Stowe House
An exceptional house set within this world-famous landscape and subject to one of the most pioneering restoration projects of the 21st century.
Stowe, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5EH
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Touch tours
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
In the eighteenth century, the powerful Temple-Grenville family chose to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples. Amidst these enchanting gardens (now cared for separately by the National Trust), they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House, famous during its eighteenth-century heyday as an important artistic masterpiece.
In 1922, in the face of demolition, Stowe School saved the building from certain destruction. Unlike the loss and decline of many English country houses, Stowe House found a new and revived use for the twentieth and twenty-first centuries as a school for boys and girls. Stowe House Preservation Trust was established in 1997 to restore the House and share this special place with the world.
Come inside the House to see the results of one of the most pioneering restoration projects of the twenty-first century and see inside one of the most excessive homes in England.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times
Summer (3 March – 26 October)
Daily 10.30am–4.30pm (last admission 4.00pm)
Autumn (27 October – 30 November)
Daily 10.30am–3.30pm (last admission 3.00pm)
Winter (1 December – 2 March 2026)
Weekends only 10.30am–3.30pm (last admission 3.00pm). Open daily during winter school holidays.
Visitor Centre & Museum
The Visitor Centre and Museum are open daily throughout the summer (10.30am–4.30pm) and at weekends during winter (10.30am–3.30pm). On days when the house is closed, the Visitor Centre remains open for visitors to explore the museum at a discounted ticket rate.
Guided Tours
Two guided tour options are available throughout the year during opening hours:
- Taster Tour ('If Walls Could Talk!') – A shorter introduction to the house
- Full Story Tour ('If Walls Could Talk!') – A comprehensive tour of the property
Specific tour times are bookable via the booking calendar one month in advance.
Self-Guided Visits
Self-guided and free-flow house visits are usually available during school holidays. Check opening times for specific days when this option is offered.
Group Visits
Pre-booking is essential for all group visits, which are available year-round:
- Standard Group Tour (Museum + Full Tour) – approximately 1.5 hours
- Short Tour (Museum + Short Tour) – approximately 30 minutes
- House Custodian Tour – approximately 1 hour
- Secrets of Stowe Tour (Behind-the-Scenes) – approximately 1 hour, school holidays only
- Rooftop Tour – approximately 1 hour, spring and summer school holidays only
Special Events & Tours
Rooftop Tour (Public)
12 July–30 August, various times
Secrets of Stowe Tour (Public)
9 July–20 August, various times
Vanbrugh Walking Tour
24 July–23 August, various times
Heritage Open Days – Vanbrugh300 Walking Tour
19 September, various times
Vanbrugh300 Exhibition – Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh: Architecture, Politics and Power
29 June–31 August, 10.30am–4.30pm
Vanbrugh300 Family Weekend
1 and 2 August. Activities open for booking.
Vanbrugh300 Garden Trail
Dates to be confirmed. Available at points throughout 2026.
Vanbrugh at Stowe: the Collection
On display at points throughout the year.
Vanbrugh300 Architectural Tours
Throughout 2026 as part of the Vanbrugh300 programme. Specific dates to be confirmed.
Children's Activities
Children's activities are available during school holidays. Check the booking calendar for specific dates and activities.
Online Access
A Virtual 360° Tour of Stowe House is available online at any time.
Historic Houses members visit the house (but NOT the gardens) for free. Please book in advance online. (hyperlink change: https://www.stowehouse.org/book-tickets/)
Non-member adult admission: £9.50
National Trust member adult: £7.50
Child (6-16) – £3 Child (under 5) – Free
Find out more about our education visits online.
https://www.stowehouse.org/visit-us/education-and-group-visits/education-visits/
- Touch tours
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
Getting here
Stowe, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5EH
The main entrance to the House is via the gardens of National Trust Stowe. The National Trust Visitor Centre is called New Inn. Please arrive at New Inn and enjoy your walk through the Gardens to reach us. Garden admission applies.
When arriving for a house-only visit we ask that you enter the estate via our private Stowe School entrance.
Please note you must telephone or email in advance to arrange access via this entrance to the estate.
There is ample visitor parking and it is located close to the House. There is no charge for parking at the House.
For prearranged access to this entrance please use postcode MK18 5EH
Forthcoming events
Virtual Heritage Open Days
Stowe House
Vanbrugh’s Alterations and Additions to Stowe House
Stowe House
Sir John Vanbrugh and the Making of Stowe
Stowe House
Stars at Stowe Stargazing
Stowe House
Stars at Stowe Stargazing
Stowe House
Red Arrows Rooftop Tour
Stowe House
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