What are the opening hours?

Saturday 10:30am - 3:30pm Sunday 10:30am - 3:30pm

Stowe House

Stowe House; a magnificent neo-classical palace with beautiful state rooms. Open to the public and available to hire for weddings & events.

ishing rooms imitating ancient worlds and classical ruins, the House reflects the flamboyant and colourful characters of its creators. Ceilings and walls decorated with hidden messages and mythology hint at the family’s former power and glory. But wealth and power do not last forever. Excessive spending led to bankruptcy. Extravagant parties, royal visits and Italian Grand Tours gave way to scandal, intrigue and eventually abandonment. The richest family in England became the greatest debtors in the world. In 1922, in the face of demolition, Stowe School saved the building from certain destruction. Unlike the loss and decline of many English country houses, Stowe House found a new and revived use for the 20th and 21st centuries as a school for boys and girls. Stowe House Preservation Trust was established in 1997 to restore the House and share this special place with the world. We work in collaboration with the National Trust and Stowe School to open Stowe to you as a complete estate. Come inside the House to see the results of one of the most pioneering restoration projects of the 21st century and glimpse inside one of the most excessive homes in England! Top five House highlights!
1) Scandal
• Discover the scandal and debauchery of the Duke who amassed the greatest debts in the world
2) Delight
• Be enchanted by the delightful scenes of nature in our State Music Room
3) Childhood
• See inside the school where Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh spent his childhood
4) Celebrity
• Find out why Queen Victoria thought this palace was too luxurious even for royalty
5) Excess
• Marvel at our amazing domed ceiling inspired by the ancient Pantheon in Rome

Admission charges apply:
Adults £9.50
National Trust Adults £7.50
Children go free with a paying adult

This historic property is regularly open to the public. Stowe House closes for private events, please see our website www.stowehouse.org or telephone +44 (0)1280 818166 for the most up-to-date information regarding opening dates and times before your visit. Make a donation and help restore this wonderful place for generations to come: bit.ly/GoFundStoweHouse

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Any opinions expressed in our social media or blog post content is the opinion of the individual, be it a member of staff or a volunteer, who posted it. Content does not represent the opinion of the organisation.

03/03/2025

National Trust members—have you ever stepped inside Stowe House? 🏛️✨

You’ve admired the monumental gardens, but did you know that just beyond the landscape lies a magnificent house filled with hidden stories, striking interiors, and a rich past waiting to be uncovered?

With discounted entry for National Trust members all year round, there’s no better time to visit than March—when we open daily again and stay open until 4:30 PM! The season has begun, and Stowe House waiting to be explored.

📅 Open daily | Discount for NT members
🔗 bit.ly/3aou9ad

02/03/2025

In honour of the 97th Academy Awards, we’ve dug deep to uncover the last Oscar-winning film shot at Stowe House.

Rewind to the 62nd Oscars, when Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade unearthed a win for Best Sound Effects Editing and bagged nominations for Best Original Score and Best Sound. 🎶

So why not dust off your fedora, grab your satchel, and take a moment to relive an adventure with Harrison and Sean? After all, Stowe House is always ready for its close-up.🎥✨

(🤠 See what we did there? ⛏️😉)

28/02/2025

🐶 Paws for a break at Stowe! ☕🐾

Not all doggy destinations are created equal! Did you know your four-legged friend is very welcome inside our visitor centre café? While you enjoy a freshly brewed tea or cup of coffee, your pup can relax right by your side. ☕🐕

When the sun’s out, they can stretch out in our courtyard, lap up some water, and chill in the shade—because walkies should come with a well-earned rest! 🌿🐾

🐕‍🦺 Drop in daily, 10:30am – 4:30pm. We’re just by the steps of the South Front—perfect for a quick paws!

And when you treat your pup to a doggy snack, grab a pooch-inspired gift, or enjoy your own refreshment, you’re helping support our charity. ❤️

P.S. Just try stopping our team from giving your pup some well-deserved attention… we dare you! 🐶💛

26/02/2025

We're ready for spring, are you? 🌿☀️

From this weekend onwards, we’re no longer just a weekend retreat—we’re open every day and until 4:30 PM!

