Mottisfont

If you’ve never been here before and aren’t sure what to expect, here’s our guide to making the most of your day: from things to see and do to practical tips to help your visit run smoothly.

Our specially-planted winter garden is full of vibrant colours throughout the colder months. Stroll through paths that wind through winter-flowering shrubs and perennials, chosen for colour and scent.

An 18th-century building with a medieval priory at its heart, the house was transformed into a comfortable, neo-classical home in the 1930s. Highlights include an extraordinary room painted with murals by Rex Whistler and a permanent display of 20th century art. Look out for hints of medieval history, including a vaulted Cellarium - a backdrop in scenes of the recent BBC adaptation of Dracula.

Mottisfont became the centre of a creative circle in the early 20th century thanks to last owner Maud Russell. We continue those traditions today with a permanent display of 20th-century art and changing exhibitions in a spacious art gallery. We also support artists in residence to create site-specific installations here.

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

Get a breath of fresh air with a winter walk around our grounds and wider estate. Take a stroll through our vibrant winter garden or take a longer walk through our neighbouring countryside. We offer free guided walks daily, too.

The National Trust is for everyone, and we hope that your visit is an easy, accessible and enjoyable experience. Here's our guide to the facilities you'll find here, to help your plan your day.

There’s plenty of space to run, jump and play here, and always something for families to do - rain or shine. Read our hints and tips to help plan your visit, and take a look at our Wild Play map to discover the best places for family fun.

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.

11 January - 8 November: an immersive installation in the Red Room, which takes an imaginative journey through the architectural layers of our house using a combination of lighting, 3D laser scanning technology, video projection and sound.

18 January - 19 April: discover witty works from some of Britain's best cartoonists, in a new art exhibition that explores the distinguished history of British cartooning.

15 - 23 February: enjoy half-term fun with our Daft Doodles activity trail, full of silly scribbling activities inspired by the comic exhibition in our gallery. Let your imagination run wild to create a cartoon creature as you explore.

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, and plants inspired by our gardens. You'll find second-hand books for sale in the Stables, too.

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 look after 1600 acres of Hampshire countryside, including Stockbridge Down, an area which is hugely beneficial to local wildlife. Find out what we'll be doing over winter to help manage this special landscape.

We manage the estate woodlands to make them as wildlife-rich as possible. Most of this important 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.

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 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.

From emergency salvage to careful conservation, our house team work hard behind the scenes - and sometimes in the public eye. Read their monthly blog to find out what we need to do 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.

Volunteers are vital to our work 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.