Exhibition | Kids Activity | Music & Live Events | Talks and Tours | With Admission | Workshops
Vanbrugh Weekend
1-2 August, 10:30am - 4:30pm |
Get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination, and activities for all. Settle in for a lively storytelling performance or explore the hidden stories in his buildings through movement and play in a fun, family‑friendly drama session. Whether you come with family, friends, or a community group, there’s something for every curious mind. Dive into a day full of laughter, discovery, and hands‑on adventure.
Bookable Activities
There will be plenty of spaces available on the day. However, some activities can be booked in advance, allowing you to secure your preferred time slot and make the most of your visit.
Programme of Activities
Available all weekend:
- Enjoy special £3 anniversary entry to Stowe House, with under 5s free
- Free entry to the National Trust gardens
- Children’s Trail – Become a junior architect, complete the challenge through the gardens to the house and win a prize!
- Face painting with Whimsical Sorceress (additional charge applies)
- Guided Tours at Stowe House – bringing the work of Vanbrugh to life in the wider house complex not usually seen by the public
- Crafts – become a budding architect with our craft activity to make and take your very own country house. Our team will be on hand to bring your inspirations to life with materials provided
- Exhibition in the Marble Saloon at Stowe House
- Garden Trail – follow the self-led map to see the temples and monuments Vanbrugh designed at Stowe
- Family Workshops at Stowe House. See description below, pre-booking available. 11.30pm, 12.30, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm
- Local Pop-up Food Vendors: Woody’s (Coffee, cakes and savoury treats)
- Giant Garden Games on the House lawn.
- Hard-hat viewings of Dido’s Cave between 11.00am–4.00pm
Available on Saturday 1 August:
- Local Pop-up Food Vendors: Tony’s Ices of Towcester
Available on Sunday 2 August:
- Storytelling Performances – 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm on the South Front Lawn. See description below
- Local Pop-up Food Vendors: The Willen Ice Cream Company
What You Can Expect To See & Do
We present - Vanbrugh A Life in 6 Hats!
Interactive storytelling sessions will run throughout the Family Weekend.
Drop by our craft station to get creative with the kids.
Learn about Vanbrugh's legacy at Stowe and beyond when you visit the exhibition.
Take a guided tour of the wider House complex not normally open to the public to see Vanbrugh's designs for the working spaces that helped the daily running of the estate.
Read all about it! This storytelling session will make you front centre of the newspapers!
Stop by our face painting stand
Release your alter ego in our drama workshop and try on new personas - spy, artist, architect, and performer.
Surprising discoveries are best enjoyed together ©Stowe House Preservation Trust, Megan Taylor
Young families enjoying free craft activities at Stowe House ©Stowe House Preservation Trust Megan Taylor
From telescopes, to floor mirrors, our fantastical furniture has been made for play.
No family member is safe from our adventurous storytellers. Watch your children giggle as the grown ups get involved.
Explore the gardens to see many of Vanbrugh's monuments including the Rotunda. ©National Trust Images John Millar
The House is fully accessible and will reward you with amazing views across the garden.
The Vanbrugh Portico on the North Front of Stowe House ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
Let go and have fun with the whole family in our drama workshops.
We present - Vanbrugh A Life in 6 Hats!
Interactive storytelling sessions will run throughout the Family Weekend.
Drop by our craft station to get creative with the kids.
Learn about Vanbrugh's legacy at Stowe and beyond when you visit the exhibition.
Take a guided tour of the wider House complex not normally open to the public to see Vanbrugh's designs for the working spaces that helped the daily running of the estate.
Read all about it! This storytelling session will make you front centre of the newspapers!
Stop by our face painting stand
Release your alter ego in our drama workshop and try on new personas - spy, artist, architect, and performer.
Surprising discoveries are best enjoyed together ©Stowe House Preservation Trust, Megan Taylor
Young families enjoying free craft activities at Stowe House ©Stowe House Preservation Trust Megan Taylor
From telescopes, to floor mirrors, our fantastical furniture has been made for play.
No family member is safe from our adventurous storytellers. Watch your children giggle as the grown ups get involved.
Explore the gardens to see many of Vanbrugh's monuments including the Rotunda. ©National Trust Images John Millar
The House is fully accessible and will reward you with amazing views across the garden.
The Vanbrugh Portico on the North Front of Stowe House ©Stowe House Preservation Trust
Let go and have fun with the whole family in our drama workshops.
Family Workshops
Play Like Vanbrugh!
Bring the whole family together for a fast, fun 20‑minute drop‑in session inspired by the life and imagination of Sir John Vanbrugh. In the grounds of Stowe House, you’ll dive into quick games and creative challenges designed for all ages — from energetic little ones to curious teens and grown‑ups who love a bit of playful thinking.
