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The garden at Mottisfont

Gravel path through centre of walled garden with borders of blue agapanthus, Mottisfont, Hampshire
Walled garden borders at Mottisfont in summer | © Simon Newman

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.

Step into the gardens at Mottisfont

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.

Autumn in the garden

Trees around the grounds turn red, orange and gold. Look out for Persian Ironwood (Parrotias), tulip (Liriodendron), American sweetgum (Liquidamber styraciflua), and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), which will all be glowing. The great plane beside the house creates a dazzling display, and along the font stream a group of Euonymus alatus (Burning bush) turn bright red. 

In the Kitchen Garden there's a colourful display of dahlias, some with enormous, stand-out blooms. Look out for the wigwams of ornamental gourds, as well as the last of the harvest.

In the Rose Garden, the blooms of early summer have turned into colourful hips, which brighten the borders at this time of year and provide over-wintering birds with an important source of food. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) turns flaming red before losing its leaves. 

You'll see formal bedding in the Parterre and fuschsias on north lawn flowering until the first frosts. From November, the winter garden begins to come into its own, with displays of berries and ornamental willows keeping the colours alive. 

Close up of pink dahlias in Mottisfont's walled garden, with white wooden double gates open behind and brick walls on either side
Dahlias in Mottisfont's walled kitchen garden | © National Trust / Joanna Crosse

The Winter Garden 

The winter garden at Mottisfont was created to bring colour and scent into the gardens during a time of year that would tend to be quiet. The shape of the winter garden was inspired by the font stream and the paths meander to reflect the way the font stream flows through the landscape. 

Guided garden walks

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.

Guided river walks 

Take in breathtaking views and escape back to nature on our guided river walk along the banks of the River Test, a rare chalk stream.

The ebb and flow of the River Test: Looking after our rivers

Every Tuesday and Wednesday 11.30am up until the end of September

Join us on the river Test and discover how the rivers, with the gentle support of the ranger team, define, respond and react to their ever-changing environment. Walks cost £3 per person and must be pre-booked at Visitor Reception. Assistance dogs only. Walks may be cancelled in cases of adverse weather or conservation work.

A perfect setting to enjoy a picnic

At Mottisfont, you’ll find beautiful shady corners throughout our gardens, perfect for a relaxed alfresco lunch. Whether you're spreading a blanket beneath ancient trees or settling beside a gently flowing stream, our grounds offer a peaceful escape for families and friends.

We also have several designated picnic areas around the grounds, complete with tables – including adapted tables designed for easier access, so everyone can enjoy dining outdoors together. Speak to the team at Visitor Reception for more information.  

Visitors in the walled rose garden at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Discover more at Mottisfont

Find out when Mottisfont is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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Our work in the garden at Mottisfont 

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.

Gardener working in the walled garden at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Visiting Mottisfont with your dog 

Mottisfont is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs on a short lead are welcome to explore most of the garden.

A small white dog walking on a muddy path

The house and gallery at Mottisfont 

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.

Busts on pillars in The Long Gallery, Mottisfont, Hampshire. It was installed in the 1740s and used as an indoor exercise space for ladies. The walls are painted to simulate Sienna marble.

Explore the Mottisfont estate 

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.

People walking across the parkland at Mottisfont, Hampshire

The Rose Garden at Mottisfont 

The National Collection of Pre-1900 Shrub Roses reaches its peak flowering season in early summer for a spectacular annual display.

The Rose Garden in June at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Gardens and parks 

From 18th-century water gardens and Arts and Crafts landscapes to intimate woodland gardens, there are so many places to discover.

A family exploring the garden in autumn at Wallington, Northumberland

Gardening tips 

Discover our gardeners’ top tips so you can make the most of your garden, plot or window box.

A group of people gardening at Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire

Gardens and parks in Hampshire 

Colour-packed floral borders, sumptuous sweetpeas, dramatic dahlias and pop-up flower meadows – there’s so much to enjoy on a relaxing visit to one of our Hampshire gardens. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for your own green space back home too.

Walled kitchen garden with flower borders, glasshouse, grass paths, and church behind wall in background