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Stowe Gardens
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & BerkshireGardening on the grandest scale in this Georgian landscape garden and park
Stowe Gardens, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5EQ
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 16 September 2026
Asset Opening time Garden 10:00 - 17:00 Café 10:00 - 17:00 Park 10:00 - 17:00 Parlour Rooms and Bookshop 10:00 - 17:00 Shop 10:30 - 17:00 National Trust Stowe
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £19.80 £18.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £9.90 £9.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £49.50 £45.00 1 Adult, up to 4 Children £29.70 £27.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Available for functions
Please email us for more details.
- Bookshop
Second-hand bookshop is in the Visitor Centre at New Inn and in the Old Dairy within the Parlour Rooms.
- Café
Hot meals served between 12 noon-3pm.
- Car park
Free parking for members and non-members. Plenty of accessible parking available.
- Coffee shop
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the garden, parkland, shop and Parlour Rooms. Assistance dogs only are allowed in the café. You are very welcome to make use of our water bowls around site. Please pick up after your dog and place it in the doggy bins provided. Monthly dog walks available.
- Electric vehicle charging point
8 electric vehicle charging bays are available during opening hours in the main car park. Chargers are capable of delivering up to 22kW (actual charging speed will depend on your vehicle). Charging can be accessed using the mobile app, RFID card or contactless payment. Please download the RAW Charging app in advance of your visit.
- Guided tour
Guided tours are advertised on site daily.
- Kiosk
Visitor information kiosk available.
- Licensed for civil weddings
Please email us for more details.
- Plant shop
Plant shop is attached to the main shop.
- Shop
Our shop is open daily from 10.30am.
- Toilet
Toilets available at New Inn and the entrance to the garden (including accessible toilet). Baby change facilities available at New Inn. Additional accessible toilet located in the corridor outside the cafe. New Inn and cafe corridor toilets are fitted with automatic hand-dryers.
Gardens are partly accessible, with uneven and hard gravel paths, hoggin and grass paths, and some steep slopes. 800m walk from the car park to the garden (free shuttle service available). Accessible car parking. Dogs on leads welcome – assistance dogs only in the café. Accessible toilets available.
- Accessible route and/or map
Our team can speak through the best routes to get around the gardens.
- Accessible toilet
Toilets available at New Inn and the entrance to the garden (including accessible toilet). Baby change facilities available at New Inn. Additional accessible toilet located in the corridor outside the cafe. New Inn and cafe corridor toilets are fitted with automatic hand-dryers.
- Designated parking
Free parking for members and non-members. Plenty of accessible parking available.
- Induction loop
Induction loops supported in the café, shop and Bell Gate kiosk.
- Level access to food outlet
Large-handled cutlery available on request.
- Level access to shop
- Level access/terrain
The gardens include uneven and hard gravel paths, hoggin and grass pathways, steep slopes, and are hilly in places.
- Narrow corridors
There are some narrow corridors within our Parlour Rooms at New Inn.
- Powered mobility vehicle available
You can hire our single mini-crosser or manual wheelchair for free; to book please call or email us. You are welcome to bring your own all terrain vehicle if you have one.
- Ramped access/slopes
Available for special events.
- Seating available
Seating is available at regular intervals along the visitor route. Picnic benches available in the picnic area to the left of the New Inn. Indoor and outdoor seating available for the café.
- Stairclimber
Available for special events.
- Steps/uneven terrain
The gardens include uneven and hard gravel paths, hoggin and grass pathways, steep slopes, and are hilly in places. There are some steps within our Parlour Rooms at New Inn.
- Transfer available
Please be aware that there is an approx. 800m walk from the car park to the garden. Our shuttle buggies are available upon request if you require assistance getting to and from the garden. Please speak to a member of the team on arrival to make use of the buggy service.
- Virtual tour
Enjoy Stowe Gardens from the comfort of your own home: https://tourmkr.com/F1KTi5IcLP/36998734p&332.39h&106.26t
- Wheelchairs available
You can hire our single mini-crosser or manual wheelchair for free; to book please call or email us. You are welcome to bring your own all terrain vehicle if you have one.
