.
Timings, pricing and booking for participants: www.lpsevents.co.uk/event Spectators require an admission ticket to Bowood House and Gardens.
Friday 18th October: Faux Chanel Hat Workshop with V V Rouleaux.
10am-2pm. £158 per person.
Tickets to be booked in advance: www.vvrouleaux.com/shop/lifestyle/courses
To find out more, go to www.bowood.org/bowood-house-gardens