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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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Picnic area
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Shop
At Stowe House, we want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy their visit. We’re committed to making the house as accessible as possible while caring for its historic features.
There is wheelchair access to all floors, though some areas may have uneven flooring due to the building’s heritage. If you need any assistance, our friendly team of staff and volunteers are always happy to help—just ask.
If you have any specific access requirements or would like more information ahead of your visit, please get in touch with us. We’d love to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
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.
Visitor Centre & Museum
Our Visitor Centre is the perfect place to begin your visit to Stowe House. Relax with a coffee, hot chocolate, cold drink, cake, light bite or ice cream, with gluten-free and vegan options available. There is plenty of space to sit indoors, as well as outdoor picnic tables in the courtyard, and our friendly team is always on hand to help.
Browse our range of Stowe House souvenirs, many of which are exclusive to us, and explore the interactive museum displays that tell the story of the House and gardens. The Visitor Centre and Museum are open daily from March to November and at weekends from December to February. On days when the House is closed, visitors can usually still enjoy the museum at a discounted admission rate.
Guided Tours
Choose from a Taster Tour lasting 20 minutes or the Full Story at 45 minutes with one of our friendly guides as they reveal fascinating stories of the rise of the Temple-Grenville family to scandal, intrigue and debt that led to their downfall. Learn how the estate was brought back to life – from the founding of Stowe School to the ongoing restoration efforts today.
Self-Guided Visits
If you enjoy the freedom of a self-guided visit, check the opening times for a day when you can explore at your own pace – these are usually during school holidays. The thrill of turning the corner and being met by dazzling ceilings and vast rooms will take your breath away. You’ll be given a map when you arrive at our Visitor Centre to help you find your way around.
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
At Stowe House, we want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy their visit. We’re committed to making the house as accessible as possible while caring for its historic features.
There is wheelchair access to all floors, though some areas may have uneven flooring due to the building’s heritage. If you need any assistance, our friendly team of staff and volunteers are always happy to help—just ask.
If you have any specific access requirements or would like more information ahead of your visit, please get in touch with us. We’d love to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
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
Sir John Vanbrugh and the Making of Stowe
Stowe House
Howl-O-Ween Half-Term at Stowe House
Stowe House
Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh: Architecture, Politics and Power
Stowe House
Secrets of Stowe Tour
Stowe House
Halloween Slime Lab
Stowe House
Stars at Stowe Stargazing
Stowe House
Stars at Stowe Stargazing
Stowe House
Lino Print Winter Workshop
Stowe House
A Christmas Carol
Stowe House
Stars at Stowe Stargazing
Stowe House
Red Arrows Rooftop Tour
Stowe House
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