Things to do in Stowe's landscape garden

Visitors by the Temple of British Worthies at Stowe, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Come and witness the stunning colours of spring in the 250 acres of 18th-century landscape garden at Stowe this season. Take in views of the rolling expanses of grass which are framed by artfully placed trees and shrubs and reflected in tranquil stretches of water. See the many temples and monuments and choose your path through the garden. Discover something special all year round as the changing seasons provide different highlights.

Spring at Stowe landscape garden

Enjoy walking through the grounds as the gardens burst with spring colour and blossom. Take in the beautiful signs of the season throughout the gardens, from the milder days and lighter evenings to daffodils, bluebells and tulips coming into bloom.

We look forward to bright days reflecting rays across the glittering lakes, the chatter of birdsong filling the air and beautiful blossom walks that take your breath away in the gardens. Look out for ducklings and lambs too!

Photograph of a bee on almond blossom at Stowe — Bee on almond blossom at Stowe | © National Trust/David Humphries

Feaster: a festival of spring

Join the team at Stowe for seventeen days of activities and events for all the family during the spring holidays. From trying your hand at kite making, getting lost in a world of imagination with storytelling or clocking up your activity points on our 5K colour run, there's something for everyone this Easter at Stowe!

We have several free drop in sessions and events throughout the holidays including our spring bingo trail, PIXAR chill out room, face painting, windchime making, egg painting and leaf printing.

We also have several bookable events that will incur an additional fee. These include our 5K colour run, spring wreath making workshop, watercolour painting, pottery painting, kite making and our Cobham's Pillar climb.

For more information on all the events we have going on between the 29 March - 14 April, and to book, visit the events page of our website here.

Discover the varied landscape

Both the scale and beauty of Stowe Gardens have attracted visitors for over 300 years. Picture-perfect views, winding paths, lakeside walks and temples have all been created by human hand. Certain paths at Stowe Gardens entice you to views only revealed at the last moment. Meanwhile, the grass paths add even more horticultural interest, such as seasonal colours and contrasting foliage.

With 250 acres to look after, the gardeners are very busy at Stowe Gardens. If you spot one of them during your visit, please stop and have a chat. They're a friendly bunch and will be glad to answer your questions.

Find your top garden spot

Walk through the Grecian Valley

With lots of benches along the way, the Grecian Valley is great for a circular walk. Look out for a wide range of flowers and seasonal interest in the shrubbery throughout the year.

Discover temples and monuments

You'll find some of the best-loved and most iconic temples and monuments at the eastern side of the garden. Don’t miss the Gothic Temple, the Temple of Friendship and the Palladian Bridge.

Pause at the South Vista

See the classic view of Stowe Gardens from the South Vista. Take in the symmetry of the House, the Lake Pavilions and the majestic Corinthian Arch.

Stowe Church

Stowe Church is tucked away in the heart of the gardens, and you can pop in any time on your walk through the Elysian Fields. Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was married here and four of his children christened here too. Sit on the bench outdoors and enjoy this mini haven in the vast landscape.

A family walk with their dog beside the water at Stowe, Buckinghamshire — Wander beside the water at Stowe | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Discover hidden meanings in the garden

Stowe was never just a garden. Its creator, Lord Cobham, set the garden out to reveal his beliefs about the politics and morality of the day. Which path will you choose – Vice, Virtue or Liberty?

A visitor walks in front of the Rotondo, which is set against a bright blue sky, at Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire. — The Rotondo at Stowe Stowe Landscape Gardens | © National Trust Images / John Millar

The Path of Vice

Greek mythology was well-known in the 18th century. The Paths of Vice and Virtue represent the Greek god Hercules’ struggle between these two choices. The Path of Vice runs through the Garden of Love (designed by then head gardener, appropriately called Mr Love). The temples in this area allude to stories of seductive women, sordid goings-on and partying to excess. Not for the faint-hearted.

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Wildlife welfare

If you notice any wildlife in distress or have any concerns about the welfare of any widlife on site during your visit, please phone our Duty Manager on 07990 771841 or email us at stowe@nationaltrust.org.uk so we can ensure to respond to the situation as quickly as possible. We rely on members of the public as well as our own teams to make us aware of any wildlife welfare concerns across the 1,200-acre estate. Thank you.