Explore bold ideas, try teamwork tasks, and discover how Vanbrugh’s theatrical spirit shaped this extraordinary place. Drop in, join the fun, and play like Vanbrugh.
Book Here
Storytelling Performances
Meet John Vanbrugh: playwright, architect, soldier, spy, and all-round rule-breaker.
This fast-paced, interactive 20-minute family storytelling performance by Lucy Lill and Alys Torrance hurtles through the many hats of one of Britain’s most surprising figures.
Audience members are invited to step into Vanbrugh’s shoes as the chapters of his extraordinary story are revealed.
From frantic early travels and time spent in prison, to theatrical triumphs, political intrigue, historic fall-outs, and the creation of some of Britain’s most iconic buildings, this is history told at speed and with mischief firmly intact.
Expect comic chaos, physical storytelling and sharp wit in this playful exploration of how one man’s many talents collided to leave a lasting legacy. History has never been quite so busy – or so much fun.
Perfect for families and curious minds of all ages.
FAQs
Will I need to purchase admission tickets?
- Admission to Stowe House and Museum will cost £3 per person, under 5s free. We highly recommend you pre-book your ticket here
- Entry to the National Trust Garden will be free of charge and does not require booking
- Vanbrugh programme activities throughout the gardens and house are free of charge and included with admission
Will I need to book tickets for activities?
Due to limited capacity, you will need to book free of charge tickets to the Play Like Vanbrugh! Workshops and Vanbrugh Walking Tours at Stowe House.
Where is parking?
Please arrive and park at the National Trust Stowe car park at the New Inn Visitor Centre, postcode MK18 5DQ. Free of charge. If you require accessible parking at Stowe House, please email us to pre-book.
Who is Sir John Vanbrugh?
Ah, a man of many talents! In short, a playwright, an architect, a garden designer and close friend of the British aristocracy. Intrigued? Find out more on our dedicated article about the man of the moment to discover his life’s work and legacy he left on Stowe. Turn the page and read the article.
Are there family friendly facilities?
Yes, we have a range of family friendly facilities across the estate. At both Stowe House and the National Trust Visitor Centre (The New Inn) there are baby change toilets, cafes serving child friendly options and breastfeeding is welcome.
Is Stowe accessible?
Stowe House is fully accessible with a lift in operation to take you from our ground level to the State Rooms. Accessible parking is available at both Stowe House (pre-booked only) and the National Trust. The garden itself, has varying terrain, hard gravel paths with steep inclines in place. Check out of our full accessibility information here and the garden accessibility information here.
Where can I find more information about the gardens?
Our historic estate is cared for by several partners. The gardens are opened and cared for by the National Trust. To find out more about the monumental landscape that surrounds the house and its visitor facilities, please visit their website.
FAQs
Will I need to purchase admission tickets?
- Admission to Stowe House and Museum will cost £3 per person, under 5s free. We highly recommend you pre-book your ticket here
- Entry to the National Trust Garden will be free of charge and does not require booking
- Vanbrugh programme activities throughout the gardens and house are free of charge and included with admission
Will I need to book tickets for activities?
Due to limited capacity, you will need to book free of charge tickets to the Play Like Vanbrugh! Workshops and Vanbrugh Walking Tours at Stowe House.
Where is parking?
Please arrive and park at the National Trust Stowe car park at the New Inn Visitor Centre, postcode MK18 5DQ. Free of charge. If you require accessible parking at Stowe House, please email us to pre-book.
Who is Sir John Vanbrugh?
Ah, a man of many talents! In short, a playwright, an architect, a garden designer and close friend of the British aristocracy. Intrigued? Find out more on our dedicated article about the man of the moment to discover his life’s work and legacy he left on Stowe. Turn the page and read the article.
Are there family friendly facilities?
Yes, we have a range of family friendly facilities across the estate. At both Stowe House and the National Trust Visitor Centre (The New Inn) there are baby change toilets, cafes serving child friendly options and breastfeeding is welcome.
Is Stowe accessible?
Stowe House is fully accessible with a lift in operation to take you from our ground level to the State Rooms. Accessible parking is available at both Stowe House (pre-booked only) and the National Trust. The garden itself, has varying terrain, hard gravel paths with steep inclines in place. Check out of our full accessibility information here and the garden accessibility information here.
Where can I find more information about the gardens?
Our historic estate is cared for by several partners. The gardens are opened and cared for by the National Trust. To find out more about the monumental landscape that surrounds the house and its visitor facilities, please visit their website.
Supporters
With thanks to the supporters of this event, whose valued contributions have helped create a memorable celebration for visitors of all ages.
