Stowe
Visitor information
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Notice: Please note: the gardens are closed Saturday 25 May. New Inn, Cafe, Shop and Parkland are open as normal.
Breathtakingly beautiful landscape gardens
The scale, grandeur and beauty of Stowe has inspired writers, philosophers, artists, politicians and members of the public from the 18th century to the present day.
One of the most remarkable creations of Georgian England, Stowe was created by a family once so powerful they were richer than the king.
Since the National Trust acquired the gardens in the late 1980s, an ambitious programme of restoration has ensured that over 40 temples and monuments remain, gracing an inspiring backdrop of lakes and valleys with an endless variety of walks and trails, a delight to explore at any time of year.
Discover our parkland
Our gardens are closed for Stowe School Speech Day on 25 May so we’re bringing New Inn to life and taking the opportunity to let you discover some of the lesser known areas of our parkland. Discover our ‘Potter in the Parkland’ walk, try our cycle route or take part in our ‘make and take’ activity and create a pipe cleaner dragonfly.
Spring is here
Spring is in the air and with it comes the emergence of a whole host of beautiful flowers. There few better places to see this than Stowe, where you can find:
- Daffodil – The poster girl of spring brings swathes of yellow early in the season.
- Mock orange – The name stems from its creamy white flowers, which smell heavenly like orange blossom.
- Primrose – The familiar and enchanting yellow primrose is one of the earliest harbingers of spring.
- Crown Imperial – Ranging in colour from an orange-scarlet to yellow, this is something of a show-stopper with its exotic looks and large proportions.
- Lilac – Revered for its heady scent, the clusters of flowers vary in colour from pale mauve to deep purple and sometimes even white.