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.
Regular Opening Hours
Summer (3 March – 26 October): Open daily, 10:30am–4:30pm (last admission 4:00pm)
Autumn (27 October – 30 November): Open daily, 10:30am–3:30pm (last admission 3:00pm)
Winter (1 December – 2 March 2026): Open weekends only, 10:30am–3:30pm (last admission 3:00pm). The house opens 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. We recommend checking the booking calendar before your visit.
Visitor Centre & Museum
The Visitor Centre is open daily throughout summer (10:30am–4:30pm) and at weekends during winter (10:30am–3:30pm). The Museum, located within the Visitor Centre, is available on all days when the Visitor Centre is open. On days when the house is closed, the Visitor Centre and Museum remain open.
Guided Tours
Two guided tour options are available during regular opening hours:
- Full Story Tour: 45 minutes. Explore the complete history and architecture of Stowe House.
- Taster Tour: 20 minutes. A shorter introduction to the house.
Specific tour times can be selected via the booking calendar.
Self-Guided Exploration: Self-guided access is usually available during school holidays. Please check opening times to confirm availability for your visit date.
Group Visits
Groups can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the year, with pre-booking essential:
- Standard Group Tour: Combines museum access with either a full tour (approximately 1.5 hours) or a short tour plus museum (approximately 30 minutes). Available all year round.
- House Custodian Tour: Approximately 1 hour. Available year-round, subject to availability.
- Rooftop Tour: Approximately 1 hour. Available during spring and summer school holidays only.
- Secrets of Stowe (Behind-the-Scenes) Tour: Approximately 1 hour. Available during school holidays only.
Virtual Experience
A 360° online virtual tour is available at any time, allowing you to explore Stowe House from home.
Special Events & Exhibitions
Vanbrugh300 Festival (2026): A year-long celebration of Sir John Vanbrugh's legacy at Stowe House, featuring:
- Exhibition – Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh: Architecture, Politics and Power: 29 June–31 August, 10:30am–4:30pm
- Vanbrugh Weekend: 1–2 August, 10:30am–4:30pm. Includes house admission, guided tours, family activities, storytelling, and creative workshops.
- Lecture Series: Throughout 2026. Confirmed dates include 17 September (Vanbrugh's Alterations and Additions to Stowe House, 6:00pm–7:30pm) and 15 October (Sir John Vanbrugh and the Making of Stowe, 6:00pm–7:30pm). Further dates to be announced.
- Vanbrugh300 Garden Trail: Available throughout the gardens during the festival. A downloadable version will also be available. Dates to be confirmed.
- Vanbrugh at Stowe: the Collection Display: Featured at various points throughout 2026.
Virtual Heritage Open Days: 11–20 September, 8:00am–10:00pm
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
Vanbrugh Weekend
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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