Plan A Visit
Educational Visits
Group Visits
Food & Drink
The Scottish Borders
Bowhill House & Gardens
The Buccleuch Collection
History
Bowhill House Gardens
House Tours
The Adventure Playground
Soft Play
Love & Respect Victorian Age Exhibition
The Victorian Kitchen
Our Sister Estates
Walking and Hiking
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Fishing
Ranger Service
Stay
Contact
A House Full of Stories
Before visiting us as part of our Victorian May Day family event, get to know the basics of Bowhill’s Victorian past…
In the 19th century, Bowhill was far from the quiet, historic House you see today. It was a bustling home, alive with staff, guests and daily routines, shaped by the lives of the 5th Duke of Buccleuch, Walter Francis, and his wife Charlotte Anne – both central figures of the time and close friends of Queen Victoria.
The Victorian Kitchen
One of the main areas, still sporting its Victorian appearance today, is the old Kitchen. Designed for efficiency and scale, everything revolved around a vast central table and a large iron range, where meals for dozens were prepared each day.
Visitors to Bowhill are able to step inside the Victorian Kitchen on a visit to the Grounds, even when the main House is not open (during season open dates when facilities are open).
A Kitchen Through Time
The kitchen itself was designed to handle a high level of activity. Copper pots lined the shelves, each numbered for quick access, while the high ceilings helped carry away the intense heat and aromas from the ever-burning range.
Though the original Victorian Kitchen was lost to fire in the 1930s, its story didn’t end there. Thanks to the dedication of the 9th Duchess of Buccleuch, it was lovingly restored in the 1970s using memories and records from those who once worked there.
Interesting Facts
Records show that in just one week in 1835, an average of 43 people dined daily in the House – a number likely to be doubled when counting all the House staff needing feeding as well.
In 1861, there were nine members of kitchen staff working together in carefully structured roles – from chef and baker to kitchen maids and apprentices.
A Victorian Home
Bowhill House itself reflects the balance of Victorian life, where grand social spaces sat alongside more intimate, private rooms. From elegant reception areas designed to impress guests to quieter corners used for everyday living, each space played its part in the rhythm of the household.
Among the most striking interiors is the Saloon, rising the full height of the House and framed by impressive 17th-century Mortlake tapestries. Throughout the House, carefully curated collections of fine art, silver, books and textiles offer a glimpse into the interests, influences and lifestyle of the family.
House Tours: Saturday 2nd – Tuesday 5th April
Celebrate May Day, Victorian Style
Family Event: 2nd – 5th May
This May Day, the Victorian spirit returns to Bowhill. Our May Day event brings together tradition, entertainment and history, inviting visitors of all ages to enjoy a taste of what the Grounds would’ve once been like.
From the games in the Courtyard, to fascinating exhibitions and historic House tours, this is a family day out that’s not only entertaining, but educational!
Games Galore
Step back to a time before screens and gadgets, and let little ones discover the simple joys of traditional play. Around the Courtyard, a variety of classic games await – from hook-a-duck to milk churn hoopla, there’s plenty of games to try over and over again.
Throughout the day, gather around the iconic Maypole and join in the timeless tradition of ribbon weaving – a joyful celebration of spring for all ages.
The Great Exhibition
Travel to a world of Victorian wonder as you enter Bowhill’s atmospheric Courtyard Gallery, where the spirit of the Great Exhibition of 1851 is brought to life.
Inside, discover a captivating showcase of Victorian ingenuity – from curious contraptions and inventions to delightful oddities – many with hands-on elements to explore, enjoy and entertain.
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