Rose season at Mottisfont
Our walled gardens are home to the extraordinary National Plant Collection of pre-1900 shrub roses, which creates an annual spectacle in early summer. We open our gardens until 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 30 May - 29 June.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Unlike modern species, old-fashioned roses tend to flower just once a year, so their blooming season is an extraordinary annual sight. Over 400 varieties of rose bloom in our walled garden during peak season - some of which can only be found at Mottisfont.
Climbers are trained onto red-brick walls, and shrub roses are set in beds among other flowers with complementary colours and foliage to show them off at their best.
This year, we're celebrating 50 years since the collection was brought here for everyone to enjoy, and our garden team are preparing it to face the climate challenges of the future. You can find out more about our work in the garden when you visit.
Our gardens are open until 8pm (last entry 7pm) on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 30 May - 29 June.
On Fridays 7, 14 and 21 June you can enjoy live jazz from the FB Pocket Orchestra, plus wine tastings and wine for sale by the glass and bottle from award-winning Hampshire vineyard Black Chalk.
Rose season can be one of our busiest times at Mottisfont. We open at 10am, and mornings tend to be busier than afternoons - most of our visitors arrive before 2pm, which can cause congestion in the car park. If you arrive after 2pm, there’s still time to enjoy all that Mottisfont has to offer - especially on our late opening evenings.
If you have the flexibility, a weekday visit is generally quieter than a weekend. If you can only visit over the weekend, Saturdays are usually less busy than Sundays.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Meeting point
The rose collection is located in the walled gardens at the top of the main drive, up to a 15-minute walk from visitor reception.
- What to bring and wear
The walled gardens are enclosed, and can get very hot on sunny days. Please come prepared with appopriate clothing and keep hydrated.
- Accessibility
Free parking with accessible spaces. Volunteer-driven buggy service available. Accessible facilities located throughout the site, including the walled gardens. Paths throughout the walled gardens, a little narrow in places but there is an access-friendly route throughout. Assistance dogs only in the walled gardens.
- Other
On-site cafès offering refreshments, including Kitchen Garden kiosk adjacent to the rose gardens.
Upcoming events
Guided walks along the River Test at Mottisfont
Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 25 September, 11.30am and 2pm: a rare chance to walk along the banks the River Test, to find out more about the importance of chalk steams and the work we do to protect them.
May half term at Mottisfont
Saturday 25 May - Sunday 2 June: choose from one of three themed activity packs to help you explore Mottisfont at your own pace.
Rose garden celebration evenings at Mottisfont
On Fridays 7, 14 and 21 June: join us for evenings of jazz and wine to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our rose gardens.
John Burningham's Bedtime Stories: exhibition and activity trail
Saturday 20 July – Sunday 29 September: a family-friendly exhibition and activity trail celebrating the wild and wonderful world of award-winning children's author and illustrator John Burningham.