Discover more at Mottisfont
Find out when Mottisfont is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
With plenty of space to run, jump and play, there's lots to keep children of all ages busy at Mottisfont. Challenge yourself in our Wild Play area, try some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' challenges and play a game of Pooh sticks from one of the wooden bridges. There's plenty to keep everyone enterained.
Here's all the information you need at a glance, to make the most of your family day out at Mottisfont:
There's no need to book, but Mottisfont may get very busy during school holidays and bank holidays. Mornings tend to be busier than afternoons. If you have the flexibility, a weekday visit is generally quieter than a weekend, even during school holidays. If you can only visit over the weekend, Saturdays are usually less busy than Sundays.
We make huge amounts of compost at Mottisfont, so we can feed our plants organically, without artificial fertiliser. Can you help us out this autumn? The leaves are beginning to fall, and we’ve got mini wheelbarrows and rakes at the ready, so our younger visitors can scoot around gardens gathering leaves and pouring them into the special leaf bins.
Our Mini Adventure activities are back this November. Join us with simple, seasonal, self-led activities aimed at pre-schoolers, to enjoy while you explore the gardens at Mottisfont. This year the sessions include: wands and potions, leaf rubbing, making treasure boxes, creating leaf creatures, and some leaf challenges too. These sessions take place on weekdays during November.
To find about more about theses activities here.
23 November 2024 - 5 January 2025
Experience the timeless magic of the Nutcracker at Mottisfont this Christmas, with a decorated house and family trial. Discover the enchanting story as you wander though the house with rooms filled with sparkling trees and decorations, music and light effects. Property admission applies (free for National Trust members, Art Fund members and under 5s), plus suggested donation for the trail. We are introducing a trail house booking system, based on vistor feedback last year.
Find out more about A Nutcracker Christmas here.
Our Wild Play area includes three large wooden structures built for climbing, balancing and exploring. Duck and dive through multiple entry and exit points to play together. The play area gets very muddy during periods of wet weather, so come dressed for mess.
Wooden bridges and a rushing river make Mottisfont one of the country's top destinations for playing Pooh sticks – challenge your family to a game when you visit. Ball games and frisbees are welcome on the paddock areas.
Why not try some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' challenges? From rolling down a hill to cloud watching there's something for every young explorer to do.
Find out when Mottisfont is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Treat yourself to a snack and drink at one of the cafés after a wander in the garden.
Enjoy every season at Mottisfont, with its ancient trees and babbling brooks, from rich autumn foliage and the scented Winter Garden, to spring bulbs and, of course, the world-famous Rose Garden.
Explore Maud Russell’s 1930s neo-classical interiors, in an 18th-century house with medieval origins and enjoy changing art exhibitions in the spacious gallery.
23 November 2024 - 5 January 2025: experience the timeless magic of The Nutcracker at Mottisfont this Christmas. The story unfolds as you wander through rooms filled with sparkling trees and decorations, music and light effects. Outside, the adventure continues on a Nutcracker family trail.
Find the best family-friendly places to visit and discover the fun-filled activities on offer at the places in our care.
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
Discover the top National Trust places for family days out around Hampshire, from Wild Play at Mottisfont to acres of parkland at Hinton Ampner.