If you’ve never visited before, now’s the perfect time to wander through beautifully restored rooms, uncover fascinating history, and admire stunning craftsmanship. And if it’s been a while since your last visit, you might be surprised by what’s new…

Why not tag a friend who’d love to explore with you? 👇✨

Buckingham Tourist Information Centre Destination Milton Keynes

23/02/2025

It’s been incredible to read all your wonderful feedback after last night’s magical stargazing event! ✨ We love hearing your thoughts, so please share them here, on TripAdvisor, or spread the word to your friends—we’d love to see them at our October event!

Your support truly means the world to us and to UK Astronomy Events as charities. Thank you for being part of our journey!

22/02/2025

**Get ready to be amazed!** ✨ These breathtaking shots of Venus, Mars, and the giant red star Betelgeuse were captured tonight through a telescope at Stowe House by the incredible volunteers of

There’s nothing quite like seeing the wonders of the universe up close—swipe through and let us know your favourite!

Huge thanks to the volunteers for sharing these celestial gems.

22/02/2025

🌌 The team from UK Astronomy Events are set up and we’re ready to welcome you for a fabulous night of stargazing. Positive signs for clear skies tonight.

Don’t forget to share any pictures with us here. We hope you enjoy the evening.

P.S. If you didn’t manage to get tickets this time, don’t worry—our October event is already on sale. 🪐

21/02/2025

It was a crisp and exceedingly chilly day as our team carried out inspections from the cherry picker. Here, they’re taking a close look at the Leoni Arch—named after its creator, Venetian architect Giacomo Leoni—which was built between 1740 and 1744 in a striking Doric-Baroque style. Originally serving as formal entrances to the gardens, these grand arches feature pediments flanked by elegant scrolls, seamlessly blending classical symmetry with baroque grandeur.

Leoni, born around 1686 in Venice, played a key role in introducing Palladian architecture to England. His English translation of Andrea Palladio’s 'I Quattro Libri' (1715–20) had a lasting influence on British architectural design. Beyond Stowe, his notable works include Lyme Park in Cheshire and Alkrington Hall in Greater Manchester, leaving behind a legacy of classical beauty across the country.

🥶

19/02/2025

🏴‍☠️ Ahoy, little adventurers! 🏴‍☠️

Join us for Stowe-Tots: Treasure Hunt this February! Let your little one (aged 0–3) explore sensory trays, discover hidden treasures, and set sail on an adventure through the seven seas – just like the Dukes did on their grand tour.

🌟 Don’t miss out on our February Offer:
Block book 4 sessions (Feb–May) and receive June’s session FREE – the perfect way to plan ahead for a year of fun, learning, and giggles!

💷 Tickets: Just £5 per child (adults free!)
📅 Next Session: Monday, 24 February
📍 Location: Stowe House – easy access and family-friendly facilities.

Spaces are limited, so book your February session or block book today at bit.ly/SHSTFeb25 and save!

Let’s make memories this year at Stowe-Tots – we can’t wait to welcome you!

17/02/2025

Sooooo… we did a thing. 👀✨
Our February half-term stargazing events sold out faster than a shooting star… so we thought, why not get ahead of the game?

🚀 For the first time EVER, we’re dropping October half-term tickets this early. 🎟️🔭

📅 Dates: 28 & 29 October, 6PM
🎟️ £18 adult | £12 child
🪐 bit.ly/SHStarsO25

Come join us for some cosmic magic before it disappears into the void! 🌌
UK Astronomy Events

16/02/2025

🎨 Volunteering at Stowe House isn’t just about history—it’s about community!
Over the quieter winter months, when we're closed during the week, our volunteers have been coming together to form their own art group. Led by the incredibly talented Eileen, they've been exploring a variety of techniques, honing new skills, and most importantly—enjoying each other’s company.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, learn something new, and be part of a friendly and welcoming team. As we look ahead to the busy season, now is the perfect time to get involved!

