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.
Visitor Facilities
Visitor Centre
Open daily throughout summer (10:30am–4:30pm) and at weekends during winter (10:30am–3:30pm). No booking required.
Museum with Interactive Displays
Open daily during summer (10:30am–4:30pm) and at weekends during winter (10:30am–3:30pm). Also accessible on days when the house itself is closed. No booking required.
House Tours and Experiences
Full Story Guided Tour
Available during general opening hours. Duration: 45 minutes. Specific tour times can be selected via the booking calendar.
Taster Guided Tour
Available during general opening hours. Duration: 20 minutes. Specific tour times can be selected via the booking calendar.
Self-Guided House Exploration
Usually available during school holidays. Visitors are advised to check opening times for days when self-guided access is available.
Group Visits
Available all year round. Pre-booking is essential. Full tour duration is approximately 1.5 hours; short tour and museum visit approximately 30 minutes.
Virtual Tour
A 360° online experience is available at any time.
Special Events and Exhibitions
Talks and Lectures
- The Gothic Library at Stowe: A Reappraisal – 23 April, 5:30pm–7:30pm
- Vanbrugh's Garden Legacy at Stowe – 14 May, 6:00pm–7:30pm
- Sir John Vanbrugh and the Kit-Cat Club – 11 June, 6:00pm–8:00pm
- Vanbrugh's Alterations and Additions to Stowe House – 17 September, 6:00pm–7:30pm
- Sir John Vanbrugh and the Making of Stowe – 15 October, 6:00pm–7:30pm
Family Activities
- Stowe-Tots (Easter) – 29 April, 10:00am–10:45am
Exhibitions
- Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh: Architecture, Politics and Power – 29 June–31 August, 10:30am–4:30pm
Vanbrugh300 Programme
A year-long programme throughout 2026 celebrating Sir John Vanbrugh, including:
- Family Weekend – 1 and 2 August (full programme to be confirmed)
- Architectural and External Tours – specific dates and times to be confirmed
- Garden Trail – from dates to be confirmed
- Vanbrugh at Stowe: the Collection (Display) – at various points throughout 2026
- Lecture Series – further events to be added throughout the year
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
Vanbrugh’s Garden Legacy at Stowe
Stowe House
The ‘most honest hearted, real good men’: Sir John Vanbrugh and the Kit-Cat Club
Stowe House
Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh: Architecture, Politics and Power
Stowe House
Red Arrows Rooftop Tour
Stowe House
Lino Print Summer Workshop
Stowe House
Planetarium
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
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