Stowe House is a venerable country house, some of it dating from the 17th century, and including designs by Vanbrugh and many other notable architects. These days it is owned by Stowe House Preservation Trust, and is home to Stowe School, while the gardens and grounds are owned by The National Trust. The gardens are free to visit and the house has a modest entry fee.
The house has many events going on, from trails, tours and dressing up through to concerts, theatre performances and art workshops. It's just north of Buckingham, and most easily accessible by car.
Photo by By Daderot via Wikimedia.
Buckingham
Buckinghamshire
MK18 5EH
Opening hours: March - October daily 10.30am - 4.30pm; Nov & winter school holidays daily 10.30am - 3.30pm; Dec - Feb weekends only 10.30am - 3.30pm. Last admission half an hour before closing. NB check before travelling - there may be slight seasonal variations, and as a working school, there’ll be times when Stowe need to close to the general public.
Admission Prices (2026): Adult: £9.50; National Trust Member : £7.50; Child: £3.00 (age 6-16), Under 5s go free.
Buckingham
Buckinghamshire
MK18 5EH
Opening hours: March - October daily 10.30am - 4.30pm; Nov & winter school holidays daily 10.30am - 3.30pm; Dec - Feb weekends only 10.30am - 3.30pm. Last admission half an hour before closing. NB check before travelling - there may be slight seasonal variations, and as a working school, there’ll be times when Stowe need to close to the general public.
Admission Prices (2026): Adult: £9.50; National Trust Member : £7.50; Child: £3.00 (age 6-16), Under 5s go free.
