Stowe

Move out of the way winter and put a spring in your step with bright days reflecting rays across the glittering lakes, the chatter of birdsong filling the air and crisp breezes that take your breath away on refreshing walks in the gardens.

Get the kids outdoors with acres of space to play and stretch their legs. Adventures await your family with so much to discover whatever their age from the temples, lakes, wildlife and fun activities.

Take your dog on a paw patrol to explore the gardens and parkland. Please keep them on leads at all times. We provide water bowls outside the cafe for refreshment, treats in the shop and join our monthly guided dog walks.

Stowe House is perhaps the greatest temple of all here at Stowe and, although not owned by the National Trust, it is also open for tours.

There's a multitude of places to escape in the Aylesbury Vale, all closer than you think. Plan a trip or even days combining gardens with houses to woodlands and little gems of history.

Throughout the year you can visit Stowe to enjoy seasonal highlights, join in with the kids activities and discover our programme of events. For 2019 journey with us as we look back at 30 years of restoration. Check out the full listings here.

Spring has sprung and it's time to get outdoors with your family over Easter. Enjoy walks in the garden to see the vibrant colours returning to the trees, see new born lambs bouncing and get stuck into a wide range of fun activities available throughout the school holidays whatever the weather.

Tuck in to seasonal meals freshly prepared by our chefs using locally sourced ingredients. We can cater for dietary needs and have family friendly menus too.

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift, a memento of your visit or a treat for yourself, we’re sure you will find something here. We support local suppliers by showcasing a large range of gift cards, books, local crafts and produce, including confectionery, cider and fragrances for body and home. Every purchase contributes directly to the work being undertaken at Stowe.

Each month we'll be bringing you a new edition of Gardener's ramblings from our team member Anna Tolfree. Here you'll find the latest edition and a back catalogue of our gardening work. Watch this space for future insights behind the scenes with the Trust team at Stowe.

2015 saw the start of a new phase of restoration for the gardens at Stowe. The Landscape Programme comprises of 54 tasks taking place over five years to reinstate many of the lost temples and monuments that once ‘dressed’ the gardens like pieces of a theatre set whilst undertaking maintenance on structures and lakes. Read more and keep up to date here.

Subtle gardening and major works have all helped to make the restoration of the gardens at Stowe appear as though it were always the way you see it today. Discover our work since 1989 in this behind the scenes feature with some surprising images of the gardens in their dilapidated days.

Will you help us recreate an iconic statue collection that once defined this idyllic landscape, but was lost more than two centuries ago?

If you’ve got some spare time to lend a hand and would like to learn something new or share in a passion you have, then we’d love to hear from you. There's a variety of positions available for volunteers, or tell us what interests you most.

Imagine arriving to work every day with a breathtaking view that never gets tired or taking your lunch in a tranquil garden. Jobs at Stowe offer rewarding career development, a positive team attitude and an office like no other in 250 acres of Europe's finest landscape gardens. Find out more about what it's like working at Stowe and our current vacancies.

If you have a workforce of employees and wish to support a charity, Stowe is a great place to choose. We have a dedicated programme of activities for groups to participate in, whilst helping our gardening team achieve projects with mass help. What will take our team of four gardeners months to complete, will in comparison take one day for a group of 20 or more volunteers to achieve.

Have a monumental day out at Stowe with your group with endless exploration and different areas to interest all. Our Groups Bookings team will help co-ordinate your visit and provide an information pack for everything you'll need before you arrive.

Our famous landscape gardens provide the perfect setting to inspire and encourage curiosity. We can work with you to ensure a memorable visit for your students.

An important part of our work is connecting with the local community. Whether you’re a local resident, school, community group or charity, we believe Stowe should be open and accessible for all. Read more to discover how your group can best access this special place and for full information on accessibility for disabilities.

There are so many stories to tell, unravel the layers of history with this broad look at Stowe's timeline and a treasure trove of articles that take a closer peek at the detail.

Stowe through the centuries has been created by a multitude of famous gardeners, artists and architects. Reveal the story of the gardeners at Stowe and how they shaped the landscape.

From the big to the small, fluffy to the scaly, discover some of the animals that call Stowe home

The gardens never sleep, find out about some of the animals who venture out after dark