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 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 Centre & Museum
Open daily throughout summer (10:30am–4:30pm) and at weekends during winter (10:30am–3:30pm). The visitor centre may remain open for museum access on days when the house is closed.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available during regular opening hours. Specific tour times can be selected via the booking calendar.
- The Full Story – A 45-minute comprehensive tour of the house
- Taster Tour – A 20-minute introductory tour
Self-Guided Visits
Self-guided exploration is usually available during school holidays. Please check opening times to confirm availability on your chosen date.
Group Visits
Pre-booking is essential for all group visits. The following options are available year-round:
- Standard Group Tour – Museum and full house tour (approximately 1.5 hours)
- Short Tour – Museum and short house tour (approximately 30 minutes)
- House Custodian Tour – Subject to availability (approximately 1 hour)
Additional group experiences are available seasonally:
- Rooftop Tour – Spring and summer school holidays only (approximately 1 hour, limited availability)
- Secrets of Stowe Tour (Behind-the-Scenes) – School holidays only (approximately 1 hour, subject to availability)
Special Events & Exhibitions
Vanbrugh300 Programme (2026)
Throughout 2026, Stowe House is hosting a series of events and displays celebrating Sir John Vanbrugh's architectural legacy:
- Architectural & External Tours – Dates and times to be confirmed; check the events calendar
- Family Weekend – 1 and 2 August 2026 (full programme to be confirmed)
- Garden Trail – Dates to be confirmed; a downloadable version will be available
- Vanbrugh at Stowe: the Collection – Display throughout 2026 at various points in the house
Exhibition – Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh: Architecture, Politics and Power
29 June – 31 August, 10:30am–4:30pm
Virtual Tour
A 360° virtual tour is available online at any time, allowing you to explore Stowe House from home.
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
Royals at Stowe House: May Half-Term Family Trail & Crafts
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
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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