Fun for families at Stowe

Children roll down a hill with a round temple in the background at Stowe — Tuck in those arms for the ultimate roll at the Temple of Ancient Virtue to complete '50 things' No 2 roll down a really big hill at Stowe

A boy balances on a log as he crawls along it at Stowe. A lady in the background helps a young girl to climb onto the start of the log and a man stands on the grass nearby holding two black Labrador dogs on leads — It's not as easy as it looks, getting the kids back to nature on balance beams at Stowe

A mum pushes a child in a buggy with a little girl walking next to her on a path at Stowe. Beyond the path is a view of a lake and large Grecian style Palladian Bridge — A magical view for the family to discover at Stowe, the Cascade on the Eleven Acre Lake.

A young girl in a motorized mobility school enjoys a visit outdoors with some older females. — Access for all is at the core of our charity, making special places enjoyable for everyone

Two girls and a girl and Mum running a piggy back race by a large classical bridge with a lake in the background — Let loose with the family in the gardens at Stowe

Get the kids outdoors with acres of space to run and stretch their legs. Adventures await your family with so much to discover whatever their age. We want you to leave your worries at the garden gate, forget you’re a grown up and set off hand in hand with your children into a dream world of monumentally sized gardens.

Family adventures

Escape the home schooling and re-wild the children at Stowe when you get outdoors, away from the tech and tune into nature. The gardens and park provide the ultimate backdrop for igniting imaginations, explore a world of lakes, magical woods, ginormous temples and twisted trees on your daily exercise.

In line with government guidance, outdoor spaces only at Stowe are open for local visitors to access for walks. Please stay local and book your visit in advance.

One girl ages approximately ten looks through a magnifying glass at plants whilst looking for bugs and a younger boy looks into a bug pot at an insect he has caught whilst a mother watches with intrigue

Search for signs of spring

Visiting Stowe this spring? Check out our spring seekers guide to find out which blooms, birds and bugs you may see along the way. Download or print the guide to bring along with you when you visit.

A child splashing in the puddles at Stowe, Buckinghamshire

Bikes

We'd love for you to cycle to Stowe, please lock bikes up in the spaces provided in the car park. You need to be on foot patrol in the gardens so you don't miss anything. Small scooters and balance bikes can be taken into the gardens. We kindly ask that bikes with pedals don't go in the gardens.

Weather experts

Here are our top tips for embracing the outdoors whatever the weather at Stowe.

When the sun is shining, you'll find the wooded areas and temples a good place to rest and find some shade
We recommend good footwear, especially wellies in the winter, as the gardens can get muddy in places
The gardens are large. For fun days out with smiling kids at the end, bring sunhats, sun cream and bottles of water to stay hydrated. Plan a route to decide how far you'll go and choose rest stops along the way
To dodge rain showers, use the temples as shelters
Temples with shelter, some benches or to use for picnic spots are: The Lake Pavilions, Concord and Victory, Ancient Virtue, The Cascade (there are small nooks to sit in), Hermitage, The Fane of Pastoral Poetry

50 things girl making daisy chain — Spring is a great time to have a go at some of the '50 things' challenges

50 things springtime adventures

Spring is a great time to run wild in the fresh air and try some of our top family-friendly adventures. From racing snails, to bringing up butterflies, there’s a lot to discover at this time of year.

Discover springtime adventures

We know not everyone can visit us right now so we have put together lots of ideas to help you have fun as a family at home. From downloadable activity packs to home baking and craft - you won't be short of things to do this winter.

Get creative

How to make fat cakes for birds

Fat cakes are a great way to keep your feathered friends happy and full over the winter and early spring. Learn how to make tasty fat cakes to entice birds into your garden.

50 things activities to do in your back garden

Even bold adventurers don't need to go too far from home to tick off challenges from the '50 things' activity list. Here are our top ten ideas for activities that you can do in your own back garden, nearest park or outdoor green space.