Visiting Stowe: What to expect during your visit

In this article you’ll find everything you need to know about what's open and what to expect from your visit this winter. Please rememeber we welcome dogs on leads at Stowe, and only balance bikes in the garden.

What's on this winter?

With 250 acres to explore and the chance to get some fresh air over the festive period, Stowe is the perfect place to wrap up warm and refresh yourself this winter. You can find out more about what's on, by visiting our Winter at Stowe page. Stowe is open everyday this winter, and the gardens close at 4pm. Our shop is currently closed in line with Government restrictions, and our cafe is also currently closed however hot and cold drinks and light refreshments will be available onsite from 1 January, provided by Good Times Cafe everyday apart from Wednesdays.

It is free to park at the New Inn for members and non-members. It is important that you book your ticket in advance, to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors to Stowe. Please have your tickets close to hand as you arrive and you’ll be asked for your surname on arrival.

We've set up a welcome point with our friendly team as you enter the car park, to check your booking and guide you through to park. If you are a member, please have your membership cards to show us too, and keep them with you throughout your visit.

Staying safe

To help keep everyone safe, please follow social distancing and government guidance when you visit. Look out for signs while you’re here which will explain any changes to how you can access different parts of the site. There are one way systems in place on your arrival and in Lamport Garden, but in all other areas we encourage you to give people space and enjoy the views. You’ll find sinks for hand washing in the available toilets. Please bring a facemask with you to wear in our indoor spaces. If you’re showing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, or if you've been in contact with anyone that has the virus in the last 10 days, please don’t visit. We also ask that you follow the government guidelines in your tier.

Facilities

Unisex temporary toilets - including access and baby change facilities - are available at Bell Gate, at the entrance to the garden. These are sanitised and cleaned by our team throughout the day.

Refreshments during your visit

Our cafe is currently closed, however we do have hot and cold drinks and light refreshments available to takeaway from the Good Times cafe who will be onsite from 1 January everyday apart from Wednesdays. We ask that you take your rubbish home with you and follow the countryside code. 

Our shop is currently closed, in line with government regulations.

Accessibility

When you arrive, you will park at the New Inn. It is then a 10 minute walk down Bell Gate drive, with views across the parkland and into the garden. We aren't able to offer a buggy service at this time. 

Dogs

Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden everywhere. Please use the dog bins for dog waste. We also have dog drinking bowls at several points around the New Inn.

Exploring the garden

We recommend good footwear when visiting the garden all year round, but particularly during winter. We have hard standing paths round most of the garden, but through winter weather we would recommend wellingtons for young ones looking forward to some puddle jumping and good walking shoes for all visitors as some paths can get muddy. 

You'll find a large map of the gardens at Stowe when you arrive. We recommend taking a photo of the map to help you find the perfect route for your visit today. In winter the garden views open out, and you can enjoy views to statues and monuments throughout the garden.

Bikes at Stowe

We’re sorry but standard bicycles are not permitted in the garden regardless of the cyclist's age, to keep the garden a safe environment for everyone. We welcome under 5s on trikes, starter bikes with stabilisers, or balance bikes (no pedals), and under 11s on push/kick scooters. 

And lastly...

How to book

All visitors must book a ticket in advance, including members. Entry and parking is free for members, but please bring your membership card with you. Non-members will need to pay in advance.

• Please book one ticket per person, except for children aged 5 or under as they don’t need a ticket.
• You’ll need to choose a 30-minute arrival time for the day you want to visit.
• The timeslot is for your arrival time only 
• Tickets are for your use only and are not available for resale
• We'll send your booking confirmation by email. Please make sure you fill in your correct email address when you book to ensure you receive your confirmation email.

Every Friday we'll release new bookings for visits the following week. You can book up to 18 hours before a timeslot. 

Due to limited spaces, we’re asking that you only book once a week to allow others a chance to visit.