Interested? We'd love to hear from you—get in touch to find out more. 💙

14/02/2025

Nothing says "I love you" quite like a 119-foot column dedicated to your husband! 💕 That’s exactly what Lady Cobham did in 1747 when she commissioned Capability Brown to design this striking monument—a belvedere offering views of the estate.

How far would you go to declare your love? Share your own dream architectural tribute with us!

Images: While no known portrait of Lady Cobham exists, she appears in several 1739 engravings, depicted sitting with her husband in the garden.

National Trust - Stowe

12/02/2025

🎻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺: 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗲
This winter, we’ve been focusing on the State Music Room, one of Stowe’s most exquisite spaces. Valdre’s stunning wall paintings deserve extra care, so we’re replacing the ageing UV protection film on the windows to prevent light damage and safeguard this masterpiece. 🌞🔒

The new film filters out 99.5% of UV rays, reduces glare, and even keeps the room cooler in summer – crucial for protecting delicate plaster and paintwork. Fun fact: the same technology is used at Buckingham Palace! 👑

Removing the old film is no easy task – it’s baked onto the glass in places and must be painstakingly scraped off before the new film can be perfectly applied. The process is meticulous, but it ensures the room stays beautiful for generations to come. 🖼️

👉 Join us on weekends until 1 March to catch a glimpse of the mansion before spring fully arrives!

10/02/2025

⚡ Calling all budding Indiana Joneses! 🤠
Stowe House may be closed during the week, but the adventure doesn't stop here. If you're craving a slightly sunnier escape (and let's face it, who isn't?), why not channel your inner explorer and visit Lisbon? ☀️

One of Stowe's treasures, The Triumph of Bacchus, has found its home in the Museum Medeiros Almeida, just waiting for YOU to discover it! 🗺️✨

Think you’ve got what it takes to track down this masterpiece? Dive into the thrill of the chase—and don’t forget your hat and whip. 😉

Here’s an intriguing article about the piece to start your journey: bit.ly/SHLisbon

Museu Medeiros e Almeida

Tapeçaria 'O Triunfo de Baco’, 1720

07/02/2025

With half-term just around the corner, it’s time to plan some family fun at Stowe House! We’ve got two brilliant activities lined up to keep the kids entertained:

💘 Cupid’s Trail: A Valentine’s-themed adventure through Stowe House with puzzles to solve and a delicate paper rose craft to take home. Perfect for little explorers aged 2–15!
📆 Running daily from 15–23 February, 10.30am–3.30pm
🥳 Included with normal admission (kids go free with a paying adult).

🐍 Zodiac Explorers: Celebrate Chinese New Year with a hands-on workshop featuring crafts, storytelling, and zodiac-themed fun. Ideal for ages 5–10!
📆 Wed 19 February, 10am–12noon or 2–4pm
🎟️ £4.50 per child (adults require normal admission).

✨ Book now to secure your spot and make this half-term unforgettable: bit.ly/SHFeb25

02/02/2025

☀️ We had started to forget what blue skies looked like, but hurrah they’re here!

🏛️ Head out on a walk, pause for refreshment in our visitor centre and come and explore the house on a tour before you continue to enjoy the garden. 🕥 We’re open 10.30am-3.30pm

01/02/2025

Love is in the air. Pop into our visitor centre and play Blind Date with a Book! 💝

📚 Choose one of our mystery books on offer for this Valentine’s Day and see if you can find your “dream date” by exploring a new genre or give the gift of surprise to someone special.

All proceeds help us to look after this special place.

22/01/2025

Craving a cultural escape? While many heritage sites take a seasonal break, Stowe House is open and ready to welcome you for a journey through history. 🏛️

Book your tickets now for this weekend or February dates and indulge your love of exploration before the next school holiday rush. 🎟️ bit.ly/3aou9ad

Step inside, uncover the stories, and experience the charm of Stowe House—we look forward to seeing you!

