What's on midweek at Mottisfont

Visitors walk in front of the house at Mottisfont, Hampshire, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves — Take a tranquil autumn stroll through our grounds

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 hedgehog illustration from the Ladybird book 'What To Look For In Summer’

A British Summerscape Exhibition at Mottisfont

We’re pleased welcome you back to Monttisfont’s gallery this summer for our summer exhibition running from 24 July to 5 September 2021. Eighteen original watercolours from Ladybird’s 1950s and 1960s book series ‘What To Look For In Summer’ are on show for nature lovers to explore, offering a delightful new perspective on the world.

Plan your visit

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 — The morning room displays many works from Mottisfont's permanent art collection

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. Explore the beautiful house and find out about our Joan Eardley display in the Red Room.

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.

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.