Mottisfont

Originally founded as an Augustinian priory in 1201, Mottisfont has been shaped by its many and varied owners. Now it reflects the life and passions of last owner Maud Russell. Inspired by newly-published diary entries, we’re revealing her experiences of the Second World War period around the house.

Mottisfont became a creative hub for artistic figures in the early twentieth century. We continue those traditions today with a vibrant series of changing exhibitions in our gallery. Discover up to five shows a year covering a wide range of themes.

Our gardens are ablaze with colour in autumn. The stately trees which frame the house and grounds are crowned with glowing red, orange and gold shades from late September through to November.

Mottisfont is the perfect place for a family visit all year round, with plenty of space to run, jump and play. Read our hints and tips and take a look at our Wild Play map to discover the best places for family fun around the grounds.

We love dogs and they're more than welcome to explore the gardens and estate with you. While dogs are welcome in most places we ask that you keep dogs on a short lead at all times while you visit, so that everyone can enjoy their time with us.

We look after 1600 acres of woodland and tenanted farmland in the glorious Hampshire countryside, including Stockbridge Down and Marsh, and Curbridge Nature Reserve.

16 September - 14 January: celebrating the dazzling work of world-renowned artist Kaffe Fassett, this vibrant exhibition showcases a wide range of textiles from a career spanning over 50 years. Our gallery has been transformed with pools of vibrant colour, providing the perfect backdrop for Kaffe’s distinctive knitwear, tapestry, quilts and more.

Saturday 21 – Sunday 29 October, 10am - 5pm: inspired by Kaffe Fassett’s colourful exhibition in our gallery, create an autumn ‘patchwork’ with your own drawings and natural materials as you follow a trail around the grounds. Suggested donation £1 per trail.

Take in all the colours of autumn with a walk around our gardens, or head into our wider estate. Experience our grounds with a free guided walk, or stroll freely along winding paths. If you fancy a a longer walk, head out into our neighbouring countryside. Our estate trails offer views of a changing landscape, with opportunities for blackberry picking along the way.

We're celebrating autumn colour in the grounds with some creative workshops. Join drop-in activities with artists from Test Valley Arts Foundation on 21 - 22 October.

Artists Eileen White and Suna Imre are seeking inspiration at Mottisfont with a 12 month residency, starting 11 October for one day a week, normally Tuesdays. Responding to seasonal changes through making, contemplation and conversation will enable them to develop their individual processes and create new collaborative work based on their surroundings.

From 25 November - 2 January, we’re celebrating Christmas with colour and sparkle, inspired by vibrant displays in our gallery. Our house will be dressed with statement trees, piles of presents and dramatic flower arrangements. Outside, artist installations will emphasise the natural winter colours found around the grounds and estate, which families can discover with a fun-filled activity trail.

Thanks to donations to the Walled Garden Appeal, we're starting to develop a brand new garden in the Frameyard area. This new design will reflect its history as a highly productive kitchen garden, and provide a more fitting introduction to our world-famous rose collection.

We're launching an appeal to restore and refresh some of the original design schemes created by Maud Russell, using new research carried out by specialist curators.

The River Test, which flows through Mottisfont, has shaped the estate through the centuries, binding the history of the house and its people to the landscape.

Mottisfont has more than 400 volunteers and we're always looking for new members. If you have an interest in gardening, conservation, or baking, find out how you could join us.

Help your local National Trust places in Hampshire like Mottisfont, The Vyne or Winchester City Mill by joining your local supporter group. Some are more volunteering focused, and others enjoy social outings together like trips and tours, or lectures.