- By road
- 3 miles north-west of Buckingham town, just off the A422 Buckingham to Banbury Road. From M40 take exits 9 to 11, from M1 exits 13 or 15a. Stowe is signposted with brown tourist information signs from local routes. Entry to National Trust Stowe Gardens is via Stowe Avenue only. Turn right in front of the Corinthian Arch and approach car park slowly. Check your route before you travel. 8 electric vehicle charging points are now available. See “Facilities” for more information. Drivers will require their own cables to charge.Parking: Parking is free for members and non-members.Sat Nav: MK18 5EQ
- On foot
- 1½ miles from Buckingham, take a stroll up Stowe Avenue for monumental views to arrive at The New Inn.
- By train
- There are a number of train stations nearby: Bicester North 9 miles; Milton Keynes Central 14 miles. Taxis are available at all stations. Direct connections from London Marylebone and Euston stations both with only a 50 minute journey.
- By bus
- Stagecoach X5 bus runs Oxford to Cambridge stops in Buckingham town, 1.5 miles from Stowe. The Arriva X60 bus runs from Aylesbury to Milton Keynes, stopping in Buckingham town, 1.5 miles from Stowe. On arrival at Buckingham High Street, walk uphill and on to West Street, continuing on the A422 until you reach a right turn for Stowe Avenue. Follow the 1.5 mile avenue until you reach the New Inn.
- Cycling
- 1½ miles from Buckingham, take a ride up Stowe Avenue for spectacular views to arrive at The New Inn where you'll find cycle racks located in the middle of the car park on the left next to the visitor path.
Planning your visit
Upcoming events at Stowe Gardens
From family-friendly trails to regular 10k runs, there's something for everyone at Stowe! Take a look at our upcoming events to see what's coming up this season.
Exploring the local area
Something magical is coming to Claydon. This winter, the historic house transforms into a shimmering world of bells, candlelight, and festive wonder. House of Bells is a new Christmas tradition for Buckinghamshire — a multi‑sensory celebration of sound, light, scent, and story designed for all generations.
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Christmas at Stowe Gardens
From gingerbread and candy canes to Christmas trees and wreaths, learn more about seasonal traditions from around the world at Stowe this Christmas.
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Accessibility at Stowe Gardens
Find out about visiting Stowe Gardens with accessibility needs, including best routes, access statement and free entry for carers.
Stowe Gardens Visitor Map
Download a visitor map ahead of your visit and plan your route!
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Family-friendly things to do at Stowe Gardens
Take the kids on an outdoor adventure this season as you explore a world of lakes, magical woods, enormous temples, colourful reflections and twisted trees.
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Visiting Stowe Gardens with your dog
Stowe Gardens is a three pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome on leads across the garden and parkland. Find out more about what to be aware of when walking your dog and the facilities available.
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Visiting Stowe Gardens with your school
Stowe Gardens is a great place to bring a school group. With space to explore, and over 300 years of history to discover, there’s plenty to do and facilities to help your day run smoothly.
Venue hire
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Venue hire at Stowe Gardens
Find out more about hiring Stowe Gardens in Buckinghamshire for weddings, photoshoots, filming and private/corporate events.
Highlights
Garden
18th-century landscape garden with expanses of grass, framed by trees, temples, monuments and shrubs, and reflected in tranquil stretches of water. 250 acres open for exploration. Whether you come for walking, socialising, creative pursuits, quality time, well-being, dog walking, having a picnic, or running wild, Stowe Gardens is what you make it.
New Inn and the Parlour Rooms
At New Inn you will find our Visitor Centre, second-hand bookshop, café and shop. You can also step back in time in our Parlour Rooms, set dressed to show what this space would have typically looked like in the late 18th, and early to mid 19th century.
Parkland
Grand avenues, secluded woods and monuments dot the parkland with areas created by 'Capability' Brown. 750 acres of wonderful walks, bridleways and wildlife watching. You'll also glimpse a few historic highlights in the landscape.
House (not National Trust)
Filled with rooms imitating ancient worlds and classical ruins, the house reflects the flamboyant characters of its creators. Stowe House is not owned by the National Trust. Please visit their website for details on opening: www.stowehouse.org.
Spotlight events
Discover a range of events for all the family this season at Stowe.
Heritage Open Week
Enjoy Stowe for free as part of Heritage Open Week this September.
