Big Camp at Stowe

This event has taken place. We'll be updating the article soon for 2019 event details, we hope to see you there. Check back soon. An exciting chance to camp out by the Temple of Friendship for two nights and immerse yourself in the monumental world of Stowe. Tickets are now available and selling quickly, book now to avoid disappointment.

This event has taken place. We'll be updating the article soon for 2019 event details, we hope to see you there. Check back soon. 

Unique to Stowe - our location

Located at the tip of North Bucks, Stowe is set in a countryside location easy to reach from Northampton, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Aylesbury. Look us up on google maps using postcode MK18 5EQ. 

Unlike any other campsite you could choose, we’re pleased to offer exclusive pitches inside the Grade I historic landscape, amongst temples and lakes. We can reveal for our camp location we'll be by the Temple of Friendship with fantastic views across the lake creating an atmospheric backdrop.

By choosing Stowe as you camping location, you’ll be supporting our restoration work, whilst you make memories on a family trip your children will never forget.  

The Palladian Bridge at Stowe
Geese on water with the Palladian Bridge in the background at Stowe
The Palladian Bridge at Stowe

Essential info

  • Call 01280 817156 to book, please note phone lines are manned 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri
  • Dates: 1 - 3 August
  • Times: Arrival from midday on 1 August. When booking you'll be able to choose an arrival time slot. Depart from camp site 11am, 3 August. Enjoy the whole event and explore the gardens until 5pm closing time on 3 August
  • Toilets and shower facilities will be available throughout the event
  • You’ll receive further information in your booking pack with tickets. Nearer the event date we'll also send you further information regarding arrivals and where to go
  • This is a family friendly event; all ages are encouraged to get outdoors for some adventures. There are plenty of different activities to choose from suitable for everyone

Prices

Your ticket price includes admission to the gardens throughout the event, dinners and breakfasts on both days to fuel the family (see below Food’s up!) and activities listed below. 

  • Adult £85
  • Child £35
  • Babes in arms go free

Activities to choose from 

  • Toasting campfire treats
  • Star gazing
  • Climb Lord Cobham's Pillar (free bookable slots)
  • Campfire 
  • Bar 
  • Have-a-go archaeology 
  • Moth trapping and identification
  • Nature walk at night
  • 50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4 
  • Family explorers guides
  • Explore 250 acres of landscape garden 

Top tips for blissful camping

Sharing in a warm family atmosphere is what makes the Big Camp event so special, please follow the below tips and requirements to make the most out of your holiday.

  • Well behaved dogs are welcome. Dogs must be kept under control at all times 
  • Bring along pocket money for additional food and items on sale
  • If you’re lucky enough to look under 25 and wish to purchase alcohol from the bar, please bring a form of ID
  • Picnics are welcome throughout the gardens and New Inn paddock. We kindly ask you to take litter home or dispose of rubbish with the Big Camp team in the evenings
  • We kindly remind all guests to take any valuable items with you out and about throughout the weekend
  • First aid will be on site at the event
  • All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

Food’s up!

The price of your ticket includes some tasty grub to keep your family fuelled for the fun. In addition to the below, you’re welcome to bring your own tasty treats and purchase food from the café.

  • Wednesday night hog roast, and marshmallows to toast over the fire
  • Day 1 breakfast rolls and BBQ dinner
  • Day 2 breakfast rolls
  • Please bring plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery. Washing up facilities will be provided

50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾ 

As well as getting involved in the organised activities, Stowe has 37 of the 50 Things to do which you can complete at your own pace. Pick up a scrapbook to tick off your achievements from our welcome area, or bring along yours to add more to your collection. Here are some of our top summer activities to do by yourself at Big Camp:

  1. Roll down a really big hill – The Grecian Valley and Elysian Fields are perfect for this
  2. Fly a kite – Choose a wide open space by the Gothic Temple and in the Hawkwell Field to catch the wind
  3. Go star gazing – Get out the charts and see how many of the constellations you can spot, our countryside location means we have less light-pollution to help you gaze into the night
  4. Explore inside a tree – Look carefully and you’ll find many hollowed out trees and mystical twisting branches in the gardens to explore, hide and play in

Local help - getting stuck in

We're on the lookout for some local volunteers who can help us support the Big Camp event. To find out more about this one-off opportunity, click the below link.

A gardens volunteer pruning a flower bed

Volunteer vacancies 

From helping us bake in the kitchen to welcoming families to our events and activities, there's lots of different roles to suit you at Stowe. Say "Yes" to getting involved and see our full vacancy list.

Hundreds of tents line the grassy area sloping down from The Temple of Friendship, set beside a lake at Stowe as the sun rises. Play Video