Rose Season at Mottisfont
- Published:
- 20 March 2026
Our walled gardens are home to the extraordinary National Plant Collection of pre-1900 shrub roses, which creates an annual spectacle in early summer.
Rose Season at Mottisfont
21 May – 13 June
Old-fashioned roses tend to flower just once a year, so their blooming is an extraordinary annual sight. Over 400 varieties of rose bloom in our walled garden during peak season. Make the most of rose season this summer, and take in the mass of fragrant roses filling the walled garden.
Tended with love, care and dedication
Many gardeners and garden volunteers invest expertise and energy to deliver an abundance of roses during rose season.
The first roses start to emerge mid-May, particularly wall-climbing varieties scrambling the warm brick walls of the walled garden, building up to the height of rose season which runs from 21 May - 13 June. Do pop back to Mottisfont throughout May and June to discover the variety of shapes, scales and colours of roses thriving here.
Where do I find the roses?
The rose collection is located in the walled gardens at the top of the main drive, up to a 15-minute walk from visitor reception.
Top tips for making the most of your visit during Rose Season
- Look for a member of the rose garden team wearing an 'Ask Me About Roses' pin badge and they will be very happy to answer your questions on growing roses.
- The walled gardens are enclosed and can get very hot on sunny days. Please come prepared with appropriate clothing and keep hydrated. Please dress for full sun.
- We offer free parking with a number of accessible car parking spaces.
- Our volunteer-driven buggy service is available.
- Accessible facilities are located throughout the site, including the walled gardens.
- Paths throughout the walled gardens are a little narrow in places but there is an access-friendly route throughout. Assistance dogs only in the walled gardens please.
- Visit on a Thursday evening and enjoy a little extra atmosphere courtesy of a three-piece jazz trio.
- Visit on a Friday evening with family, and make the most of our selection of traditional lawn games
- Visit on a Saturday evening for a tranquil saunter around the walled garden
Refreshments during Rose Season
Stop for a break on your visit and enjoy a sit down and a light lunch, tasty snack or a hot drink and a cake from one of Mottisfont's cafés. We even offer rose flavoured ice cream!
Joyful eating at Mottisfont
Enjoy our delicious cakes, bakes, savoury snacks and chilled ice coffees when you pause for a break at one of our cafés.
The Old Kitchen Café
The Old Kitchen Café is located on the lower floor of the house, accessible via the Cellarium. You'll find the Coach House Café in the Stables.
We're serving up hot and cold drinks, light lunches, cakes, snacks and sandwiches for you to enjoy during your visit. Hot food is served from 12 noon-2.30pm. There is a small range of gluten and dairy-free food available, and soya or oat milk for hot drinks.
The Stables Coffee Shop
The Stables Coffee Shop opens from 11am-2pm to support busy periods. During the summer only, the walled garden kiosk is open from 10am-4pm. Both these outlets serve hot and cold beverages, a small range of cakes, sandwiches, snacks and ice creams.
On sunny afternons, look out for Jude's ice cream horsebox located by the Walled Garden.
Enjoy a sunset visit to the Rose Gardens at Mottisfont
Experience the annual spectacle of Mottisfont’s world-famous rose garden as day turns to dusk. Our beautiful walled garden, home to the National Collection of pre-1900 shrub roses, is at its most spectacular in early summer; a fragrant, romantic setting filled with colour and charm.
Late evening openings offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the roses when the light is softer, the air is scented with rose perfume, and the atmosphere is peaceful. It's a particularly special time to visit, with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.
From Thursday 21 May to Saturday 13 June, the rose garden will be open late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Normal admission applies (free for National Trust members)
On Fridays, we’re making the evenings extra special: pack a picnic or enjoy food from the Walled Garden kiosk and take part in traditional outdoor games on the lawn. It’s the perfect way to unwind and welcome the weekend with friends and family in the beautiful surroundings of Mottisfont.
Rose inspired shopping
Head to the shop located next to Visitor Reception for rose inspired gifts including rose perfume and body lotion, accessories and rose plants, plus a special, artist-commissioned tote bag featuring all things Mottisfont.