Bowood House & Gardens

My father retired in 1972 to his home in Perthshire. He left with the memorable words: ‘You may find maintaining the house and estate quite a challenge.’ Indeed, it has been, but at the same time, hugely rewarding. My wife and I get enormous pleasure from sharing this wonderful oasis of peace and beauty with our visitors. We opened Bowood to the public in 1975, since when several million people have visited us. Without their continued support and interest we couldn’t manage to maintain the house and grounds in their present condition.

Our philosophy has been to try to provide something of interest for all ages. We have developed the opening of the house and grounds to preserve their historical distinction by at the same time making it fun, exciting and interesting to visit. Do come back to experience nature’s ever-changing seasons, which unfold at Bowood with such impact from spring through to autumn.

Purchased by the 1st Earl of Shelburne (1705–1761) in the mid 18th century, Bowood House and Gardens have been improved by successive generations up to the present day. Many famous architects and garden designers have been employed, including Henry Keene, Robert and James Adam, ‘Capability’ Brown, C.R. Cockerell and Sir Charles Barry.

A visitor to Bowood today will see fine 18th-century architecture and splendid interiors: the Adam Orangery, the Chapel and Library by C.R. Cockerell, the New Hall, the Sculpture Gallery and the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774. There is also a series of exhibition rooms with a wealth of fine furniture, costumes, pocelain, jewellery and paintings on display. Outside, the house is surrounded by ‘Capability’ Brown’s stunning park; there are magnificent formal gardens, a ‘Picturesque’ rockwork garden; and the renowned pinetum and arboretum

Bowood House and Gardens has something for everyone – please visit us and our website by clicking on any of the links below: