Stowe House

An astronomical planetarium event with Rupert Grint narrating, count us in!!

"We are delighted to bring this experience to Stowe House for the first time, in collaboration with UK Astronomy Events," says Sadie Bull, Visitor Experience Manager. "What better way to round off the bank holiday week than by making memories before the school holidays end? Don’t miss out on this one-day-only event – it's a rare opportunity to explore the mysteries of the cosmos in a setting of historical grandeur." 🚀

✨ 31 August, 10am-5pm
🎟️ Book now: bit.ly/SHAug24
👽 £6.50 per person
Choose between two shows, ‘We are aliens’ (with Rupert 🧡) or An Incredible Introduction to our Night Sky with founder Ross Hockman

📣 Experience History at Stowe House: Upcoming Events! 📣

Attention history and culture lovers! Stowe House invites you to three incredible events that will immerse you in the rich heritage of this iconic estate. Here’s what’s happening:

Restoration vs Conservation Talk
🗓️ Date: Thursday 12 September
🕰️ Time: 5:30PM (Gold Leaf Gilding Workshop at 5PM)
💵 Price: Free, gilding activity £2 per person
🏛️ Explore the different approaches to preserving Stowe House’s historic ceilings in this engaging talk. Learn about the philosophies behind restoration and conservation, along with the challenges faced in each method. Plus, enjoy a hands-on gold leaf gilding workshop before the talk!
🔗 Book: bit.ly/SHChroma24

Restoring an 18th Century Masterpiece
🗓️ Date: Thursday 24 October
🕰️ Time: 6PM
💵 Price: £10 per person
🏛️ Celebrate 25 years of restoration at Stowe House with a special tour led by Anna McEvoy, Co-Director of the Stowe House Preservation Trust. Discover the intricacies of the restoration process, from historical research to meticulous craftsmanship, as you explore the beautifully restored State Rooms of this architectural gem.
🔗 Book: bit.ly/SHRest24

Heritage Open Day
🗓️ Date: Wednesday 11 September
🕰️ Time: Tours every 30 minutes from 11AM - 4PM
💵 Price: Free, pre-booking required
🏛️ Dive into the architectural splendor of Stowe House during our Heritage Open Day. Enjoy exclusive tours that take you through the South Front, Marble Saloon, and North Hall. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the history and beauty of this magnificent site.
🔗 Call to book: 01280 818006

CChroma Conservation LtdHHeritage Open Days

Congratulations—you've made it to the final week of the summer holidays! 🎉 We've made it easy for you to find the perfect event based on what suits you best. Whether you're looking for the kids to burn off some energy or soak up the atmosphere and architecture, there's something here for everyone. You've got this!

✨ For Teens:
Lost Treasures of Stowe Trail
Available daily during opening hours.
Free activity, normal admission applies.

🎨 For Kids 8+:
Book Binding Workshops
Friday 30 Aug, 1pm & 3pm. Booking essential.
Free activity, normal admission applies.

🌌 For Families:
Planetarium
31 Aug, 10am-5pm. Booking essential.
£6.50 per person.

📸 For Culture Explorers:
Open Arts Exhibition Photography Competition
Available daily during opening hours.
Normal admission applies.

Visit our website for more info and to book your tickets.
🖱️ bit.ly/StoweHouseOrg


Destination Milton Keynes Buckingham Tourist Information Centre

The fourth and final highlight of the Open Arts exhibition features The Buckingham School.

Bringing our creative sessions to a close, it was great to have the most local comprehensive school to Stowe House involved in this project. Creativity was in high supply from the Buckingham School students, which is evident from the artworks that they made.

Most notable amongst these were ‘Gold Angel’ by L. Rogerson and ‘Textures at Stowe’ by L. Phillips for their fantastic use of mixed media, and ‘The Lion’ by L Cummings for their brilliant command of clay modelling. Deciding on a winner is always tough, but in the end the prize went to W. Frost with their sketch ‘The Evolution of Women in Art’.

Speaking about their work, Frost says: ‘In Stowe House there are Greek and Roman statues. Aphrodite is one of my favourite Greek Gods and I have drawn a modern day version of her in the anime style. Another portrait of a woman hangs above a fire place and it is one of the wives of the man who lived at Stowe House. I have drawn an anime version of this figure. If we look at the way the depiction of the figures and portraits have changed over time, my pictures represent the movement from Greek to a portrait genre where the women are more modestly dressed. I think the Christianisation of those regions have influenced art and portraits and how the role of women has changed. I have included the two pictures of Stowe that influenced my project.’

With the exhibition closing next Saturday, time is fast running out to see these works in the flesh alongside artworks from the other three schools who attended the Open Arts programme. Get yourself down to Stowe House during our opening hours and take a wonder through our incredible State rooms!

If you are a local teacher working in a comprehensive secondary school and are interested in participating in this programme during the summer term of the coming academic year (2024-25), then please drop us an email to enquire further:

[email protected]

🚀 Just over a week to go before we blast off into space at Stowe House! 🌌

Join us on 31 August for an unforgettable family adventure in our inflatable planetarium. With only a few tickets left, now’s the time to secure your spot for this one-of-a-kind cosmic experience! 🌠

🎟️ Book now: bit.ly/SHAug24

Tickets are just £6.50 per person, and every ticket sold helps support ourselves and UK Astronomy Events, two local charities dedicated to preservation and education.

🎭 Only two days until Dr Dolittle arrives! 🐷

With the sun shining, this fun-filled family musical will leave your little ones in fits of giggles. Book your tickets now for an epic adventure through the animal kingdom. 🐾🎶

🎟️ bit.ly/SHDrDo
📅 23 Aug, 6.30pm
🦒 £18 Adult, £10 Child
🥪 Picnics at the ready! Bring you hamper and blanket.

Illyria

The third highlight of the Open Arts exhibition features Gilbert Inglefield Academy.

As well as restoring the incredible state rooms to their former glory, Stowe House welcomes families and school trips to learn about the work we do and to be inspired by the architecture, interiors and the history of this magnificent place. The talented students from Gilbert Inglefield Academy did just that when they came to Stowe House for their day of Open Arts workshops. From wire portraits to guilding, to building a collaborative sculpture from rubbish, they certainly explored their surroundings in more ways than one!

Among the beautiful work they created, we would like to draw attention to ‘Winged Ghost of a Melody’ by O. Gould, ‘The Lamb of the Attar’ by K. Fountain and ‘Ethiopian Gold’ by W. Kulesza. The winner is N. Lowe for their small but beautifully impactful painting ‘Golden Algae’, which feels mysterious and spectacular – much like Stowe House itself!

Speaking about their work, Lowe says 'My piece represents the beautiful but odd relationship between nature and man. The Corinthian Arch and man made lake represent the architecture and the algae show nature; all components build the eerie yet wonderful setting.'

You still have until 31st August to come and see the exhibition before the artworks are taken down. Don’t miss out!

🎉️ Join us for The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle - an exciting family musical and an epic adventure through the animal kingdom. 🐾🎶

Book now while you still can and celebrate the British summertime in style!! 🎭

🏛 Date: 23 August, 6.30pm
🐷 Tickets: Adult £18, Child £10
🎫 Box Office: bit.ly/SHDrDo

Illyria Destination Milton Keynes Buckingham Tourist Information Centre

Our second highlight of the Open Arts exhibition features Caroline Chisholm School.

Hailing from Northampton, the students were warmly welcomed to Stowe House and invited to think outside the box when making creative responses, both in groups and individually. Talking about their experience, one student commented: “this place feels like it has been brought to life straight out of a book, and it has certainly inspired me.”

Judging by the awe-inspiring caliber of artwork that was produced, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking that this student could have been speaking for the rest of their classmates! Most notable amongst the artworks that were produced are ‘A Visitor’s Perspective of Stowe House’ by F. Lodge, ‘Guilding the Music Room’ by N. Prashant, ‘The Architecture of Stowe’ by I. Sawer, ‘The Portico’ by R. Parmar and ‘The Stones of Stowe’ by E. Mehaffy. It was particularly challenging to select a winner, but ultimately the prize went to the extremely deserving A. Britton for their piece ‘Apollo, Medusa, Goddess Urania’. Speaking of their inspiration and ideas, Britton says:

“When I went to Stowe House I was inspired by the Marble Saloon with the Greek and Roman mythology statues. The meaning behind my work is that each individual has something that shapes who they are.”

To experience the room that was the inspiration behind this incredible artwork, and to see the Open Arts Exhibition before it closes on 31st August, come to Stowe House for a visit! You still have just over 3 weeks to catch the Open Arts exhibition before it comes down. Don’t miss out!



Caroline Chisholm School

😫 Tired of getting "Bruh" as the only response? Finding an activity that excites both your teens and pre-teens (without boring the younger ones) can feel impossible. Fear not, we’ve got the perfect solution for your next family outing!

✅ Lost Treasures of Stowe Trail
🗓️ Daily until 1 September (Check our calendar beforehand)
💵 Won't break the bank. Under 16s go free with a paying adult
🚗 Pre-book & park closer. Less walking = less "Ugh, really?"

Delve into the secrets of Stowe as you unlock hidden mysteries, crack codes, and piece together the puzzle of centuries past. Follow the clues and complete the quest.

