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Discover more at Mottisfont
Find out when Mottisfont is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Discover a garden of ancient trees, babbling brooks and rolling lawns. Carpets of spring bulbs, walled gardens, a world-famous collection of once-flowering roses, rich autumn foliage and a colourful, scented winter garden create a feast for the senses all year round.
The abundant spring that gave Mottisfont its name is now an ornamental feature of the garden. Tributaries of the River Test flow through the grounds, too. Follow paths beside the waterways to spot trout basking and swans gliding.
As you approach the house, an enormous tree catches the eye – seeming to dwarf the building from some angles. This huge London plane is thought to be the largest of its kind in Britain, and forms part of the National Collection of plane trees which stand in the grounds.
The garden is home to many other fine specimen trees, including grand horse chestnuts and stately oaks, planted by Georgian owners. Twentieth-century features include an elegant double row of pollarded limes and a circle of beech trees.
Our volunteer Garden Guides lead free themed daily walks, including a Welcome Walk which provides a general introduction for first-time visitors, alongside more in-depth history and seasonal garden walks. The Welcome Team at visitor reception will be able to advise what’s on offer when you visit.
Colourful herbaceous borders in the walled gardens provide changing displays until September. The plants here were chosen for their structure, scent and wide colour palette. Agapanthus, geraniums and peonies mingle with pinks, lilies, phlox and nepeta. The centres of the borders are a mass of soft blues, pinks and whites, whilst stronger yellows, oranges and dark pinks draw your eye along the length of the border.
Lavender lines the pathways of the walled garden and edges the north lawn behind the house. Pause beside the purple flowers to take in the scent and listen out for the hum of busy bees.
Following the full rose display of early summer, some late- and repeat-flowering varieties continue to bloom. Most of the old-fashioned types flower only once a year and afterwards, produce ornamental fruit or ‘hips', which, as well as brightening the garden in autumn, provide local birds with an important source of winter food. For this reason, the gardeners don't tend to deadhead these unique roses.
Sweetpeas, sunflowers and dahlias flower in the Kitchen Garden in late summer, and the raised beds are full of scented herbs and produce.
Rediscovered and restored in 2018, the innovative Kitchen Garden embodies Mottisfont’s medieval history and productive past. Everything planted here is culinary, medicinal or edible, designed to educate and inspire.
Raised beds are planted with a mix of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers from spring to autumn. Surrounding a central water feature, the beds are constructed of brick and flint to reflect materials found elsewhere at Mottisfont. Running the full length of the garden are two cloister-esque wooden pergola walkways crafted from re-purposed Hampshire chestnut. These are planted with a mix of sweet peas, grape vines and gourds.
Find out when Mottisfont is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
We make compost in vast quantities at Mottisfont, keeping the soil healthy and ensuring the garden, including the famous rose collection, is looking its very best.
Mottisfont is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs on a short lead are welcome to explore most of the 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.
Explore Mottisfont’s diverse estate, traversed by the crystal-clear River Test, and south Hampshire countryside sites of Stockbridge Down and Marsh and Curbridge Nature Reserve.
The National Collection of Pre-1900 Shrub Roses reaches its peak flowering season in early summer for a spectacular annual display.
From 18th-century water gardens and Arts and Crafts landscapes to intimate woodland gardens, there are so many places to discover.
Discover our gardeners’ top tips so you can make the most of your garden, plot or window box.
From rose borders to pop-up flower meadows, National Trust gardens in Hampshire are some of the best places to enjoy gorgeous summer blooms. They're perfect for picnicking in, with family and friends.