Mottisfont

Discover stories of creativity, conflict, love and loss in a house full of surprises. Originally founded as an Augustinian priory in 1201, the house has seen a number of transformations over the last 800 years, shaped by its many and varied owners. Now it reflects the designs of Mottisfont’s fascinating last owner, society hostess and arts patron Maud Russell. This year, we're telling the story of her youngest son, Raymond.

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.

Enjoy hazy summer days in our gardens, where avenues of purple lavender fill the walled gardens and the north lawn with distinctive scent. The herbaceous borders in the walled garden provide a wonderful floral colour palette right through until October, showcasing a huge variety of flowering plants.

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.

From 7 July - 2 September, we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the much-loved classic, The Tiger Who Came to Tea. This exhibition - originated by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books - brings this delightful and enduring picture book to a new generation of family audiences. You'll also be able to see over 30 original illustrations from other well-loved works by Judith Kerr, such as the Mog stories.

Pack a picnic and enjoy two outdoor performances in our grounds this summer. Immersion Theatre are staging Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest on 23 July and family favourite Peter Pan on 29 August. (Please note, Peter Pan is now sold out.)

Experience our grounds with a free guided walk, or simply stroll along paths that wind through the gardens. If you fancy a a longer walk, head out into our neighbouring countryside with one of our estate trails, where you can discover butterflies and swathes of wildflowers.

Treat yourself to something tasty from one of our cafés when you visit. Whether you’re seeking a full meal or a light bite, we have a variety of different outlets to suit all cravings, open from 10am daily.

Our shop and plant centre can be found in the Welcome Centre. Discover exclusive, seasonal National Trust ranges, as well as products related to our events and exhibitions - and plants inspired by our gardens. You can hunt for second-hand books in the Stables, too.

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

The curtains in our celebrated Whistler Room are of great historical significance: Rex Whistler was painting the mock ermine lining when the Second World War broke out. But these original furnishings are deteriorating rapidly. They will need to be taken down for an intensive programme of repair and restoration, which will take up to five years to complete. Your donations will help us complete this vital task.

From emergency salvage plans to careful conservation, Mottisfont's house team work hard behind the scenes. Read our monthly blog to find out what it takes to look after a historic house and collection.

We’ve temporarily fenced some areas along the river bank on SSSI Stockbridge Marsh, to allow the bank and its vegetation to recover from high footfall. You're still welcome to walk and picnic here, and there are areas where people and dogs can directly access the water.

Over 30 species of butterfly thrive at Stockbridge Down. Declining varieties such as the duke of Burgundy and pearl-bordered fritillary can be spotted here, encouraged through careful habitat management.

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.