Explore the Local Area
Put Stowe House on your itinerary and explore the best of Bucks and beyond.
Ideally situated on several county borders, and within easy reach of major cities, there are many local must-see attractions that we would recommend you include in your itinerary, of course including ourselves at Stowe House. Extend your visit and stay in the area to explore the best of Buckinghamshire and beyond. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Quick Win
Pre-book your tickets ahead of schedule for Stowe House to benefit from closer parking and build your additional plans around this. As our building is also a school, our opening arrangements vary across the year and tickets are bookable one month in advance.
Places of Interest
Stowe Gardens
With over 250 acres of landscape and 750 acres of parkland, you could spend a whole day dedicated to exploring National Trust Stowe Gardens alongside Stowe House – if you’ve got ample time in the area, we’d certainly suggest this to make the most of exploring one of Britain’s most significant country estates.
You’ll need some good walking shoes as you traverse inclines and miles of paths to see over 40 temples and monuments, serpentine lakes and monumental valleys. Seasonally, the garden glistens with winter frost, comes alive in spring, bustles with butterflies in the summer meadows and bursts into fiery autumn colours, so there’s never a bad day to visit. With the house ideally situated as your halfway point, visit the garden before or after your tour and head into our visitor centre for refreshment
Stroll through the garden
Silverstone Museum
Located at the home of British Motor racing and Formula One, Silverstone Museum is an excellent attraction to discover. From historic cars to hands-on exhibits and modern immersive experiences, this museum has something to interest everyone of all ages, not just motorsport enthusiasts. Opened in 2019, the exhibition showcases the history of the circuit when it was part of the Stowe estate – we even have a corner of the race circuit named after us!
Let's Drive
Buckingham Town
Once the county town of Bucks, and the seat of the Dukedom held by the family at Stowe, Buckingham town centre is full of centuries-old history and tell-tale signs of Stowe connections. Be sure to visit the Chantry Chapel, The Old Gaol and take a stroll down to the bridge. The Tourist Information Centre in the Old Goal is a great place to start. We recommend spending half a day in the town.
Tourist InformationMore time on your hands?
We also recommend these local attractions.
- Bletchley Park | The home of the codebreakers who turned the corner for the Allies during WWII
- Claydon House | An intricate rococo country house, the aristocratic home to the Verney family (long-time rivals of the family at Stowe) and with links to Florence Nightingale
- Milton Keynes Museum | Hear the story of MK through interactive and hands-on exhibits.
- MK Gallery | Bringing world-class exhibitions and events together at the heart of the city
Places to Stay
Only 10 minutes down the road is the impressive new Hilton Hotel with rooms that overlook the Silverstone race circuit.
Situated in the local countryside is the Whittlebury estate with an 18-hole golf course and spa facilities. If you fancy some pampering and peace on your holiday, this might be the perfect place for you.
You’ll find Villiers Hotel in the heart of Buckingham town centre amongst the buzz of the community. If you fancy a traditional English coaching inn, this is an ideal base to choose.
For the ultimate unique stay, look no further as this accommodation is located in the gardens of the Stowe estate. It’s now a holiday cottage sleeping four people in double rooms and is looked after by our friends, The Landmark Trust. It’s certainly an eye-turner when you share your holiday snaps!
Cast yourselves a little further afield and find this terrific Grade 1 listed Jacobean house 45 minutes from Stowe. If you want the full British experience of staying in a historic building – look no further. Afternoon tea will leave you feeling like you’ve lived your best Downton Abbey and Bridgerton life.
You’ll also find an abundance of independent B&Bs in the area offering everything from simple modern apartments to quirky cottages and shepherd’s huts!
Eating and Shopping
If you’re looking for pub with history, head to The Mitre or White Hart for a beverage.
Buckingham, Towcester and Brackley are brimming with an array of cafes and restaurants offering different cuisines to suit your budget. Pop into a tearoom or enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries.
Boycott Farm
At the heart of our small parish, lies a local farm with the most delicious home-made and locally sourced goods. Pop into the Boycott Farm shop for some of the tastiest meats from their butchery (all reared on-site) fresh produce and charming chutneys.
Plan Your Great British Getaway
Use this great resource to find more information about the surrounding countryside and city of Milton Keynes to plan your itinerary.
If you’re travelling from afar, start by looking at what you want to see when you visit England (of course including Stowe) and plan your ultimate bucket list adventure of the British Isles.