Bowood House & Gardens will reopen for the 2026 season on Friday 27th March, with new exhibitions, family activities and developments across the estate.
Visitors returning this spring will be able to explore the historic house, landscaped parkland and the popular Adventure Playground, alongside new attractions planned for the year ahead.
The season includes a new historical exhibition inside Bowood House, a botanical art exhibition in the Garden Studio, and a new water play feature within the Adventure Playground.
Lord Kerry, Chief Executive and the 11th generation custodian of Bowood, said it was a pleasure to welcome visitors back to the estate.
He said: “It is an immense pleasure to share this historic country house and gardens with our guests, bringing history, nature and adventure to everyone.
“I hope our guests enjoy the curated exhibitions in the house and garden studio, discover the sights, smells and sounds of nature at the Woodland Garden, explore our new Dry Garden, and join us at one of the many events on the Estate this season.”
Inside the house, this year’s exhibition “1776: Secrets, Spies and the American Revolution” marks the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.
The display explores Bowood’s historic connections to the period through Lord Shelburne, an 18th-century owner of the estate who played a diplomatic role in negotiations leading to the Treaty of Paris.
Meanwhile, the Garden Studio in the Walled Garden will host “The Lifecycle of Plants”, featuring botanical illustrations by members of The Bath Society of Botanical Artists inspired by Bowood’s own plant collection.
Visitors will also be able to follow a new Arboretum Tree Trail, highlighting 24 significant trees across the grounds, including rare and champion specimens.
Gardeners are also developing a new Dry Garden within the Walled Garden, showcasing drought-tolerant plants such as salvias, agapanthus, echinaceas and ornamental grasses. The planting aims to explore how gardens can adapt to changing climate conditions.
During the winter closure, the estate’s Adventure Playground has also been enhanced with a new water play area in The Den. Designed for younger children, the feature includes interactive channels and sensory play elements.
The reopening coincides with the return of Bowood’s Big Easter Adventure, running from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April.
Families will be able to search for ten giant eggs hidden around the grounds while solving puzzles to win a chocolate prize.
Between Friday 3rd April and Monday 6th April, a separate golden egg challenge will see five golden eggs and one rainbow egg hidden across the estate each day. Golden egg winners receive a large chocolate treat, while the rainbow egg winner will receive a family season ticket.
Bowood’s Woodland Garden will also open from Friday 10th April to Sunday 7th June during its peak flowering season.
Covering more than 30 acres, the garden is known for displays of bluebells, azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias.
Day tickets and season tickets for the 2026 season are now available, with a programme of events planned throughout the year including family activities, garden tours, theatre performances, talks and workshops.
More information is available at bowood.org.
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