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. With up to five shows a year, we bring in significant loans and new shows on 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.

Colourful, characterful works by the much-loved children’s illustrator Axel Scheffler are on display over the summer holidays, 15 July – 3 September. We'll be showcasing illustrations from The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, as well as Stick Man, The Snail and the Whale, Room on the Broom, Zog and many more.

Enjoy family adventures alongside our The Gruffalo and Friends: the Art of Axel Scheffler exhibition this summer. The exhibition runs from 15 July - 3 September, accompanied by a fantastic family trail. You can also enjoy some additional Gruffalo-themed activities on 1 - 2 and 29 - 30 August.

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.

Wednesday 9 August, 5-7pm (gates open at 4pm).Pack a picnic and enjoy this captivating retelling of a classic children’s tale from Heartbreak Productions. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Treat yourself to lunch or a tasty snack from one of our cafés while you visit. Whether you’re seeking a full meal or a light bite, we have a variety of different outlets to suit all cravings. Take a look at our shop and plant centre in the Welcome Centre to discover a great range of gifts, and browse for second-hand books in the Stables.

It’s the perfect season for picnics, and our grounds offer some idyllic spots to enjoy an al fresco lunch while you visit. There are picnic tables and benches dotted around our grounds, and plenty of spaces to spread out a blanket.

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.

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.