Bowhill House to Reopen for Exclusive Tours in August 2025

Bowhill House, the historic residence of the Duke of Buccleuch in the Scottish Borders, will reopen to the public in August 2025 following a year-long closure for essential maintenance. This special reopening will feature a limited-availability guided tour, offered exclusively during August 2025.

The new tour presents a rare opportunity to explore seldom-seen rooms within the house, focusing on the private and social spaces originally created for the 5th Duke of Buccleuch, Walter Francis, and his wife, Charlotte Anne. Renowned for their close friendship with Queen Victoria, the couple played a prominent role in the Victorian era. This tour will showcase how Bowhill was not only a grand estate but also a vibrant, lived-in home during their time — and remains so to this day.

Bowhill also houses part of the internationally acclaimed Buccleuch Collection, which features exceptional artworks, tapestries, rare books, and silver. Visitors will be guided through nine rooms, including the impressive Saloon at the heart of the house. This remarkable space, which rises to the full height of the building, is framed by 17th-century Mortlake tapestries.

Please note that the more familiar rooms of Bowhill House are scheduled to reopen in 2026.

Rory Powell, House Manager said

“We are delighted to unveil this new tour, showcasing a different side of Bowhill. This limited-access experience offers a rare glimpse into the more intimate and private areas of the house that are not usually open to the public. It’s a chance to see Bowhill not just as a grand historic estate, but as a lived-in home shaped by generations of the Buccleuch family — especially the 5th Duke and Duchess, whose legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of the house. We’re thrilled to welcome visitors back and to share these extraordinary spaces and stories in such a unique way.”

Given the exclusive nature of this opportunity, advance booking is strongly recommended. Tours will run daily throughout August at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 2:30pm, and will last approximately 60 minutes. Tickets are priced £15 for adults, £8 for children with under 3 years of age free.

In addition to the limited-access house tours, Bowhill’s grounds and adventure playground will be open from 1st June to 31st August, offering a full day out for visitors of all ages. Guests can explore the beautifully landscaped estate, featuring lochside and way-marked woodland walks, as well as the historic Victorian Kitchen and a dedicated exhibition that delves into the lives of the 5th Duke and Duchess. The popular Old Kitchen Café will be open for light lunches and refreshments. For families, there’s plenty to enjoy too — including an adventure playground, a small indoor soft play area, and engaging ranger-led activities throughout the season.

Tickets can be purchased now from www.bowhillhouse.co.uk.