Home › Travel Blog › Bowood House and Gardens: A Family Day Out Near Chippenham
Bowood House and Gardens is one of the most popular days out in North Wiltshire, and it lies only a few miles from Chippenham. It combines a historic country house, sweeping landscaped parkland, seasonal woodland gardens and one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the region, which means there is something for every generation. This guide explains what to expect, how to get there and how to plan a relaxed day at Bowood.
Where is Bowood?
Bowood lies between Chippenham and Calne, just off the A4, roughly 5 miles from Chippenham town centre. From The Pines Guest Accommodation, the drive usually takes around 15 minutes. If you are travelling from further afield, leave the M4 at junction 17 and follow the brown tourist signs. The nearest railway station is Chippenham, and a taxi from the station or from town is straightforward.
A little history
Bowood has been the family seat of the Marquesses of Lansdowne for more than two centuries and is still a family home today. The estate is closely linked with some famous names. The parkland was laid out in the eighteenth century by the celebrated landscape designer Lancelot "Capability" Brown, who created the serpentine lake and the gently rolling views that make the grounds so peaceful. The scientist Joseph Priestley worked at Bowood as a librarian and tutor, and it was in the house's laboratory, in 1774, that he identified the gas we now call oxygen.
What to see and do at Bowood
The house
Visitors can explore a selection of rooms and galleries in the house, where you will find family portraits, historic collections and exhibitions about the estate's history. Highlights often include Priestley's laboratory and displays of treasures collected by the family over the years. Parts of the house may change from season to season, so check what is open before you go.
The pleasure grounds and lake
The formal terraces and the wider parkland around the lake are ideal for a gentle walk. Look out for mature specimen trees, classical garden buildings and a cascade tucked away in the woodland. On a sunny day, the lawns make a perfect picnic spot. Walkers may also enjoy our guide to walks in and around Chippenham.
The woodland gardens
A separate area of woodland gardens is famous for its displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, which are at their best in late spring. Because this area opens for a limited season when the flowers are out, it is worth checking dates if gardens are the main reason for your visit.
The adventure playground
For many families, the adventure playground is the star attraction. Children can explore a large pirate ship, treetop walkways, giant slides and jumping pillows designed for younger adventurers, while a separate area caters for toddlers and younger children. There is also indoor play for rainy days. Older children and parents alike can easily spend several hours here, so allow plenty of time.
Golf and the wider estate
The estate also includes a championship golf course, which is popular with visiting golfers. If you would like to play, book tee times in advance with the golf club directly.
Planning your visit
- Opening season: the house and gardens usually open from spring to autumn, with the woodland gardens opening for a shorter season. Always check the official Bowood website for current dates, times and prices before you travel.
- Tickets: buying online in advance can save time at the entrance, particularly in school holidays.
- How long to allow: most visitors spend at least half a day, and families with children often stay for most of the day.
- Food: there are cafés on site, but many visitors bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake.
- What to wear: comfortable shoes and weatherproof layers, as much of the day is spent outdoors.
Suggested itinerary for a family day
- Arrive when the gates open to enjoy the playground before it gets busy.
- Take a mid-morning break for snacks, then stroll down to the lake and explore the parkland.
- Have lunch at a café or a picnic on the lawns.
- Spend the early afternoon touring the house and Priestley's laboratory.
- Return to the playground for a final session before heading back to Chippenham.
Combine Bowood with other nearby attractions
Bowood is easy to combine with other places near Chippenham. The medieval village of Lacock is a short drive away, and the market town of Calne is on the doorstep. Our guide to things to do in Chippenham includes more ideas for families, and our list of nearby attractions includes Bowood Golf and Country Club.
Where to stay
If you are planning a weekend of days out, Chippenham is a convenient base with good road and rail links. The Pines Guest Accommodation offers family rooms with a double bed and single beds, as well as single, double and twin rooms, all including breakfast. Children are welcome, and there is free parking at the house. After a busy day, you can relax in our bar or enjoy dinner in our Greek restaurant.
Bowood through the seasons
Each time of year brings something different at Bowood. In spring, the parkland comes back to life and the woodland gardens start to fill with colour, reaching their peak with the rhododendrons and azaleas in late spring. Summer is the busiest season, with long days that are ideal for picnics by the lake and extended sessions in the adventure playground. In autumn, the mature trees across the landscaped park turn gold and red, making it a wonderful time for a gentle walk and photographs. The house and gardens usually close to day visitors over the winter months, so if you are planning a visit outside the main season, check the official website first. Whatever the season, the weather in Wiltshire can change quickly, so pack a waterproof just in case.
Conclusion
Bowood House and Gardens offers a rare mix of history, beautiful landscapes and genuine fun for children, all within a few miles of Chippenham. Check the season dates, arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the house, the parkland and the playground. When you are ready to plan your trip, check availability at The Pines.
Stay at The Pines in Chippenham
The Pines Guest Accommodation is a Victorian guest house close to Chippenham town centre and station, with single, double, twin and family rooms, breakfast included, free parking and Wi-Fi, a bar and a Greek and English restaurant. View our rooms or check availability.