What's on midweek at Mottisfont

Visitors walk in front of the house at Mottisfont, Hampshire, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves

If you'd prefer to avoid the crowds, we recommend a weekday visit to Mottisfont. Enjoy our exhibitions in your own time, soak up eight centuries of history in the house or take a peaceful stroll along riverside pathways.

We’re open every day from 10am-5pm; the house and gallery open at 11am. Weekends, especially Sundays, tend to be our busiest days. You'll get more peace and quiet if you visit on a weekday, outside of school holidays.

Things to see and do

Take a look at our current exhibition: 

A painting of waves crashing on rocks by artist Bron Stubbington

The Mottisfont Open Exhibition 2018 

Saturday 15 September - Sunday 11 November: an exciting mix of almost 100 works, submitted by artists from all backgrounds and selected by a panel of arts specialists. The exhibition showcases a fascinating variety of media and styles, from drawings and paintings to sculpture, other 3D works, and several textile pieces.

Discover a unique collection of artworks

Find out more about our house and history:

Visit the lower ground floor of the house to find out how and why Mottisfont developed from a priory into a country home over the years. From here you can step into the vaulted cellarium, the giant ‘larder’ of the 13th-century priory.

Armchairs and sofas before a fireplace in the Morning Room inside Mottisfont, Hampshire

Discover our house 

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.

Find out more about the house at Mottisfont

Take a stroll around the grounds:

A mid-week visit is perfect for a stroll around the grounds at your own pace. Take in the beauty of our ancient trees, the peace of the secretive walled gardens, and walk alongside the crystal-clear river.

There are picnic benches and garden seats dotted around the grounds if you want to pause and admire the views.

You can wander at will, or try one of our daily walks and talks, led by a friendly team of volunteer guides.

Yellow plane trees and other autumn colours beside the font stream at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Autumn in the garden 

Our gardens are vibrant with the colours of autumn: ancient trees around the grounds are crowning themselves in shades of red and gold. Take a slow stroll beside the river or visit the newly-opened winter garden. You can also explore the gardens with a creative trail for adult visitors. Head up to the paddock to see a sculpture by Peter Frie and sound installation by Hywel Davies among the season's changing colours.

Volunteer outdoor guides at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Guided walks at Mottisfont 

Our friendly team of outdoor guides offer free walks and talks around the gardens, village and wider estate, giving you the opportunity to learn more about our history and grounds. If you’d like to know what walks are available on your visit, please ask at visitor reception as you arrive, or take a look at the daily walks noticeboard at the end of the Welcome Centre walkway.

Eating and shopping

Trout tart and asparagus served at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Eating at Mottisfont 

We have a variety of different outlets to suit all cravings, whether you’re seeking a full meal or a light bite. Head to the Old Kitchen in the lower corridor for the full range of hot meals, plated salads, home-made cakes and hot drinks, all served on china. The Coach House Café, located in the Stables, serves lighter bites: lunches, snacks and treats. Everything here is served on high quality disposable tableware, all of which is composted or recycled.

Pick up a tasty treat to take home

Browse our shop 

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 can also browse through our well-stocked second-hand bookshop in the stables; every penny taken here goes back to helping us with our projects and conservation work.