Welcome to The Bowood Estate, home to The Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne

The Lansdowne’s family home since 1754, after the Second World War, The Estate’s future hung in the balance. The “Big House” was derelict and full of dry rot. Most of The Estate cottages were un-modernised.

The 8th Marquis took the courageous decision to demolish the main house, leaving what visitors’ see today – a beautifully proportioned Georgian House in the centre of "the most beautiful park in England." In 1975, his son, the current Marquis, opened the house and grounds to the public. Three years later, he restored the derelict stables and grooms quarters to create a sculpture gallery, exhibition rooms, restaurant and shop. Over the past thirty years, a policy of diversification has been assiduously pursued to reflect the changing social and financial landscape.

Assets have been harnessed and developed to support and protect the house and oasis which forms Capability Brown’s parkland. All who work here take great pride in developing and protecting such an outstanding enterprise. We hope you will visit us. Your enjoyment of The Bowood Estate makes our work worthwhile.