This challenge is perfect for families with older children and requires teamwork, so gather your family and work together to complete the activities. Adults are encouraged to participate actively alongside the kids to make the most of this experience. It's a fantastic way for families to bond, collaborate, and enjoy a day out together.

📷 Be quick to enter the 2024 Photography Competition before 31 August 🤳

Pick up your camera and snap away to be featured in our 2025 calendar and autumn exhibition. Open to all abilities and children too. Get involved on your visit - now’s the ideal time to find your inspiration whilst you can explore the house at your own pace.

Here’s a little glimpse at some of the entires so far.

Buckingham Tourist Information Centre Destination Milton Keynes

Want to discover more on your visit to Stowe? Take advantage of one of our behind-the-scenes tours and access areas normally off-limits to visitors.

🌄 If it's spectacular views you're after and the buzz of feeling like you're on top of the world, choose the Roof Top Tour.
13, 18 Aug, 6pm.

🕵️ If you love the lavish decoration of the house, come on a Secrets tour to see the Gothic Library and walk the passageways that connect to rooms and areas of Stowe you won't have explored before.
11, 20 Aug, 2pm

🏃 Be quick to book as we only host these in school holidays. 🛒 bit.ly/SHAug24

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing some highlights from the Open Arts Exhibition.

First up, Cedars Upper School kicked things off with a visit to the house as part of the competition. The students had a whirlwind day of workshops, diving into creative responses to historical themes relevant to Stowe House. After their visit, we gave them 4-6 weeks to reflect and produce their pieces, which now make up a quarter of the exhibition in the Library until 31st August.

The artworks from Cedars Upper School students are nothing short of amazing! Their variety in approach and skill is truly impressive. Standout pieces include ‘Gorgo’ by A. White, ‘Rose’ by E. Joy, ‘Architecture and Restoration’ by L. Trotter, and ‘Echoes of Grandeur’ by A. Quarmby. But there can only be one winner, and the prize went to the incredibly talented P. Zois for their stunning drawing ‘Fatigue’. Here's what Zois had to say about their work:

“My work is based off of the Music Room in Stowe House and the statue inside an alcove in the room. She just sits there all day doing nothing so I thought she may be tired or fatigued. It is not identical, but it is based on what I saw and picked up from the room.”

Stay tuned for more highlights and come see the exhibition before it ends! Normal admission applies.

Cedars Upper School

The school holidays are in full swing and boy-oh-boy, have we got lots to keep your little ones entertained! Multiple dates and sessions.

🌿 Cyanotype Photography - children can get to grips with a new creative technique to create mini-masterpieces to take home.

🧸 Teddy Bear's Picnic - Live it up like royalty in the palace with your toddlers at our pretend picnic. The more teddies, the merrier! Kudos to any grown-ups who bring their childhood cuddly.

📕 Book Binding - In an age of tech, foster a love of books with this creative introduction to binding.

Multiple dates and sessions, book online: bit.ly/SHAug24

🚀✨ An Out-of-this-World Experience at Stowe House! ✨🚀

On 31 August, take a last-minute family adventure into space and step into an inflatable planetarium inside Stowe House! Choose from two fascinating shows. 🌌

We Are Aliens 🌍👽
Explore the quest for alien life with Rupert Grint (yes, Ron Weasley!) narrating. Perfect for families with kids aged 6+.
Showtimes: 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm

An Incredible Introduction to our Night Sky 🌠🌟
Founder of award-winning UK Astronomy, Ross Hockham will guide you through the constellations and beyond. Interactive and fun for all ages!
Showtimes: 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm

🎟️ Tickets: £6.50 per person – Book now, spaces are limited!
bit.ly/SHAug24

Don’t miss out on this one-day-only cosmic experience. Grab your tickets today and embark on a journey to the stars! 🌠🚀


UK Astronomy Events Destination Milton Keynes Buckingham Tourist Information Centre VisitEngland

🚀✨ An Out-of-this-World Experience at Stowe House! ✨🚀

On 31 August, take a last-minute family adventure into space and step into an inflatable planetarium inside Stowe House! Choose from two fascinating shows. 🌌

We Are Aliens 🌍👽
Explore the quest for alien life with Rupert Grint (yes, Ron Weasley!) narrating. Perfect for families with kids aged 6+.
Showtimes: 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm

An Incredible Introduction to our Night Sky 🌠🌟
Founder of award-winning UK Astronomy, Ross Hockham will guide you through the constellations and beyond. Interactive and fun for all ages!
Showtimes: 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm

🎟️ Tickets: £6.50 per person – Book now, spaces are limited!
bit.ly/SHAug24

Don’t miss out on this one-day-only cosmic experience. Grab your tickets today and embark on a journey to the stars! 🌠🚀


UK Astronomy Events Destination Milton Keynes Buckingham Tourist Information Centre VisitEngland Rupert Grint

