Mottisfont

Read our hints and tips to help plan your family visit. There’s plenty of space to run, jump and play here, and always something for families to do at Mottisfont - rain or shine.

An 18th-century building with a medieval priory at its heart, the house was transformed into a comfortable, neo-classical home in the 1930s. Explore the beautiful house and find out about our Joan Eardley display in the Red Room.

The herbaceous borders in the walled garden provide a wonderful floral colour palette right through until October, showcasing a huge variety of flowering plants.

Discover a garden of ancient trees, babbling brooks and rolling lawns. Carpets of spring bulbs, walled gardens, rich autumn foliage and a colourful, scented winter garden create a feast for the senses all year round. Our world-famous collection of old-fashioned roses flowers once a year in June.

Explore the grounds to discover displays from the largest plane tree in Britain, horse chestnuts and tulip trees. If you fancy a longer walk, head out to the wider estate to discover a landscape changing with the seasons.

We love dogs at Mottisfont, and they're welcome to explore most of the gardens and estate with you. We ask that you keep dogs on a short lead at all times while you visit, so that everyone can enjoy their time here. If you're a professional dog walker, you're welcome to make use of our countryside sites if you're licensed with us.

Our Cafes and Kiosk are now open daily. The Coach House and Old Kitchen cafes are serving hot and cold drinks and a selection of pasties, sandwiches, and cakes. Our Kitchen Garden Kiosk offers a selection of drinks and light snacks. The Jude's Icecream Horsebox is open in the afternoons (weather dependant).

The shop at Mottisfont is now open. Whether it's a present for a loved one or a treat for yourself, a snuggly throw or an inspiring cookbook: our shop is packed with great gift ideas.

Eight centuries of history are buried within our walls. An Augustinian priory was founded here in 1201, laying the foundations for the 18th-century structure that’s now visible. Today, hints of this medieval past live alongside the stylish redevelopment that took place in the early 20th century.

The Russell family arrived here in the 1930s. Maud Russell transformed the house to create the luxurious, neo-classical feel that’s still on show today. As their weekend retreat, it became the centre of a fashionable, artistic circle.

The Priory of the Holy Trinity was founded here in 1201 by William Briwere, right-hand man to four Plantagenet kings. Mottisfont has been transformed almost beyond recognition since its medieval beginnings. But hints of this hidden history remain, such as secret panels in the walls revealing ancient stone.

We manage Mottisfont's woodlands to make them as wildlife-rich as possible. Most of this conservation work is carried out by our rangers in autumn and winter. And it's not just the woodland, but the edges, open spaces and network of ‘rides’ too - the grassy paths you’ll find in and around woods.

The famous River Test flows through our grounds. It has shaped the estate through the centuries, binding the history of the house and its people to the landscape. The crystal-clear waters provide vital habitats for many species.

Our natural world and places of historic beauty are at serious risk. Give today and together, we can help nature recover, bring people closer to it, and ensure our shared history continues to inspire us all. Thank you for your continued support.

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Discover the work of Joan Eardley (1921 - 1963) in the Red Room here at Mottisfont. From 19th May 2021, three of Eardleys works in the Derek Hill collection will be displayed together, for the first time ever, as part of a nationwide celebration to mark her centenary. Entry to the display in the Red Room is included in the admission price to the house, but we recommend booking your visit in advance, especially during peak times.

We're home to a collection of 20th-century art, including works by L.S. Lowry, Barbara Hepworth and Graham Sutherland. They were gifted to us by the artist Derek Hill, in memory of a long friendship with last owner Maud Russell.