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 Hours
Summer Opening (3 March – 26 October)
Daily 10:30am–4:30pm (last admission 4:00pm)
Autumn Opening (27 October – 30 November)
Daily 10:30am–3:30pm (last admission 3:00pm)
Winter Opening (1 December – 2 March 2026)
Weekends only 10:30am–3:30pm (last admission 3:00pm). Open daily during winter school holidays.
Closures
Stowe House is closed on 23 May and 24–26 December. As a working school, additional closures may occur. Please check the opening times via the booking calendar before travelling.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available during regular opening hours:
- Full Story Tour – 45 minutes
- Taster Tour – 20 minutes
Group tours are available all year round, with options including a full tour (approximately 1.5 hours) or a short tour with museum visit (30 minutes). The Rooftop Tour and Secrets of Stowe Tour are available for groups during school holidays only (approximately 1 hour each).
Special Events and Tours (Summer 2025)
Secrets of Stowe Tour (Public) – 9 July–20 August, various times
Rooftop Tour (Public) – 12 July–30 August, various times
Vanbrugh Walking Tour (Public) – 24 July–23 August, various times
Vanbrugh Weekend – 1–2 August, 10:30am–4:30pm (last admission to the house 4:00pm)
Exhibition: Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh – Architecture, Politics and Power – 29 June–31 August, 10:30am–4:30pm
Great British Summer Savings – 25 June–1 September, 10:30am–4:00pm
Autumn Events
Virtual Heritage Open Days – 11–20 September, 8:00am–10:00pm
Talk: Vanbrugh's Alterations and Additions to Stowe House – 17 September, 6:00pm–7:30pm
Talk: Sir John Vanbrugh and the Making of Stowe – 15 October, 6:00pm–7:30pm
Self-Guided Visits
Self-guided visits are usually available during school holidays. Check opening times for specific days when this option is offered.
Accessibility
Mobility Support
- Manual wheelchair loan – available during all opening hours
- Mobility scooter hire – available during school holidays only
- National Trust Stowe Gardens wheelchair and mobility vehicle hire – available for morning or afternoon slots (book at least a week in advance)
Accessible Parking
- School Entrance (House Only) – available during all opening hours; pre-booking required
- National Trust Entrance – available during National Trust Stowe opening hours
Quiet Times
The quietest visiting times are between 2:00pm–3:00pm (winter hours) and 4:00pm (summer hours). Peak periods are weekends and school holidays.
Online Access
A 360° virtual tour 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
Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh: Architecture, Politics and Power
Stowe House
Lino Print Summer Workshop
Stowe House
Planetarium
Stowe House
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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