Gothic Temple Open Days
A rare chance to see inside the Gothic Temple, usually a holiday cottage for the Landmark Trust. With scenic views from the top floor, take a look inside Gothic Temple which was modelled on medieval buildings.
Apple Harvest Weekend
Join us for apple harvest weekend on the 3 & 4 October.
Pooch & Mooch Day
Treat your dog to a special day out and join us for our first Pooch & Mooch Day!
Things to see and do
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Things to do in Stowe's landscape garden
Discover the stories behind the paths of vice, virtue and liberty that run throughout Stowe Gardens and the individual beauty and significance of each area.
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Exploring the parkland at Stowe
There’s more to Stowe than the famous Georgian landscape garden. Discover more views and monuments in the 1,000 acres of parkland surrounding Stowe's garden.
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Eating and shopping at Stowe Gardens
Pop into the shop and plant centre for the perfect gift or plant for your garden and enjoy hot or cold drinks and food made fresh at Stowe Gardens every morning.
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Conservation projects at Stowe
Discover more about the conservation work carried out since the National Trust was gifted Stowe in 1989 and explore our plans for the future.
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Visiting Stowe House
At the heart of Stowe's garden is Stowe House, which is not owned by the National Trust. Discover how you can visit for refreshments and tours at certain times.
Activity
Horse riding at Stowe Gardens
Exploring Stowe Gardens on horseback is a great way to experience the landscape, sightlines and views designed to reveal the buildings, statues and monuments located across the grounds.
Top trails
Trail
Lakeside walk at Stowe Gardens
A 1.2-mile family-friendly walk along the lakeside path at Stowe Gardens, taking in the temples along the way.
Trail
Stowe Little Legs Walk - Lovely Lamport
Explore Lamport Gardens on this walk designed with those with little legs in mind!
Upcoming events
Event
Heritage Open Week
Enjoy multiple aspects of Stowe as part of Heritage Open Week this September.
Event
Guided Tours at Stowe Gardens
Are you interested in the history of Stowe Gardens? Join us for a free guided tour led by our tour guide volunteers every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11am.
Event
Bat Walk - SOLD OUT
Discover Stowe after dark with a guided bat walk led by the North Bucks Bat Group and the Stowe ranger team!
Event
Gothic Temple Open Days
A rare chance to see inside the Gothic Temple, usually a holiday cottage for the Landmark Trust. With scenic views from the top floor, take a look inside Gothic Temple which was modelled on medieval buildings.
Event
Pooch & Mooch Day
Treat your dog to a special day out and join us for our first Pooch & Mooch Day.
About Stowe Gardens
The scale and beauty of Stowe have attracted visitors for over 300 years. Picture-perfect views, winding paths, lakeside walks and temples create a timeless landscape, reflecting the changing seasons. Full of hidden meaning, the gardens were created as an earthly paradise and still cast their spell today.
The sheer size and space is perfect for those who love the outdoors and enjoy walking. A scenic walk from New Inn takes you into the gardens where another world awaits. Stowe is great to explore all day long when you venture out to the far reaches of the garden and parkland.
Come back time and time again to discover new routes in the garden or take a vigorous ramble in the parkland where more monuments wait to be explored, and see new views you won't find in the garden.
History
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History of Stowe
Unravel layers of history with a broad look at Stowe throughout the centuries, as well as the people who made it into the grand Georgian estate you can see today.
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The history of Stowe’s statuary and buildings
Find out how the buildings, monuments and statues located throughout the garden and parkland at Stowe contain much significance in their positioning and the stories they tell.
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The gardeners that made Stowe
Discover how five people shaped the layout, design and structures we still enjoy today. Over less than 30 years this world-renowned garden took shape during their tenure.
Our work
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Conservation projects at Stowe
Discover more about the conservation work carried out since the National Trust was gifted Stowe in 1989 and explore our plans for the future.
Project
Stowe Parkland Trail project
Everything you need to know about the proposal to create an improved, more accessible walking and wheeling route around the Stowe parkland, and how it will benefit people and nature.
Project
Support us
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Volunteering at Stowe Gardens
Find out about how you can volunteer your time at Stowe Gardens and the many different opportunities for individuals or companies to get involved.
