Historic Wiltshire attraction Bowood House & Gardens in Wiltshire has unveiled an autumn events programme bringing together history, seasonal colour, creative workshops and family adventure.
From a talk exploring the secrets and spies of the American Revolution to guided walks through the Capability Brown parkland, hands-on craft sessions, and Halloween activities, the programme offers visitors new ways to experience Bowood as the season changes.
For families, the Bowood Halloween Adventures runs from Thursday 22 October to Sunday 1 November.
Visitors will be able to follow a Pumpkin Trail through the grounds, explore the Arboretum in its autumn colour, and take part in daily arts and crafts in the Gardeners’ Bothy.
Amazing Falconry displays can also be seen on Bowood’s grounds on Sunday 25 October, Wednesday 28 October and Sunday 1 November.
On Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, families can hunt for a hidden ghost, with a 2027 family season ticket available to win each day.
The autumn events begin on Saturday 19 September with a history talk led by Bowood curator Dr. Lizzie Rogers.
‘1776: Secrets, Spies and the American Revolution’ explores the hidden stories behind American Independence, including the ingenious methods used by British and American spies to carry secret messages.
Dr. Rogers also examines the impact of the Revolution on the career of Lord Shelburne, Bowood’s first proprietor.
The talk will run from 11am to 12.15pm, with tickets priced at £8.50 for adults and £7.50 for seniors. A day ticket for Bowood House & Gardens must also be purchased to attend this talk.
October brings a series of hands-on creative workshops in the Gardeners’ Bothy. On Thursday 8 October, Aimée Alice Payton leads a Drum Lampshade Making Workshop, guiding guests through the process of creating a bespoke drum or cone lampshade.
Tickets cost £69.50 per person and include tuition, materials, arrival tea/coffee and entry to Bowood House & Gardens on the day allowing you to wander the grounds before the course.
Friday 9 October sees Marea Brown introduce visitors to the ancient art of Indian block printing.
Guests will practice with hand-carved blocks before creating their own designs on a choice of textiles to take home.
Morning and afternoon sessions are available, with tickets priced at £69.50 per person including tuition, materials, arrival tea/coffee and entry to Bowood House & Gardens on the day allowing people to wander the grounds before or after the course. Book soon as tickets are selling fast.
Visitors can also explore Bowood’s remarkable countryside landscape on Saturday 10 and Friday 16 October during the Historic Parkland & Arboretum Tour.
The 90-minute guided walk takes in one of the country’s finest early examples of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s work, alongside the Arboretum of rare trees in the Pleasure Grounds.
Guides will share the history of the parkland and insight into how the team cares for the landscape throughout the year. Tickets cost £24.45 for adults and £21.85 for seniors.
Additionally, on Saturday 10 October, artist and creator Marianne Donohoe hosts a Silver Jewellery Making Workshop.
The beginner-friendly session will guide guests through the steps to create a unique piece of fine silver jewellery.
Tickets cost £90 per person and include sufficient silver clay to make a pendant, tuition, arrival tea/coffee and entry to Bowood House & Gardens on the day allowing you to wander after the course. Book soon is advised as tickets are selling fast.
Seasonal materials from Bowood’s Walled Garden take centre stage on Thursday 15 October during the Autumn Wreath Making Workshop.
Florist Claire Satchell demonstrates how to pick flowers and foliage from the garden before guests can create a personalised autumn wreath to take home.
Tickets cost £69.50 per person and include tuition, materials, arrival tea/coffee and entry to Bowood House & Gardens on the day allowing you to wander after the course. Again, tickets are selling fast.
The autumn events programme takes place during the final weeks of Bowood House & Gardens’ 2026 open season, which runs until Sunday 1 November.
Visitors can also explore Bowood House, the Walled Garden, Capability Brown parkland, the Arboretum, and the Adventure Playground as part of a day at the Estate.
For further details and booking information, people can visit www.bowood.org/house-gardens/house-gardens-events/
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