Affordable Family Days Out at Stowe House: A Mystery Trail and an Out-of-This-World Planetarium

Right, if you’re anything like me you’re already trying to work out how to fill the last couple of weeks of the school holidays without spending a fortune.

Stowe House, just over the county border in Buckinghamshire, has a genuinely lovely summer line-up still to come — a free children’s mystery trail, discounted admission for the whole family, and a one-off day inside an inflatable planetarium to round it all off. Here’s everything you need to know.

Stowe House is inviting families to make the most of the remaining summer holidays with great-value activities designed to entertain curious young minds without breaking the bank.

The summer programme concludes on Friday 28 August with the return of Stowe House’s popular Planetarium Experiences. Six family-friendly shows will take place beneath the dome of an inflatable planetarium inside the historic House, with tickets costing just £6.50 per person, per show.

Families can choose from two different experiences, both suitable for children aged six and over.

We Are Aliens takes audiences on an immersive journey to Mars, Europa and distant exoplanets while exploring one of humanity’s biggest questions: are we alone in the Universe?

Narrated by Rupert Grint, best known for playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, the 45-minute show combines science, education and family entertainment. Performances will take place at 10.00am, 12.00pm and 3.00pm.

Alternatively, An Incredible Introduction to Our Night Sky offers a live, presenter-led tour with award-winning UK Astronomy founder Ross Hockham.

With the night sky projected all around the audience, Ross will guide families through neighbouring constellations, the Solar System and into deep space. The interactive 45-minute talk also includes time for children and adults to ask questions. Shows will take place at 11.00am, 2.00pm and 4.00pm.

“The planetarium is a wonderful way to round off the summer holidays. There is something quite magical about stepping inside the dome and seeing the night sky appear all around you, particularly when you are sitting inside one of Britain’s most remarkable historic houses.

“We wanted to offer families an experience that feels genuinely special while remaining affordable. At £6.50 per person, children can journey into deep space, learn from an expert and enjoy an experience they will hopefully be talking about long after the summer holidays have ended.”

Sadie Bull, Visitor Experience Manager of Stowe House

“Our planetarium experiences give families the chance to explore the night sky together in an exciting and accessible way. Children always have brilliant questions, and I love seeing their reactions as we travel beyond the familiar constellations and head deeper into space.

“You do not need any previous knowledge of astronomy. Just bring your curiosity and prepare to discover how extraordinary our Universe really is.”

Ross Hockham, founder of UK Astronomy

There is plenty to enjoy at Stowe House before the planetarium arrives. Running daily until 31 August, A Pug in a Pickle: The Missing Name Mystery Trail introduces families to a rather forgetful four-legged friend who has misplaced his name.

Children can follow clues through the magnificent State Rooms to solve the mystery before enjoying make-and-take crafts and creating a special keepsake to take home. The trail is ideal for children aged four to ten and is included with admission.

Stowe House is also taking part in the Great British Summer Savings initiative, with reduced admission prices available until 1 September, with under 5s going free. By passing on the full temporary reduction in VAT, the independent charity is helping families enjoy an affordable day out while discovering more than 250 years of history.

Stowe House is open daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm, with last admission at 4.00pm. It is located near Buckingham and is approximately a 10-minute drive from Buckingham, 20 minutes from Brackley, 25 minutes from Bicester, 30 minutes from Milton Keynes and around 40 minutes from Northampton and Aylesbury.

Visitors who pre-book tickets for House Admission receive the added bonus of being able to park directly at Stowe House, helping to prevent little legs from getting tired before the adventure has even begun.

Advance booking is strongly recommended as spaces inside the planetarium are limited. Tickets cost £6.50 per person, per show.

Book now and find full event details at stowehouse.org

Between the trail, the savings and the planetarium, there’s a proper reason to fit Stowe House in before the summer holidays wrap up — just don’t leave the planetarium booking too late, as it’s only running for the one day. If you fancy another trail-style day out closer to home, there’s also a free one running at Canons Ashby right through until early September, and my full guide to things to do in Northamptonshire for families has plenty more ideas for filling the rest of the holidays. I share things like this every week in my what’s on newsletter, so if affordable family days out are your thing, it’s worth signing up so you don’t miss the next one.