Winter walking at Mottisfont and on the wider estate

A frosty view from the top of Stockbridge Down, Hampshire, on the Mottisfont estate

Get a breath of fresh air with a walk around our grounds and wider estate. We offer free guided walks daily around the grounds, or you can simply wander at will through the vibrant winter garden. Head out to the wider estate to explore glorious Hampshire countryside.

Around the grounds

A gentle path runs alongside the font stream, leading you into our winter garden. Follow walkways through winter-flowering shrubs and perennials. Or take a brisk stroll along the tree-lined paths which run beside our river.

There are two cafés at Mottisfont, perfect for warming food or drink after a walk in the winter air.

Daily guided walks

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.

Enjoy one of our free walks on your visit

Walking on the wider estate

We look after 1600 acres of woodland and tenanted farmland in the local area, including Stockbridge Down and Marsh. On these walks, you can discover winter wildlife, historic landmarks and tranquil riverside paths.

Visitors and a dog in winter woodland

Mottisfont estate walk 

Discover our beautiful and diverse estate on a varied, 6 mile walk through ancient woodlands, historic farmland and along the crystal-clear river Test. Evergreens create a protective woodland canopy on some of the route, while bare branches create intriguing patterns across the sky in more open areas.

A winter view across Stockbridge Down, Hampshire, with livestock

Stockbridge Down wildlife and history walk 

This 1.5 mile walk offers great views from a hillfort on a crisp, clear day. Bronze age barrows appear more prominent now that the grass growth of summer has died back, and over-wintering birds such as bullfinches, field fares and waxwings can be seen darting through the scrub.

Moorhens beside the River Test at Stockbridge Common Marsh, Hampshire

Stockbridge Common Marsh wildlife walk 

This easy, 1.8 mile walk across the marsh offers access to the river's edge, in a valley which otherwise has little or no river frontage. On calm winter days, swans can be seen gliding downstream and water rail, a secretive wetland bird that is more easily spotted in winter, pick their long-toed way along the edges of the reeds.