Buckingham Tourist Information Centre VisitEngland
Image ©Stowe House Preservation Trust/Megan Taylor

Address

Stowe House
Buckingham
MK185EH

Opening Hours

Saturday	10:30am - 3:30pm
Sunday	10:30am - 3:30pm

Website

https://www.stowe.co.uk/house

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☀️ We had started to forget what blue skies looked like, but hurrah they’re here! 🏛️ Head out on a walk, pause for refreshment in our visitor centre and come and explore the house on a tour before you continue to enjoy the garden. 🕥 We’re open 10.30am-3.30pm

🎉 Happy New Year from all of us at Stowe House! 🎉 Start 2025 with a breath of fresh air and a moment of calm in the countryside. If you’ve wandered through the gardens but never crossed the threshold of Stowe House, this year is the perfect time to do it! Escape the New Year’s bustle and step inside to discover grand rooms, hidden stories, and opulent eighteenth-century craftsmanship. #HappyNewYear #StoweHouse #FreshStart #CountrysideEscape #NewYear #NewYearsDay #2025 #Buckingham #MiltonKeynes #StoweGardens #NationalTrust #NationalTrustMember #HistoricHouses

Without you, we couldn't do this... (P.S. Turn on your sound to hear the oh-so-satisfying pop and patter of paint as it rains down.) Throughout 2024, our dedicated conservators have been hard at work, meticulously removing six layers of modern paint to reveal the eighteenth-century wall paintings hidden beneath. This delicate process takes place during school holidays, and every session brings us closer to uncovering more of the story. We have strong evidence to suggest that this magnificent decoration extends the full length of the East Grand Staircase — and it’s believed to be the work of the legendary architect William Kent. Tell-tale Kent design details, like his signature knot motifs, have been spotted. To build evidence for this theory, our team has studied comparable works by Kent and Frederick Sleter (creator of the Concord and Victory composition on our Grand Staircase) to make informed connections. None of this would be possible without your support. Every visit, donation, and even every cup of tea helps fund projects like this one. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Keep watching this space as we continue our mission into 2025! 🏛️ #ThankYou #Conservation #StoweHouse #WilliamKent #HiddenMasterpieces 📸 Images ©Stowe House Preservation Trust, Megan Taylor

We can’t believe it’s been nearly 20 years since the Marble Hall was restored! Last month, it got a well-deserved refresh — dusting statues, cleaning plaster trophies, and tackling marks on the walls. It wasn’t as dusty as we expected, but it still took a day and a half to get everything sparkling again! 🪄 Next up this winter: The Music Room and The Blue Room. Huge thanks to our volunteers for helping us keep everything spic and span. #ConservationCleaning #TeamStowe #Volunteer #Ghostbusters

As the autumn days draw in, we’ll now be closing a litttle earlier at 3.30pm with last admission to the house at 3pm. Today is for exploring, so seize the moment and head out for a country house adventure. #StoweHouse #Buckingham #Stowe #MiltonKeynes #HalfTerm #HalloweenFun #Autumn #StoweGardens #National

Half-Term at Stowe House 2024

It's time to get your ghoul on this half-term at Stowe House. Best still, kids go free with a paying adult! Running from 26 Oct-3 Nov. Our free activities include... 🧙‍♀️ Halloween bingo trail through the State Rooms 🧛‍♂️ Fang-tastic origami 🧟 Spider and bat bookmark crafts 🎃 Creepy colouring and more Perfect for your mini-vampires and vampettes aged 3-10, these activities will keep them entertained throughout their visit. Pre-book your admission tickets and save time by parking at the house. Find out more here: bit.ly/SHOctHT24👻 #StoweHouse #Buckingham #MiltonKeynes #Family #FreeAdmission #Autumn #KidsGoFree #HalfTerm #Halloween Destination Milton Keynes Buckingham Tourist Information Centre

Buy 1 Get 1 for £1 this October at Stowe House (2024)

