Things to do in Stowe's landscape garden

Visitors with the Palladian Bridge in the background at Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Enjoy 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.

Autumn at Stowe landscape garden

Take in the beautiful autumn shades as you wander through the garden this season. Look out for apples, bramble, conkers, autumn cylamen, fruit of wild strawberries, rosehips, spindle, hazlenut and acorns as the leaves fall. As the winter draws closer, look out for various wildlife including goosander, fieldfare, redwing and greylag geese.

Mother and daughter in the landscaped garden in autumn at Stowe, Buckinghamshire — Mother and daughter in the landscaped garden in autumn at Stowe | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

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 view across misty parkland surrounded by trees towards the Grecian Valley at Stowe, Buckinghamshire. — The Grecian Valley at Stowe | © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler

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.

Visitors sitting on the grass at the water's edge with their dog at Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire; the Temple of British Worthies is in the background. — Visitors in front of the Temple of British Worthies at Stowe Landscape Gardens | © National Trust Images / John Millar

The Path of Virtue

The Path of Virtue takes us through an area of the garden that represents heaven on earth. The temples here show good values, such as the Temple of British Worthies, showing the great and the good of Britain’s history. Of course, taking the virtuous path through life isn’t the easiest, so there are many bridges to cross.

The Path of Liberty

This path represents the political aspirations of Lord Cobham. As a simple metaphor it's the longest and hardest of all three walks, showing that politics is never easy. The temples along the way show Britain’s dominance in the 18th century. The Temple of Concord and Victory celebrates Britain’s victory in the Seven Years’ War and Lord Cobham’s Pillar shows Cobham as a mighty Roman warrior.

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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.