🏍️ Our neighbours Silverstone are hosting this weekend (2-4 August)! 🏁

Check your routes ahead of time—diversions will be in place around the area. 🛣️

If you're heading to the event, stop by and visit us! We're the perfect pit stop. 🏛️☕

🕒 Fri 2: Open 10:30am-4:30pm
🚫 Sat 3: Closed
🕒 Sun 4: Open 10:30am-4pm

A book lovers dream...our Assistant House Custodian has been condition checking the collection held in the Library. Turning the page of so many fascinating books is just one perk of the job. 📖🤎

👶 We've loved welcoming families to explore Stowe House over the year, thank you coming and we hope you'll return as we build our Stowe-Tots community. 🧒

Next week will be our last Stowe-Tots before having a summer break. Be sure to come along with your little one for a Delightful Dinner Party! Time to play and pretend to have a feast fit for royalty. 🍽️👑

✔️ Pre-booking essential
🛒 £5 for 1 Adult and 1 Child
👉 Book here: bit.ly/SHTotsJul24

Buckingham Tourist Information Centre

Here’s a helpful guide to our summer month opening times. We’re open for you to explore the house at your own pace or take a tour. Be sure to check weekends in particular as each will vary.

🤩 Top tips 🏛️

1️⃣ If you like a quieter visit, we recommend coming before the 23 July before the school holidays begin 🤫

2️⃣ Pre-book your tickets and park like a VIP. Perfect for a hot days when you don’t fancy a big walk 🚗

3️⃣ Combine your visit with one of our events. Choose from Roof Top Tours, go behind the scenes, gaze into the galaxy at the planetarium or come to the outdoor theatre, there’s much to choose from 🥳

Website 👉 bit.ly/StoweHouseOrg

🌟 Don't miss this enchanting outdoor performance! Romeo and Juliet is coming to Stowe House! 🎭

🏛 Date: 25 July, 7.30pm
👩‍❤️‍👨 Tickets: Adult £18, Child £10
🎫 Get your tickets now: bit.ly/SHRomeo

Illyria

🏁 Our neighbours at Silverstone are hosting the Grand Prix this weekend, with road closures and diversions around the local area from 4-7 July. Please check routes before travelling.

🏎️ Visitors to the house will need to arrive and walk through the National Trust garden unless you've pre-booked tickets and made arrangements with our team: [email protected]

🏆 We're open as usual, 10.30am-4.30pm and welcome everyone to explore inside the house

P.S. Did you know one of the circuit corners is named after our estate? Here's an epic throwback pic. 😲
National Trust - Stowe

🎨🌞 Embrace your creative spirit this summer! 🌞🎨

Imagine spending a day at a country house, surrounded by idyllic views, as you dive into the art of lino printing in a one-day workshop with the talented Alexandra Buckle. 🌿✨

🗓 Date: Sun 25 Aug, 10am-4pm
💷 Tickets: £80 per person

Alexandra, a former Royal Academy Exhibitor and Artfinder bestseller, will guide you through creating your own multi-layered, summer-inspired lino print. Bring your favourite images or photographs for inspiration, and let Alexandra's expertise help you bring them to life. All printing materials are provided, just pack your own lunch (we’ve got the tea, coffee, and cake covered)!

Grab your tickets now.
👉 bit.ly/LinoS24 👈

See you there! 🌻🖌️
Alexandra Buckle

This month, we had the honour of welcoming HRH Prince Michael of Kent, patron of the David Wynne Charitable Trust, to officially open the Wynne Gallery. David Wynne sculpted the Prince in the 1980s, and we have the original maquette used for developing a bronze version. Before his arrival, our House Custodian carefully cleaned it with deionised water and cotton wool swabs.

As a former pupil of Stowe School, we are very fortunate to have been left David Wynne's collection and archive to display for visitors and to inspire future pupils.

Visit the Wynne Gallery on your next trip—it's included with a standard admission ticket. We recommend coming on a free-flow day during the summer holidays. This way, you can leisurely explore the displays and fully enjoy the gallery experience. Don't forget, our summer holidays start earlier.

Image with thanks Stowe School

🔍 Uncovering the Past: The Science Behind Stowe House's Restoration 🔍

📅 Date: Wednesday, 3 July
🕕 Time: 6pm
🎟️ Ticket: £5

Join us for an insightful evening with experts Annabel Westman and Patrick Baty as they reveal the detailed research and scientific techniques behind the restoration of Stowe House's interior.

🔹 Discover unknown colour schemes
🔹 Learn about the choice of historic wall coverings
🔹 Hear about the challenges and successes of restoring an eighteenth-century stately home

This is a unique chance to understand the fascinating work that goes into preserving history.
👉 Book your tickets today! bit.ly/SHTalkAW