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.

Our walled gardens are filled with heavenly fragrance and colour from thousands of roses in early summer. We're home to the National Collection of pre-1900 shrub roses, which reach their peak in June. Unlike modern species, old-fashioned roses tend to flower just once a year, so their full summer blooming is an extraordinary annual sight.

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.

6 May to 2 July, 11am-5pm: invoking a spirit of escape and adventure, posters commissioned by Shell from the 1920s – 1950s featured historic landmarks and inspiring scenes of British countryside, brought vividly to life by artists such as Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland, Rex Whistler and Vanessa Bell.

Pack a picnic and enjoy two outdoor performances in our grounds this summer. Heartbreak Productions are staging Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey on 12 July and children's classic the Secret Garden on 9 August.

Spend a day with our head gardener and get an exclusive look at how we care for our iconic gardens. Your day will include a garden tour, helpful tips and hints on planning and nurturing gardens, and lunch. 12 July focuses on our fascinating garden history. Booking essential.

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.

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.

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.