🎉 Special Offer This October at Stowe House! 🎉 Have you ever wondered what’s inside the grand walls of Stowe House? Now’s your chance to find out! To celebrate 25 years of restoration, we’re offering a Buy One Ticket, Get One for £1 deal from 1st to 25th October. Step inside and uncover the fascinating history, take in the Georgian architecture, and marvel at the richly decorated rooms that have been brought back to life. Whether you’re a history lover or just looking for a unique day out, now's the time to explore one of Britain's most iconic country houses. ⏳ Don't miss this chance, available online only – book now! 👉bit.ly/SHB1G124 #StoweHouse #Stowe #Buckinghamshire #Bucks #MiltonKeynes #DayTripFromLondon #DayTrip #Autumn #Staycation #October #Offer #Tickets #CountryHouse #Promo #Share Buckingham Tourist Information Centre Destination Milton Keynes VisitEngland

Looking for a relaxed Sunday vibe? Snag one of the last few tickets to our summer lino print workshop! Whether you're a beginner or seasoned artist, this creative session, led by an expert, offers the perfect way to unwind and get inspired in a calming environment. Don’t miss out on enhancing your weekend with some artistic flair. #LinoPrint #Creative #Summer #Sunday #Weekend Alexandra Buckle

It's going to be a quacking great time! Book now, 23 August for Doctor Dolittle at Stowe House.

3 days to go until Illyria's performance of Romeo and Juliet at Stowe House. Don't miss out, book your tickets now bit.ly/SHRomeo #outdoortheatre #summer #whatson #buckinghamshire #buckingham #miltonkeynes #Events #stowe #shakespeare #romeoandjuliet

📣 One week left until Romeo & Juliet comes to Stowe House! See what audiences are saying about Illyria's performances. 🎭 🎟️ Get Your Tickets Now: bit.ly/SHRomeo 🗓️ Date: Thursday, 25 July, 7:30 PM 🌞 Tickets: £18 Adult | £10 Child (under 16) 🍾 Summer has arrived #OutdoorTheatre #Theatre #Buckingham #StoweHouse #Shakespeare #RomeoAndJuliet #Summer #WhatsOn

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Our Story

Stowe House - A lavish temple of delights! If you had power and riches, how would you use them? In the 18th century, the powerful Temple-Grenville family chose to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples. Amidst these enchanting gardens, they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House. This temple was so grand that even Queen Victoria was bewildered by its interiors. Filled with astonishing rooms imitating ancient worlds and classical ruins, the House reflects the flamboyant and colourful characters of its creators. Ceilings and walls decorated with hidden messages and mythology hint at the family’s former power and glory. But wealth and power do not last forever. Excessive spending led to bankruptcy. Extravagant parties, royal visits and Italian Grand Tours gave way to scandal, intrigue and eventually abandonment. The richest family in England became the greatest debtors in the world. In 1922, in the face of demolition, Stowe School saved the building from certain destruction. Unlike the loss and decline of many English country houses, Stowe House found a new and revived use for the 20th and 21st centuries as a school for boys and girls. Stowe House Preservation Trust was established in 1997 to restore the House and share this special place with the world. We work in collaboration with the National Trust and Stowe School to open Stowe to you as a complete estate. Come inside the House to see the results of one of the most pioneering restoration projects of the 21st century and glimpse inside one of the most excessive homes in England! Top five House highlights! Scandal • discover the scandal and debauchery of the Duke who amassed the greatest debts in the world Delight • be enchanted by the delightful scenes of nature in our State Music Room Childhood • see inside the school where Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh spent his childhood Celebrity • find out why Queen Victoria thought this palace was too luxurious even for royalty Excess • marvel at our amazing domed ceiling inspired by the ancient Pantheon in Rome Admission charges apply: Adults £7.00 National Trust Adults £5.50 Children go free with a paying adult Stowe House adult admission qualifies you for a Stowe House annual pass. This is available from the House visitor centre upon completion of a registration form. Joint House and Gardens tickets available. This historic property is regularly open to the public. Stowe House closes for private events, please see our website www.stowehouse.org or telephone +44 (0)1280 818166 for the most up-to-date information regarding opening dates and times before your visit. Any opinions expressed in our social media or blog post content is the opinion of the individual, be it a member of staff or a volunteer, who posted it. Content does not represent the opinion of the organisation.