Seasonal highlights - Summer at Stowe

Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire. — Visitor at Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire

Summer is a magical time at Stowe. Enjoy a brisk walk early in the morning for a sense of stillness and to hear the birds chattering away. As the trees begin to become full of leaves, they hide the landscape waiting to purposefully surprise you as you walk down a winding path to a sudden break in the branches to lead your eye to a far off distant view.

Admire the view

Walk a few minutes and to your delight you’re at that view that seemed so distant only a while ago. Stay late in the afternoon to see the sun glittering across the lakes and creating mystical reflections and shadows. It’s particularly special at the Ruin of the Cascades where two lakes join together.

Wildflowers

A sight to see over the summer is the abundance of wildflowers that appears down the avenues and paths. From common spotted orchids to knapweed, you'll see a wide variety across the gardens as they spread and develop.

Colourful mix of flowers in the Walled Garden Wildflower Meadow — Our Wildflower Meadow is always a feast for the eyes

Stowe Buckinghamshire

Wildflowers at Stowe

See the first signs of wildflower emerging throughout the gardens in a wide variety of colour and species from late spring into summer. Discover what to look out for and download 'A meadow meander' walk map.

Let the meadow move you

A magical place

Wander off the beaten track and follow the grass paths to areas you may have missed before. Stowe is a place of picture-perfect views, winding woods, lakeside paths and magical temples which you can explore at your own pace as you leave the stresses of everyday life behind.

Visitors enjoying the Grecian Valley at Stowe Gardens

Summer at Stowe walk

Download this map and bring it with you to find the perfect spots for lazy days and summer strolls in the gardens at Stowe.

Bring a hamper

Pick a quiet spot to lay down the rug. Bring your hamper and enjoy a traditional picnic in the gardens. What's more, you can add to your feast by dropping into the cafe to pick up home-made sarnies, our famous sausage rolls, indulgent cake and bottles of sparkling drinks. We hope you enjoy the tranquil moments to be had on lazy days, all we ask is you take any rubbish home with you.

Picnic blanket with wine, apples and basket — Share a picnic with someone special

Restoration work

A programme of restoration is underway and you can see the return of lost statues in the Grecian Valley, take new paths and find areas to explore. As we complete 54 tasks over the next 2 years we'll be closer to our goal of restoring Stowe to its eighteenth-century heyday.

Try a midweek visit

We know some of you like a more peaceful visit. We’re busiest at weekends, so if you’re looking for a quieter day out, why not visit during the week if you can?

Enjoy a peaceful walk, and a selection of events taking place mid-week. We also host a monthly dog walk on a Wednesday.

Stowe Buckinghamshire

Big butterfly count

By giving just 15 minutes, you can help our butterfly species by recording what you see by taking a gentle walk or watch them flutter by as you sit on a bench. Pick up a free guide when you arrive. 19 July - 11 August, normal admissions apply.

I want to get involved

A wide open valley, with a Grecian temple with large coloums stands at the tip, surrounded by trees and under a purple atmospheric sky in autumn — The atmospheric Grecian Valley at Stowe with the Temple of Concord and Victory in the distance

Stowe Buckinghamshire

Under the Hawthorn at Stowe

This autumn open the door to the Grecian Valley at Stowe where you'll uncover how the designed landscape has inspired our predecessors and still draws creative responses today. Take in the restored statues and monuments on walks, guided tours, meet our Poet-in-Residence Dan Simpson and experts in a series of events throughout the season.

Explore the magic of the Valley