Bowood House, built in 1720, was bought by the 2nd Earl of Shelburne in 1754 and completed shortly after.
Robert Adam’s Library, the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774, and the Chapel, which is still used for family worship, are just a few of the popular intriguing spaces. Amazing collections of family heirlooms and works of art have been amassed over the period of 250 years and are on exhibit in the many Exhibition Rooms. Georgian clothes, Victoriana, Indiana, and magnificent collections of watercolours, miniatures, and jewellery are among them.
The pleasure grounds are around 100 acres in size, with formal gardens and terraces surrounding the mansion. Bowood House is situated in the heart of Capability Brown’s grade one park. Sir Robert Smirk designed the top terrace in 1818, while George Kennedy designed the bottom terrace in 1851. The pleasure grounds, which are part of Capability Brown’s grand design from 1760, including an exceptional collection of trees and plants that are all marked and may be recognised with the help of an experienced tree guide.
Bowood’s distinct Rhododendron Walks are located about 2 miles from the home and are open from late April to mid-June, depending on the blossoming season. In 1854, the third Marquis of Lansdowne began to develop this wooded tract.
Almost thirty original hardy hybrid rhododendrons, thought to be extinct, have recently been unearthed in the collection, making it one of the country’s oldest rhododendron gardens.
Families like the fantastic Adventure Playground, which is one of Wiltshire’s most thrilling playgrounds. A life-size pirate ship, aerial rope walks, huge slides, and the famed Space Dive may all be found at Bowood House. For smaller children, there is an indoor Soft Play Palace, and birthday party packages are also offered. The parks give plenty of room for sports and picnics, making it an ideal spot for kids to expend their boundless energy.
The Treehouse café, located at the grounds’ entrance, serves a variety of freshly prepared meals and delectable handmade pastries; Bowood is definitely a perfect family day out!
