To marvel at the monumental scale of Stowe, first, you must discover where it began. Visit Stowe House throughout the year to see inside this Georgian pleasure palace and explore its’ ever-evolving history. You can purchase tickets for the House in advance online, or at the Stowe House visitor centre. The Stowe House Preservation Trust is an independent charity that restores, maintains and opens the house to visitors.
Choose from a Taster Tour lasting 20 minutes or the Full Story at 45 minutes with one of the friendly guides as they reveal fascinating stories of scandal, intrigue and debt of the Temple-Grenville family, their downfall and the resurrection of the building from the beginnings of Stowe School to the current restoration programme.
A comprehensive history of Stowe, exploring four key periods in Stowe’s past through various stories of the people who have lived at Stowe. Your tour guide will delve into the fascinating history of the estate, exploring the creation of Stowe under Viscount Cobham, the extravagance and spending of the Dukes of Buckingham and Chandos, the rebirth of Stowe as a School and the restoration of Stowe today.
Tour duration: 45 minutes
Tour departs: on the half hour - 11.30, 12.30, 13.30, 14.30, & 15.30 in summer hours
Get the essential highlights of the house as our guide briefly explores the history of Stowe and tells you one of its' intriguing stories. On this tour you'll see three of the historic State Rooms. Tour duration: 20 minutes Tour departs: on the hour -12.00, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00 & 16.00 during summer hours
If you enjoy the freedom of self-discovery, check the opening times for a day where you can explore at your own pace – these are usually during school holidays and various weekends. The thrill of turning the corner and being met by dazzling ceilings and vast rooms will take your breath away. You’ll be given a map when you arrive at our Discovery Centre to help you find your way around.
Wonder through the interactive museum displays, discovering house and garden history before heading through to the State Rooms.
On days when you don’t have much time or perhaps the house is closed, our visitor centre will be open free of charge. Pop in for a short while, enjoy some refreshments and browse our products, souvenirs and second-hand books. Explore the history of Stowe and see inside the museum for only £2, children go free.
Multi Media Guide
Snap the QR code for our free multimedia guide that you can listen to and watch with your own device. The QR codes will also be avalaible in each room of the house.