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Bowood Woodland Gardens

This 30 acre woodland garden of azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons and bluebells is one of the most exciting of its type in the country. From the individual flowers to the breathtaking sweep of colour, this is a garden not to be missed. With two miles of meandering paths, you will find hidden treasures at every corner. The Woodland Gardens are 2m from Bowood House and Garden.

Owner Info

Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Gardens
Bowood Woodland Gardens

About Bowood Woodland Gardens

The earliest evidence of Rhododendrons being planted at Bowood is circa 1850. By then, Sir George Hooker and others were bringing plants back to England from Tibet, Nepal and Burma. So, it was the third Marquis of Lansdowne (1780 – 1863) who introduced Rhododendrons to Bowood. However, it was his Grandson (my Great Grandfather) who, on inheriting Bowood in 1866, at the age of 21, set about creating much of what you see now. Many of the hardy hybrids which he planted are extremely rare and unobtainable today. After my Great Grandfather’s death in 1927, this garden marked time until my father took it in hand during the late fifties. He extended the garden and introduced new hybrids, magnolias and a number of new species.In 1972 my father retired to Scotland. At that time, we lived in a nearby farmhouse built on Oxford clay. Being a devotee of ericaceous plants, I had tried to establish Rhododendrons and Azaleas on heavy, unsuitable soil. They survived, albeit reluctantly. On moving to Bowood, I transplanted them and opened up a new ride named after my eldest son, Simon. My wife and I have been planting ever since. Today, around a thousand species of Rhododendrons have been identified worldwide. From these thousands, more hybrids have been established. We have introduced broad-leafed species from The Island of Gigha, rare plants collected by Roy Lancaster on his 1979 expedition to China, Cornuses, Acers, Camellias and many more Magnolias.

Location details

Bowood Woodland Gardens,
Calne,
Wiltshire,
SN11 9PG

Directions to Bowood Woodland Gardens
Located off J17 M4 nr Bath & Chippenham. Entrance off A342 between Sandy Lane & Derry Hill Villages. Follow brown tourist signs.

Bowood Woodland Gardens openings

No opening times available.

Accessibility

  • Only partial access for wheelchairs due to rough terrain.
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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Yes, coaches are accepted at Bowood Woodland Gardens. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Bowood Woodland Gardens. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Sorry, Bowood Woodland Gardens does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Bowood Woodland Gardens is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.