Introduction:
Stowe Landscape Garden, located in Buckinghamshire, is one of the finest Georgian landscape gardens comprising valleys and vistas, narrow lakes, and rivers with more than 30 temples and monuments, designed by leading architects of the 18th-century.
The scale and beauty of Stowe have attracted visitors for over 300 years. Picture-perfect views, winding paths, lakeside walks, and temples create a timeless landscape, reflecting the changing seasons.
The gardens, belonging to The National Trust, Stowe House (not National Trust), is occupied by Stowe School, to which group visits can be arranged by appointment.
Spring through the lens at Stowe Landscape Garden
Stowe comes to life in spring, from the thousands of bulbs shooting through to bloom to the countless young animals being born, there are lots to enjoy on a spring saunter in the gardens and park. It's the season to be brave and throw aside the winter coat and embrace April showers - no matter what month it is.
Just a few spring blooms are mentioned here:
Family activities
Adventures await your family with so much to discover whatever their age. The gardens and park provide the ultimate backdrop for igniting imaginations, explore a world of lakes, magical woods, ginormous temples, and twisted trees as you play and have fun on your family adventure. Few of the activities that excite children are:
Stowe House
Stowe house was built in the 1700s by the Temple-Grenville’s – an extraordinary family who came to Stowe as sheep farmers and rose to become one of the wealthiest & most powerful families in the country. Eventually, they would become the Dukes of Buckingham and Chandos. It was so grand that even Queen Victoria was bewildered by its interiors. Filled with rooms imitating ancient worlds and classical ruins, the House reflects the flamboyant and colourful characters of its creators. Ceilings and walls decorated with hidden messages and mythology hint at the family’s former power and glory.
But eventually, they fell from power and the wonderful treasures that once filled Stowe, are gone, sold off, across the world to pay the debts.
Stowe House is a grade I listed country house in Stowe, Buckinghamshire, England. It is the home of Stowe School, an independent school, and is owned by the Stowe House Preservation Trust.
The key areas of Stowe House include:
Dog walking at Stowe
Dogs are welcome at Stowe which has a special dog trail all year round. There are dog bins throughout the gardens, plus great places for a drink and good sniff around.
The parkland at Stowe
Explore 1000 acres of landscaped park and deer park free of charge, open daily with a vigorous ramble in the park where more monuments wait to be explored and new views that are not found in the garden. A few attractions here are:
It was built in 1738 on the outskirts of the estate to act as an eye-catcher from the Temple of Friendship. Although it looks like a grand castle on a hill, it's actually a facade that hid a small farm behind and is now used as a business park.
Built-in 1741, Bourbon Tower was built as a house for the estate's gamekeeper to provide a lookout point and to control access to the gardens along a former road.
It was originally called Gothic Umbrello and once sat within a grove of trees providing a secluded and sheltered view across the parkland. It was built over a vaulted reservoir which provided the house with fresh spring water until the 1950s. This is where the name Conduit House comes from.
Standing over 100 feet high, Wolfe's Obelisk is difficult to miss from around the gardens and parkland. The obelisk serves as another eye-catcher and can be seen from various locations within the gardens.
Much of the parkland has been used for farming for thousands of years. It's made up of land acquired by the multiple owners over many years, to form the 900 acres seen today. An abundance of wild animals and farm livestock live within the fields. On your travels, you'll probably spot sheep and cows and both have historical importance to Stowe.
Walk through the rolling hills, fields, and woodland of trees in the deer park, where green spotted woodpeckers and other wildlife can be enjoyed.
Horse riding at Stowe
Enjoy getting active as well as taking in the scenery Stowe has to offer by going on a horse ride through its lyrical landscapes.
Full of hidden meaning, the gardens were created as an earthly paradise and still cast their spell today. Stowe has been described as “a work to wonder at” in its size, splendour, and variety.
Friendly Staff, Exceptional views and a stunning experience especially for any student of architecture make this place a must-visit.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe