Hidden away, deep within the rolling, unspoiled countryside of Wiltshire lies the Bowood Estate.

It can be found in Derry Hill village on the A4 between Calne and Chippenham. The nearest motorway exit is junction 17 of the M4. If you have satellite navigation, the postcode is SN11 0LZ.

The family home of The Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne has been open to the public since 1975 and it's not difficult to see why millions of people have flocked to the estate over the years.

The view from Bowood House.

Bowood House itself has been altered and improved over the years by each of its owners, and now stands as a fine example of 18th century architecture with many 19th century enhancements.

On stepping through the main entrance between the imposing roman pillars you find yourself in Adam's Orangery.

The Orangery was originally designed as a conservatory for orange and lemon trees but is now an impressive picture gallery boasting priceless works of 18th and 19th century art from the likes of the Pisani brothers, Calcott and Stansfield.

From the Orangery and through huge bronzed wood doors is The Chapel which is still used for special services.

The Chapel

The Adam Library holds over 5,000 leather volumes which can be studied for research with prior permission.

Within the Sculpture Gallery you will find remarkable 16th century Flemish tapestries and marble statues.

The Laboratory at Bowood also has its place in history as it is where Dr. Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen gas in 1774.

The Exhibition rooms contain fascinating displays of antique furniture, ivory, costumes, miniatures and other heirlooms that date from Georgian times to the India Raj.

Costumes in the Exhibition Room

As with nearby Longleat, the grounds at Bowood were designed and sculpted by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, the famous 18th Century landscape gardener.

Vast, sloping lawns stretch out from the Italian style terraced garden and lead to the peaceful lake beyond. On the other side of the lake sits a Doric temple which continues the Grecian architecture theme.

The Cascade Waterfall

Near the lake is another testament to Capability Brown's work, the romantic Cascade Waterfall which has been used a filming location for a number of TV productions including Robin of Sherwood.

Between late April and early June you can visit the Rhododendron Walks. Situated in a 60 acre garden on a separate part of the estate, this woodland garden of azalaeas and rhododendrons is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens of its type in the country.

There is also plenty to keep the attention of children at Bowood. The estate boasts one of the best adventure playgrounds in the country. Find a life-size pirate ship complete with rigging and a crows nest as well as a 'space dive' which features giant slides, chutes, trampolines and high-level rope walks.

The adventure playground

There is also a Soft Play Palace. Two levels of safe play areas with slides, ball pools, net bridges, squeeze rollers and more.

The Restaurant in the main house is only open on Sundays, serving a two course Carvery lunch. If you book before 5.30 on the preceding Friday, you will also get complimentary entrance to the House and Garden for the day. Call 01249 812102.

The coffee shop situated at the main entrance serves both hot and cold foods, including sandwiches, snacks and sundry refreshments.

For the 2007 season, Bowood is open daily from 31st March - 31st October. The grounds are open from 11.00am - 6pm and the house from 11.00am - 5.30pm. Last admission is 5.00pm or an hour earlier after the Autumn clock change.

Entrance fee is £7.70 for adults, £6.70 for senior citizens, £5.20 for children 5-15 years and £4.00 for those aged 2-4. A Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is £23.20.