Bowhill’s new season promises top value and fun

31st March, 2014

Bowhill’s 2014 season is shaping up to be the best one yet, with locals being invited to drop by and try out the Estate’s latest attractions.

Gates will open on April 5 and visitors can expect increased value on season tickets, a revamped adventure playground from April 9 and shortly to follow, two exciting new House tours when Bowhill House opens its doors on April 18.

Making its debut next month is the Bedrooms and Beyond guided tour, taking visitors to areas of the House previously unseen by the public. The tour includes some private bedrooms, the Duchess’s boudoir and the Duke’s study.

Also making an introductory appearance in 2014 is the Below Stairs tour, starting in July, which is a short tour of behind the scenes at Bowhill. Guests will have the chance to learn about the Victorian kitchen, the old laundry room and about some of the staff who have previously worked at Bowhill.

The Estate’s younger visitors are also set for a treat with two exciting zip-wires, each spanning an impressive 30 metres in length, arriving on the Estate’s popular adventure playground, which opens on Wednesday, April 9.

Two embankment slides replace the ‘big slide’ and will be placed on platform towers connected with a fun rope bridge.

The new slides – one a 12-metre tunnel slide and the other an eight-metre-long open slide – will run down the banking towards the loch, all set against the majestic backdrop of Bowhill Country Estate.

The ‘pay once’ scheme will make a welcome return this year, meaning visitors with a season pass can enjoy the House, gardens, adventure playground and walks as many times as they wish throughout the season.

The season pass allows complimentary access to Drumlanrig Castle Estate in Dumfries and Galloway during the season.  This includes Drumlanrig’s gardens, walking and cycle trails, outdoor adventure playground, cafe and shop.

A special joint pass with Abbotsford House will also be available throughout the season for those who want to visit both attractions. The grand house was the residence of famed novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott, a kinsman of the Scotts of Buccleuch.

A ticket to visit Bowhill House, Estate and Gardens includes the popular Beautiful Bowhill tour, which runs at regular intervals and allows guests to find out about the Scotts of Buccleuch and their Borders home.

An extensive range of events are in the pipeline to make sure the 2014 season offers fun for everyone, including an Easter Fun Day, a Spring Fling and a host of Ranger activities and theatre shows.

Helen Currie, House and Events Manager at Bowhill, said: “Our new tours are the real gems in the crown of Bowhill’s 2014 season but we have lots going on to attract new and returning visitors.

“The joint ticket with Abbotsford and the ‘pay once’ pass offer fantastic value for money and our playground makeover is sure to maximise the ‘fun factor’ for our younger clientele.”