Gardens & Grounds

The gardens are one of the special glories of Bowood, encompassing almost every period of English garden design from the early Georgian period onwards.

For those wishing to escape into an oasis of outstanding natural beauty, the “Capability” Brown grounds, designed in 1762, offer a soothing retreat from the modern world boasting an extensive arboretum and pinetum, including 11 champion trees with a further 700 trees identified and labelled within the grounds.

Central to the design of the park is Brown’s great lake, almost a mile long, winding sinuously like an enormous river. The outflow is channelled through a series of aquaducts which feed Hamilton’s Cascade, constructed fifteen years after the completion of the park. A stunning torrent of white water falls 30ft over an outcrop of rocks which never ceases to amaze old and young alike. Set at the head of the small promontory is the Doric temple.

New in 2012, the Marquis of Lansdowne has opened the Private Walled Gardens for the first time on specified dates (pre-booking essential).  For more information please click here or call 01249 810961.

Not to be missed during the flowering season (late April to early June) are the stunning Rhododendron Walks offering breathtaking vistas of colour and beauty covering over 60 acres.  This woodland oasis of azaleas and rhododendrons is considered to be one of the most exciting gardens of its type in the country.

To follow the ever evolving gardens and grounds of Bowood, please check the Seasonal Diary.