Discover the secrets of Stowe for free

Between exhibitions and tours there will be story tellers, family activities and crafts. Visitors will be able to explore trails, enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn and purchase a lovely afternoon tea in the marquee on the beautiful South Front lawn.

And throughout the day there will be the chance to enjoy the immersive experience of the Welcome and Discovery Centre which has been under development since Heritage Lottery Funding was received in 2013.

Visitor services manager Ruth Peters said: “Here at Stowe House we are opening up our intriguing, creative and sometimes scandalous history to our visitors. We are committed to offering access to everyone and have spent the last two years improving the way we tell the stories of Stowe. Our new Welcome and Discovery Centre has been built especially for the whole family to enjoy. The house is now fully family friendly with fantastic talking portraits, an exhibition which highlights how people have been inspired by Stowe throughout its long history right up to the present day, brilliant tours with enthusiastic tour guides, fantastic free family fun during the holidays and pre-bookable family events.

“Later in the autumn we will also have a range of iPod guides available which explore Stowe’s stories in more detail.

“We hope everyone will want to come along on Sunday August 9th when entry to the house and gardens is free, to join in the fun and explore.”

The Discovery Centre is built in the previously unseen wine cellar and exhibits modern artworks inspired by Stowe alongside original research and objects, artefacts and funiture.

Throughout August the house will be open from 11am-5pm Sunday to Friday (closed on Saturdays). From September the autumn opening hours kick in, 12.30-4pm. The usual cost is £5.75 for adults, £4.50 for National Trust member adults, and children are always free with a paying adult.

There are so many things going on at Stowe including fun for children with trails and crafts as well as bookable Wednesday sessions; and for adults with roof top twilight tours that begin with wine and canapes, portrait and landscaping art classes, and fine theatre performances .