National Trust - Stowe Gardens — Attraction in Great Britain

Enjoyable stroll around Stowe Gardens, particularly between the rain showers. 6 adults, two children, one baby and a dog in our party created a small problem for the ticket office on how best to price such a group, but soon sorted.

There was an activity for the kids to pursue on their way around, for which printed sheets and pencils were provided. There were also some games scattered around the various monuments for them to have a go at.

Before coming we looked at websites for both Stowe House and Stowe Gardens and have to say found it a tad confusing over the relationship between the two. Coming in via the gardens is more expensive than visiting via the house, which is not included in the gardens ticket, but visiting the house does gain you access to the gardens anyhow so best really to go for the house tour then head for the gardens. We subsequently passed on the house as the day out would have then been more than we wished to spend.

Dogs not allowed in the house, so one of us ....me....was going to sit outside with him and have a coffee or two whilst everyone else went inside.

Parking for the gardens is plentiful, but to visit the house you can arrange to park at Stowe School next door. However, this has to be by prior arrangement, according to the website, so not sure what you do if you just turn...

Another stunning site from the National Trust. We visited on a bit of a gloomy day but it didn’t detract from the lovely long walk around these beautifully crafted gardens and monuments.

We took our 1 year old and made a decision at the car park to ditch the pram and take her in a harness instead and we’re glad we did as it is a bit of an uneven, gravelled path for most of the walk with several inclines along the way which would have been testing with a pram.

What makes the grounds great is, for every 500m or so walked, you’ll discover a different monument all of which are varied in their appearance and purpose, from small temples to statues to bridges and archways.

There’s benches dotted around so it’s nice to take a seat and absorb the surroundings and despite it being busy in the car park, it didn’t feel that busy in the grounds due mainly to its vast size.

Stowe House is a separate entity I believe and required further payment which we didn’t bother with but may take a look in future.

As with many of NT’s stately home sites Stowe features a nice large tea room / cafe and gift shop. There was a dog cleaning station just outside the cafe too just before you venture back to the car park so all in all, has everything you’d expect / need from a NT site.

Looking forward to revisiting when...

Stowe Gardens is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in England — a true masterpiece of 18th-century garden design. Managed by the National Trust, it offers an unforgettable day out, blending nature, art, and history in the most spectacular setting.

The sheer scale of Stowe is incredible. Sweeping lawns, serene lakes, hidden valleys, and winding paths lead you to over 30 magnificent monuments and temples, each with its own story. Every turn feels like walking into a different painting. It’s easy to spend hours just wandering, soaking in the beauty and tranquillity.

The gardens are immaculately maintained, and there’s a real sense of stepping back in time. Whether you’re a keen walker, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who loves peaceful, inspiring places, Stowe has something to offer. It’s especially magical in spring and autumn when the colours of the landscape are at their most vibrant.

The visitor centre is excellent too, with a good café, a shop full of lovely gifts and plants, and very helpful staff. There’s plenty of parking, and the welcome walk from the centre to the gardens gives you a perfect build-up before you reach the main view.

Stowe Gardens is not just a visit — it’s an experience, a place that leaves you feeling refreshed, inspired, and slightly awestruck...