Wiltshire
Home to the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne and surrounded by 2,000 acres of Grade I listed ‘Capability’ Brown parkland. Begun c1720, Bowood House was purchased by the 2nd Earl of Shelburne in 1754 and completed soon afterwards.
Interesting rooms include Robert Adam’s library; the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774; and the Chapel that is still used for family services.
On display within the numerous Exhibition rooms are remarkable collections of family heirlooms and works of art built up over 250 years. These include Georgian costumes; Victoriana, Queen Victoria’s wedding chair, Indiana, Napoleon’s death mask and superb collections of watercolours, miniatures and jewellery.
An enchanting landscape awaits you, with a flowing mix of plantations and sweeping lawns leading down to a mile long lake. The Italian inspired terrace gardens and the herbaceous border surrounding the Georgian house makes the perfect day out.
The coach will drop us off at the house for coffee before having a guided tour of the walled garden that has gravel paths and a few steps, taking about an hour, (this is included in the price). After this you are free to have lunch in the Stables Restaurant and explore the house and landscaped gardens. Wheelchairs are available on request and users can access the Stables Restaurant and the ground floor of the house as well as The Tree House Cafe situated at the entrance to the property.
This is open for Golden Cap Association members only. Further details and booking information available in the January 2022 newsletter.
