Bowood 10th

We may not have seen Liam and Amy for about 18 months but it sure didn’t feel like it. We had the pleasure of hosting a royal visit by Sarah and her kids last weekend and it was as though we had just seen them last week. The kids spent time on the Saturday catching up and running wild around the back yard and Sarah was a complete angel and babysat that night whilst we attended the Warminster Ball (see blog!). With Sunday came some long awaited sunshine so we decided to make the most of it and headed off to Bowood, a grade 1 listed Georgian country house whose gardens were designed by ‘Capability’ Brown. Whilst we did have a brief look at the house, which dates back to the 18^th century, it was the Adventure Playground that was the real draw card.

Concealed within the hundred acres of pleasure gardens surrounding the house, the Adventure Playground is advertised as the finest in the south west of England, a grand call I know but it actually is quite impressive. Designed by the present Marquis, it was first opened in 1976 and is constructed using Bowood timber (with an entry price tag that is equally as impressive!). Children can challenge themselves on a series of aerial walkways; there is a full size pirate galleon called the ‘Centaur’ complete with rigging and a crow’s nest; two trampolines and a flying fox. There are also several very steep slides and flume tubes, a huge scramble net and perhaps the most famous and popular of all (and Zac’s all time favourite), the space dive, (known locally as the death slide). This wide vertical slide is a modern version of a Victorian design, which starts with a shocking 19 foot vertical drop.
 For those not quite so daring, the Adventure Playground also contains swing boats, spinning discs, a Wendy House, ball pool, see-saws, swings and sand pit. Yes folks, something for everyone.

We took along a picnic and ate lunch on the lawns within site of the playground so the kids could come and go as they pleased – which they proceeded to do for about four hours. I spent a lovely afternoon lazing on the picnic rug soaking up some English summer sun (some may say I was actually fast asleep after our very late night at the ball the night before). Needless to say whilst the kids wore themselves out I felt much more rejuvenated at the end of our visit.

Taking on the high ropes

The steep slides were no obstacle

I was just resting my eyes!

Purchased by the 1st Earl of Shelburne (1705–1761) in the mid 18th century, Bowood House and Gardens have been improved by successive generations up to the present day. Many famous architects and garden designers have been employed, including Henry Keene, Robert and James Adam, ‘Capability’ Brown, C.R. Cockerell and Sir Charles Barry. Whilst not a lot of the home is open for display we were able to walk through the Orangery, take in the chapel, sculpture gallery and exhibition rooms. I particularly liked the extensive library with fantastic views out to the garden and lake beyond.

The Laboratory

Here, scientist Dr Joseph Priestley, tutor to the 1st Marquess’ two sons, discovered oxygen in 1774. In those days the room was full of scientific equipment – all sold when the 1st Marquess died.

Not really caring who designed the gardens, the kids just made the most of being outdoors (though you did have to watch out for duck poo when rolling down the grassy slopes!).