The Gothic Temple: A splendid historic folly within the National Trust's Stowe
Gothic Temple, National Trust Stowe, Stowe, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5EQ
This Temple, built in 1741, is a high point in the famous landscape gardens at Stow, created for Lord Cobham by Charles Bridgeman and his successor, William Kent. Also in 1741, Capability Brown arrived as a gardener, to begin his own transformation of the landscape, and the Gothic Temple reflects the shift in tastes in both architecture and landscape.
Inside, the rooms are all circular and the dome of the central space is bright with gilded heraldic mosaics, with a gallery running all around. Rescued by the Landmark Trust in the 1970s and now normally let for holidays, bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom are squeezed into the turrets. A rare chance too to take in The Temple's unique views of the famous landscape in which it stands.
Timings & Tours
- Wednesday 11 September:
- 10.30am-4.30pm
Location & directions
Gothic Temple, National Trust Stowe, Stowe, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5EQ
- Directions:
- Visitors should use National Trust Stowe car park.
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Pre-booking preferred via the Landmark website, but walk in's welcome on the day.
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gothic-temple-heritage-open-day-2024-tickets-911200574447?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Alternative booking website:
- https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/upcoming-events/gothic-temple-open-days-september2024/
- Booking opens:
- 13 Jun 2024 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 11 Sep 2024 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Access via National Trust Stowe grounds on rough paths. The route from the car park to Gothic Temple is around 20min walk. The final stretch to Gothic Temple is up a steep hill that may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Visitors with access queries should contact the National Trust directly: 01280 817156 [email protected]
Additional information
Stowe Gardens is a 250-acre landscape garden with visitor facilities located on arrival. The café, shop and toilets within the New Inn are fully accessible; some of the restored parlour rooms have limited access, some stepped access and low levels of lighting. The gardens are mostly accessible: but do include uneven and hard gravel paths, steep slopes, and are slightly hilly in places Dogs are welcome at Stowe if on lead at all times.
