Explore the garden at Mottistone Gardens and Estate

Image of Mottistone Gardens and Manor in spring time — Mottistone Gardens in the spring time. | © Paul Harris

The tranquil garden at Mottistone is well known for its colourful borders but there's far more to explore. Banks covered with wildflowers in the spring shelter the garden and unusual drought-resistant plants thrive without watering. With a multitude of different spaces to discover, and sea views from the higher areas, this garden is not to be missed.

Seeing inside the manor

We’re preparing to open part of the manor at Mottistone Gardens on selected days from this spring. We can’t wait to welcome you in for a closer look at this fascinating place. More details coming soon. In the meantime, our much-loved second-hand bookshop remains open inside the manor.

Spring highlights at Mottistone Gardens

As Mottistone Gardens awakens for spring, bursts of colour fill the landscape. From February to April, golden daffodils lead the way, followed by one of nature’s most breathtaking displays in late April and May, when a carpet of bluebells transforms the woodland floor into a magical scene.

A vibrant landscape

This season, enjoy colourful borders, open lawns, and shady glades perfect for relaxing. Whether it’s unwinding with sea views, enjoying a picnic, or exploring the meadow and orchard, there’s plenty of space to soak up the spring air.

The gardens, shaped by generations of gardeners, are a living work of art, influenced by past garden makers, such as Lady Nicholson’s 1960s planting schemes and the 1980s creation of the Monicote border.

Seely and Paget’s shack: A unique garden room

A standout feature of Mottistone is Seely and Paget’s Shack, believed to be the world’s first garden room. This fascinating space offers a glimpse into early 20th-century garden design and the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.

A garden with global significance

Mottistone is the only National Trust garden within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it plays an important role in conservation. The garden’s blend of Sicilian and Isle of Wight native plants, alongside the UK’s only National Trust olive grove, gives it a unique character. Sustainable gardening techniques, such as scything instead of strimming, help support wildlife and promote biodiversity.

New growth in the kitchen garden

The kitchen garden is seeing new growth, with plans to introduce coastal varieties like spaghetti squash, sea kale, and samphire. Meanwhile, the tea garden, once a tennis court, is set to feature acid-loving plants such as camellias and rhododendrons, reflecting the historic tapestries of The Long Room at Mottistone Manor.

Explore beyond the gardens

Take a stroll to the coastal downs or the sea, where panoramic views stretch across the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With the gardens bursting into colour, spring is the perfect time to visit and experience Mottistone’s beauty in full bloom.