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The National Trust Stowe Landscape Gardens Nr. Buckingham, MKI8 5EH
Tel: 01280 822850
Email: stowegarden@ntrust.org.uk
STOWE LANDSCAPE GARDENS is an epic garden,
adorned with arches, temples, bridges and monuments - the sheer scale making it Britain's largest work of art. The gardens are made up of vistas and valleys, narrow lakes and rivers with more than 30
temples and monuments designed by many of the leading architects of the 18th Century. The creation of the Temple family, Stowe has been described as a work to wonder at in its size, splendour and
variety.
There are over seven miles of breathtaking garden walks taking in these stunning views.
There are a further 1000 acres of free parkland to explore, (the area outside the perimeter
of the gardens).
Since The National Trust acquired the gardens in 1989, many of the buildings and temples have been conserved, and thousands of new trees and shrubs have been planted. Work is
ongoing on both the gardens and parkland. (Stowe Park was created in the 1630s by Sir Richard Temple and was closely tended and embellished through successive generations. Sadly disaster struck in 1848
when the 2nd Duke of Buckingham was declared bankrupt, and the parkland was sadly neglected for the next 150 years). The National Trust is committed to reversing these years of neglect, and are
planning to plant over three and a half thousand trees, which have been purchased with the aid of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund
Recent Restoration Projects in the gardens include
:
Lord Cobham (over-looking the Grecian Valley)
The original statue of Lord Cobham in full Roman armour was knocked from its vantage point atop the tallest of Stowes monuments in 1957.
The 11 foot high statue was struck by lightening and shattered, only the head, a small piece of tunic and one of the hands surviving.
After nearly 50 years absence, the replica statue was
reinstated on Wednesday 30th May of this year, with the help of English Heritage Grant Aid.
The new statue, weighing nearly 5 tonnes and carved from Portland stone, was created by sculptor Time
Rees of Cliveden Conservation following extensive research into the work of the original artist.
After over 40 years absence, Lord Cobham once more surveys the gardens he created, and can
be seen to the East of the Grecian Valley.
Statue of Venus in The Rotondo
The state of Venus was removed in the 1770s was only returned to her rightful place last year as part of
the ongoing English Heritage funded restoration programme. The gilded Venus now once more takes her pride of place in the Rotondo to be admired by all.
Didos Cave
Didos cave was
demolished in the 1960s as it had become so overgrown. It is now back on display after painstaking restoration, with new planting of eighteenth century plant varieties around the entrance, based on
new research into the types of plant once seen at Stowe.
The cave itself is lined with crystals, shells and contorted rockwork, added to the classical shape of the original baroque temple.
Events 2002
There are no shortage of events at Stowe Landscape Gardens this year!
On Sunday 14th April a MEDIEVAL DAY will be taking place in the Gardens, with
medieval knights duelling, period music, ferret racing and various fun-filled activities.
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April see the return of the popular KITE FESTIVAL. Spectators can
enjoy expert demonstrations, workshops and the opportunity to build their own kite!
Other events include a WINE TASTING on JUNE 23rd, FAMILY FUN DAYS on May 19th and September 8th, an
ARCHAEOLOGY DAY on August 11th and a TREE WALK and FUNGUS TRAIL planned for the autumn.
The hi-light of the programme is a 1940s weekend on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July when the Gardens will
be transformed with the sights and sounds of the 40 ‘s. the GLENN MILLER TRIBUTE ORCHESTRA will headline on the evening of Saturday 27th July, with a spectacular firework display bringing the
evening to a stunning finale.
Call 01280 818815 for an events leaflet.
The gardens are open right through until December 22nd , daily except Mon and Tuesday. Opening hours do vary from
season to season- call the information line on 01280 822850 for further details. The park is open all year round from dawn to dusk.
Opening Times:
2 March to 22 Dec: daily
except Mon & Tues (open BH Mons and Tues 4 June) (closed Sat 25 May).
Times: March to Oct 10-5.30; last admission 4, Nov and Dec 10-4, last admission 3.
Gardens £4.80; Child £2.40;
family £12. Parkland free. Group bookings by arrangement.
Directions:
Located 3ml NW of Buckingham via Stowe Avenue, off A422 Buckingham - Banbury Road.
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