Lakeside walk at Stowe Gardens
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lakes at Stowe Gardens, discovering ornate temples and spotting wildlife. Admire the intricate mosaic designs in the Pebble Alcove and play with the echoes inside the Hermitage.
Near to
Stowe GardensStart point
Bell Gate.Trail information
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
Bell Gate.
Stage 1
Start your walk at Bell Gate.
Stage 2
Follow the path towards the lake, from here you can enjoy views of the Congreve Monument and also explore Pebble Alcove.
A girl looks at the detail in the Pebble Alcove at Stowe | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman Stage 3
Carry on along the path and head towards the ruin of the Temple of Friendship. It was severely damaged by fire in about 1840, but retained as a ruin because of its prominence in several important views.
Temple of Friendship at Stowe Gardens | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole Stage 4
From the Temple of Friendship, continue on the path towards the Palladian Bridge. Stowe's Palladian Bridge is one of only three in the country – and Stowe's is the only one with no steps so that carriages can cross it (not that this happens very often in the 21st century!).
Stage 5
Follow the lakeside path towards the Wooden Bridge. Installed in March 2011 the bridge is made of oak and was left to cure for a year. It was then limewashed to match other woodwork on the estate
The Wooden Bridge at Stowe, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole Stage 6
Continue along the path, on your right you can see the Sleeping Wood and on your left you will find the Ruin on the Cascade.
Stage 7
As you continue along the route you should be able to see the Rotunda, with a beautiful golden statue of Venus at its centre.
Stage 8
Follow the path round to the left and head towards the Temple of Venus.
The Temple of Venus at Stowe, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole Stage 9
At this stop you will find the Hermitage. Head inside and enjoy the view out across the lake to the Rotunda. Why not make different noises and see how the sound echoes around the temple?
Stage 10
Continue along this path and you will reach the Lake Pavilions. You can stand in the middle between the these two buildings and enjoy looking one way to Corinthian Arch, and the other way up to Stowe House, the largest temple in the gardens.
End point
Stowe's Lake Pavilions.
Trail map
Stowe Lakeside Walk Map | © Stowe Gardens
More near here
Stowe Gardens
Gardening on the grandest scale in this Georgian landscape garden and park
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