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.

The herbaceous borders in our famous walled gardens provide a wonderful floral colour palette right through until October, showcasing a huge variety of flowering plants. Richly-scented lavender lines the pathways of the north walled garden and the east lawn behind the house.

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

We’re delighted that so many people choose to visit Mottisfont every year – we rely on your support to fund our vital conservation work. But this means we can get busy, especially at weekends, during school holidays or for other special occasions. Here are our top tips to help you plan around our busiest periods and make the most of your day.

Mottisfont is the perfect place for a family visit, with plenty of space to run, jump and play. This summer you can visit our Beano Time Travellers exhibition and join favourite characters on an exciting interactive adventure whilst on their school trip. 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.

20 July – 8 September: travel through Beano’s history of mischief and mayhem in this vibrant new exhibition, with fun for all the family. Outside, kids can whizz back to Mottisfont’s past with favourite Beano characters on an exclusive trail created for us by the comic.

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.

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. We also work with artists in residence to create site-specific installations.

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'll find second-hand books for sale in the Stables, too.

This summer, a force of tree-loving volunteers is helping protect ancient tree stock on the Mottisfont estate. Trained with the skills to identify specific age categories (ancient, veteran, and significant) they’ll record each tree’s condition, then plot its location on a GPS device.

Stockbridge Down is an island of chalk in a sea of intensively farmed land. Carpeted with a changing tapestry of bright wildflowers in the summer months, it’s home to many rare species of butterfly and other wildlife. A walk across the Down offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, and a chance to discover ancient history.

Thanks to a generous donation from SC Johnson, we’re planting 6,000 new trees at Curbridge Nature Reserve on the banks of the River Hamble. This donation enables us to create a 10-acre woodland for the future, while protecting nearby ancient woodland today; providing new habitats for wildlife and new spaces for the local community.

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.

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.

The curtains in our celebrated Whistler Room are part of Maud Russell's original design scheme, created by Rex Whistler. But these original furnishings are deteriorating rapidly. They have been taken down for an intensive programme of repair and restoration, which will take up to five years to complete.

Mottisfont has more than 400 volunteers who are vital to our work in looking after the house, gardens and wider estate. Find out how you could join us, whether you're looking to make new friends, develop skills or simply want to be part of something you're passionate about.

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.