Skip to content
Skip to content

Guided walks along the River Test at Mottisfont

On Thursdays until September, join us on the River Test and discover the challenges chalk streams face. Learn about the essential and careful work of the Countryside team to restore these declining rivers and protect them for the future.

  • Booking essential
  • Admission applies

Join us for a guided walk along one of the restored sections of the River Test, cared for by the Countryside team.

This walk offers a rare opportunity to access part of the River Test, much of which is privately owned. Along the route, visitors will learn about the challenges the river faces, see the restoration work carried out by the team, and discover the benefits this work brings to the landscape and wildlife.

Guided river walks are pre-bookable at Visitor Reception and take place on Thursdays. Please note, volunteer led guided walks subject to volunteer availability. Do please check with Visitor Reception after 10.00am on the day of the walk, to check your walk is taking place.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Adult Please meet at Visitor Reception 15 minutes before£3.00
Child Please meet at Visitor Reception 15 minutes before£3.00
Check admission prices

The basics

Booking number

Call 01794 340757

Accessibility

There are stop points for talk and discussion, but no seats along the route. Narrow, grassy paths which are uneven in places and can get muddy during periods of wet weather. Limited shade in hot weather. Not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or buggies. Safety briefing included, as the route crosses car parks/roads. Assistance dogs only.

Meeting point

Walks must be booked on the day, at Visitor Reception. You'll be directed to the start point when you make your booking, where our River Guide will be waiting to greet you.

Suitability for children

Sorry, these walks are not suitable for pushchairs/buggies.

What to bring and wear

Come prepared for the weather. Sturdy footwear with good grip such as walking boots/shoes or wellies recommended. Open-toed shoes, sandals and flip flops are not permitted.

Other

Please note that, while we'll do our best to ensure these walks will always go ahead as planned, they are dependent on volunteer availability. If you're travelling to Mottisfont especially to take part, we'd recommend checking ahead in case of any last-minute cancellations. Walks may also be cancelled in cases of adverse weather or essential, urgent conservation work. Please meet at Visitor Reception 15 minutes before the walk starts. Walk timings: 11.30am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm Thursday only. Walk cost £3 per person. Pay on the day at Visitor Reception. Guided walks won’t be running on: 25 June, 23 July or 27 August due to planned river maintenance work. Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Upcoming events

Exhibition - 'The Art & Craft of Print' 

Mottisfont celebrates the art of printmaking with an exhibition in partnership with the prestigious St Jude’s Gallery in Norfolk and featuring the work of some of Britain’s leading printmakers.  

Event summary

on
17 Jun to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 16:30+ 137 other dates or times

Romeo and Juliet - live outdoor theatre 

Award-winning Immersion Theatre Company proudly presents an unforgettable adaptation of William Shakespeare’s iconic, Romeo & Juliet.

Event summary

on
10 Jul 2026
at 19:00 to 20:45

Pokémon joins Summer of Play at Mottisfont 

Planning your summer holidays? Unleash your energy with the National Trust's Summer of Play supported by Pokémon. Plus, don't miss the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail...

Event summary

on
23 Jul to 6 Sep 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 45 other dates or times

Sherlock Holmes & The Hound of the Baskervilles 

Join us for outdoor family theatre fun; will the famous detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse before it strikes again?

Event summary

on
23 Jul 2026
at 19:00 to 21:00