Vanbrugh300 at Stowe House
2026 – A Year to Celebrate
We’re proud to be participating in Vanbrugh300, a nationwide, year-long festival presented by the Georgian Group and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, marking the 300th anniversary of the death of Sir John Vanbrugh. Throughout 2026, Stowe House will be exploring his remarkable legacy through a programme of events, displays and activities that reveal new stories about a figure whose influence still shapes the places we love today. Read on to discover what you can expect at Stowe House over the year ahead.
Who was Sir John Vanbrugh?
Sir John Vanbrugh was one of the most intriguing and multi-talented figures of the Georgian period. Remembered today as an architect, he was also a successful playwright, a political thinker and a cultural mover at the heart of early 18th-century Britain. On the 300th anniversary of his death, Vanbrugh300 offers a timely opportunity to reflect on his wide-ranging contributions, not only here at Stowe, but across the country.
Vanbrugh’s relationship with Stowe was shaped by both friendship and shared ideals. Through his membership of the Kit-Cat Club, a circle of leading aristocrats, writers and artists, he formed a close bond with Richard Temple, 1st Viscount Cobham. More than an architectural consultant, Vanbrugh became a trusted friend and collaborator, deeply invested in the evolving vision for the estate. His affection for Stowe was clear. Writing in 1725, he described it as ‘a place now so agreeable’ that he ‘had much ado to leave it at all’.
Today, Vanbrugh’s work invites modern visitors to think differently about architecture, landscape and power, and about how creative ideas are shaped through collaboration. His legacy at Stowe is layered, complex and full of surprises, much like the man himself.
Sir John Vanbrugh by Sir Godfrey Kneller, circa 1705. © National Portrait Gallery, London
Richard Temple, 1st Viscount Cobham,
The Vanbrugh Portico on the North Front of Stowe House ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
Vanbrugh designed Orangery at Stowe House ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
View of the Vanbrugh Orangery from south by J.C.Nattes 1809
The Vanbrugh designed cupola, with weather vane on top of what was the Stables in Stable Court ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
The West Offices - designed by Vanbrugh, once the Maid's Accomodation and Laundry ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
View of the Vanbrugh designed Orangery at Stowe. from West towards the Offices by J.C.Nattes 1809
View across the Octagon Lake towards Vanbrugh's Lake Pavilions and Corinthian Arch ©National Trust Images Rod Edwards
View of Vanbrugh's Rotunda in the garden at Stowe with a gilded statue of the Goddess Venus from a Riguard engraving and published by Sarah Bridgeman.
Stable Court (now Cobham Court) drawing by J.C.Nattes 1809 with Vanbrugh designed offices on the East of the house with stables, coach house & wagon house
Sir John Vanbrugh by Sir Godfrey Kneller, circa 1705. © National Portrait Gallery, London
Richard Temple, 1st Viscount Cobham,
The Vanbrugh Portico on the North Front of Stowe House ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
Vanbrugh designed Orangery at Stowe House ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
View of the Vanbrugh Orangery from south by J.C.Nattes 1809
The Vanbrugh designed cupola, with weather vane on top of what was the Stables in Stable Court ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
The West Offices - designed by Vanbrugh, once the Maid's Accomodation and Laundry ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
View of the Vanbrugh designed Orangery at Stowe. from West towards the Offices by J.C.Nattes 1809
View across the Octagon Lake towards Vanbrugh's Lake Pavilions and Corinthian Arch ©National Trust Images Rod Edwards
View of Vanbrugh's Rotunda in the garden at Stowe with a gilded statue of the Goddess Venus from a Riguard engraving and published by Sarah Bridgeman.
Stable Court (now Cobham Court) drawing by J.C.Nattes 1809 with Vanbrugh designed offices on the East of the house with stables, coach house & wagon house
A Programme of Events
Throughout the year, you can expect a varied programme of events and activities to dip into at Stowe House. Whether you are a keen enthusiast eager to deepen your knowledge, or encountering Vanbrugh’s name for the first time, there will be opportunities to discover something new. Without doubt, many of us pass his work in our daily lives without realising it, so what better way to see the place you love in a new light. From young families to those in pursuit of academic insight, our programme is being developed to bring Vanbrugh’s ideas, influence and personality to life for all.
Tours
Join one of our knowledgeable guides for a taster tour that opens up areas of the external House complex not usually seen on a standard visit. These tours will highlight architectural features attributed to Vanbrugh, while also explaining how Stowe’s distinctive approach to commissioning designers has created layers of work by some of the most celebrated architects of the period.
Vanbrugh’s role extended beyond grand statements. He was also responsible for more functional spaces, including working areas such as bakehouses, laundries, stables and offices. Many of these spaces remain in use today, transformed internally but still essential to the life of the estate.
Exhibition
From the 29 June, an exhibition exploring Vanbrugh’s life, work and times will be on display in the Marble Saloon. Each Vanbrugh300 property will present a different perspective, allowing visitors who explore multiple sites to build a richer picture of his extraordinary career beyond Stowe.
Lecture Series
Hear from leading academics, authors, historians and presenters throughout the year as they deliver talks and discussion panels, each with its own distinct theme. These events will offer fresh insights into Vanbrugh’s world, his collaborators and his lasting cultural impact. Keep an eye on our What’s On listings for announcements and booking information.
What’s on
Family Weekend
We will be celebrating in style with a dedicated family weekend on 1 and 2 August. Families can look forward to a lively mix of activities designed to bring Vanbrugh’s work to life, including storytelling sessions for children, drama workshops, creative activities, family-friendly tours and more. Pencil the dates into your diary and check back soon as we confirm the full programme.
Garden Trail
Much of Vanbrugh’s legacy at Stowe can be spotted outdoors, woven into the landscape that visitors explore every day. From dates to be confirmed, pick up a trail map from the National Trust Visitor Centre at the New Inn and discover key features shaped by his vision as you wander through the gardens. A downloadable version of the trail will also be available once the activity begins.
Vanbrugh at Stowe: the Collection
Stowe House holds a small but fascinating collection relating to Vanbrugh, including guidebooks and engravings by artists depicting what became known as ‘Vanbrugh’s Temple’ within the wider landscape view. These items will be on display at points throughout the year, offering another lens through which to explore his influence.
Take a Tour of England
Stowe House is one of several historic sites taking part in this nationwide celebration. Across the country, from the Cotswolds to the North East, visitors will be able to explore different aspects of Vanbrugh’s legacy in a range of remarkable settings.
Discover Vanbrugh’s work at Kimbolton, where his architectural ideas intersect with a long and complex history of royal and aristocratic life.
Often described as Vanbrugh’s most personal masterpiece, Seaton Delaval Hall offers a striking and atmospheric insight into his mature architectural style.
At Grimsthorpe, Vanbrugh’s influence can be traced through bold architectural interventions that reshaped an earlier house for a new age.
Explore one of Vanbrugh’s most famous and ambitious projects, a monumental statement of power, politics and design that continues to provoke debate and admiration.
A collaboration of vision and scale, Castle Howard remains one of the most celebrated country houses in England, reflecting Vanbrugh’s flair for drama and grandeur.
You’re a Vanbrugh Star
Thanks for reading this far. Officially, you are now a Vanbrugh Star. If you attend any of the events or activities taking place as part of Vanbrugh300 at Stowe House, we would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on social media (@stowehouse) or TripAdvisor, or send us a message. Your feedback helps us understand what you enjoy and shape future programmes at Stowe.
