Get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination and activities for all as we celebrate Sir John Vanbrugh’s legacy at Stowe as part of a nationwide festival.

Enjoy special £3 anniversary entry to Stowe House, with under 5s free.

Explore the historic State Rooms, visit the special Vanbrugh300 exhibition, enjoy creative family crafts, and uncover the stories behind Stowe’s extraordinary architecture and landscapes.

To help manage visitor capacity across the weekend, we kindly ask visitors to book either a morning or afternoon admission ticket and arrive within their selected time period.

Please note:

  • Last admission to the House is at 4.00pm
  • Stowe House closes at 4.30pm
  • The morning session runs from 10.30am to 1.30pm, and you may arrive at any time during this period.
  • The afternoon session runs from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. You may arrive at any time during the session, but please arrive no later than 4.00pm.
  • For this weekend, there will be a reduced amount of State Rooms open due to the nature of a busy event. You’ll be able to see the magnificent State Dining Room, Drawing Room, North Hall and Music Room.

We also have free storytelling performances and family drama workshops taking place across the weekend, which must be booked separately in addition to your House admission ticket.

Once you have added your admission tickets to your basket, you will be given the option to add these additional activities to your booking.

For full details of the weekend programme and activities, please visit the main Vanbrugh300 Weekend event page.

More Vanbrugh Activities

See all events
  • In the background a map of the Stowe estate from the 1700s. In the foreground, cut out portraits from left: Lord Cobham (aristocrat), Charles Bridgeman (Garden Designer), Sir John Vanbrugh (architect), and a modern photograph of Michael Bevington.
    Talks and Tours

    Sir John Vanbrugh and the Making of Stowe

    Michael Bevington examines Sir John Vanbrugh’s work at Stowe and the landscape vision he helped to create.

    15 October, 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Ticket price: £3.50

  • Illustrated Howl-o-ween Half-Term artwork featuring pugs dressed as a witch, ghost and pumpkin, surrounded by playful Halloween decorations. Running from 19 October to 1 November.
    Kids Activity | With Admission

    Howl-O-Ween Half-Term at Stowe House

    Follow our Pug in a Pickle trail, solve the Halloween treasure hunt and enjoy spooky make-and-take crafts this October half-term.

    19 October-1 November, 10:30am - 3:00pm | Ticket price: Free with admission

  • Exhibition | With Admission

    Stowe and Sir John Vanbrugh: Architecture, Politics and Power

    Discover the story of Sir John Vanbrugh and his work at Stowe House. This exhibition explores the architect’s dramatic designs, political connections and lasting influence on the house and gardens.

    19 October-1 November, 10:30am - 3:30pm | Ticket price: Free with admission