Bowood House prepares for spring re-opening

Bowood House & Gardens is ready for its 2024 re-opening with a packed schedule of events planned throughout the year.

Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, the home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, Bowood House has begun preparations for its re-opening on Friday 29 March, with an action-packed Easter weekend to kickstart a year of events and entertainment

Starting on Good Friday and continuing for the first two weeks in April, children can enjoy the Easter Egg Trail where the Bowood Easter Bunny has hidden 10 large eggs in the grounds – find the eggs, unscramble the letters and guess the word to win a prize.

Over the four-day Easter weekend, five golden eggs will be hidden around the park – take one back to the staff at the entrance gate for a chocolate gift, or find the special rainbow egg that entitles the finder to a family season ticket to the House & Gardens.

For other half term fun, on selective dates between the 29 March and 8  April, free arts and crafts will be available in The Bothy from noon to 4pm. People should Speak to Admissions on arrival for more information.

Throughout the season, children can enjoy The Adventure Playground which boasts a life-size pirate ship, aerial rope walks, tractor trails and the famous space dive – an exhilarating 19ft vertical drop super slide.

Later on in the year, visitors can enjoy entertainment from Giffords Circus, Masters of Motoring, Classic Ibiza, Wiltshire Game and County Fair, Mud & Guts summer outdoor activities, open air cinema, outdoor theatre shows, and other events.

The House & Gardens also hosts regular Garden Tours throughout the season, including the Private Walled Gardens, Head Gardener Tours and guided tours of Bowood’s Woodland Gardens throughout April and May.

A variety of workshops are also available, including floristry, photography, stained glass and wreath making.

Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown parkland with a mile-long lake, arboretum, pinetum and cascade – described as perfect to enjoy in the spring sunshine. The house itself hosts an impressive collection of art, sculptures and antiques, as well as showcasing an exhibition to mark 250 years since John Preistley discovered oxygen in the Laboratory at Bowood House.

To experience the full array of activities and explore the expansive estate, visitors can enjoy a stay at the Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort – a boutique-style hotel offering luxurious accommodation and unrivalled leisure facilities, with an award-winning spa and PGA Championship Golf Course.

For more information or to book a stay, people can visit Bowood/hotel/resort

For more information on Bowood House & Gardens, please visit Bowood/house/gardens