Mottisfont Abbey & Garden

An atmospheric and historic estate by the River Test. Set on the west bank of the River Test, the mansion boasts thirty acres of landscaped grounds with sweeping lawns and magnificent trees, set admist glourius countryside along the River Test. The grounds contain a spring or 'font' from which the area derives its name. There are also many magnificent ancient trees; one in particular plane tree is thought to be the largest of its kind in the country. A tributary of the River Test flows through the garden, forming a superb and tranquil setting for the Abbey. There are well signposted river and estate walks. The twelth century Augustine priory has been adapted over the centuries by a series of owners and is now a house of some note. The Medieval monastic remains include the cellarium and original stonework. The house itself contains delightful rooms such as the drawing room decorated by Rex Whistler in "trompe l'oeil" fantasy style. The rooms in the Abbey now house an interesting collection of 19th and early 20th century pictures donated by painter Derek Hill, who was a regular guest at Mottisfont and who saw Whistler decorate the drawing room. The extensive gardens were remodelled gradually during the 20th century. Norah Lindsay designed a parterre, Geoffrey Jellicoe redesigned the north front with an avenue of pollarded limes and an octagon of yews, all combine to provide interest throughout the seasons. After the National Trust took over the property, Graham Stuart thomas designed the walled garden in 1972, with beds divided by attractive box hedges to contain the NATIONAL COLLECTION of OLD FASHIONED ROSES with over 300 varieties. It is at its best in mid June, but has plenty to interest visitors later in summer and autumn.

Opening Times

Opening 2008 1 Jan 2008 - 31 Dec 2008

Road Directions

From the North: B3084 through Wallop, Mottisfont is signposted 3 miles south of Broughton.

From the West: M27, Jct 2, A3090 to Romsey, follow brown, coach signs for Hilliars Gardens as far as Timsbury then continue on A3057. Mottisfont is signposted 1 mile north of Timsbury.

From Winchester: A3090 to Romsey, follow brown signs for Hilliars Gardens, continue past Hilliars to A3057 at Timsbury, Mottisfont is signposted 1 mile north of Timsbury.

From London and the East: M3/M27, jct3, M271, A3057 to Romsey, follow brown coach signs for Hilliars Gardens as far as Timsbury then continue on A3057, Mottisfont is signposted 1 mile north of Timsbury.

Large coach park is provided.

Public Transport Directions

By Rail: Dunbridge station 3/4 mile on the Wessex Trains main line from Bristol through Salisbury to Southampton. Romsey station, 4 miles connects to SWT main line from London Waterloo to Southampton via Winchester.

 Facilities

Provider Preferences

• Countryside Setting

Accessibility

• Disabled Parking
• Disabled persons toilet
• No dogs (Guide dogs accepted)
• Wheelchair user accessible

Children & Infants

• Babes in Arms
• Baby changing
• Children’s packs
• Children's Meals
• Family Friendly, Children Welcome
• Highchair(s) available

Parking & Transport

• Coach parking
• Free parking
• Railway station within 5 miles
• Railway station within walking distance
• Secure cycle parking

Leisure Facilities

• Private fishing rights

Catering

• Cafe
• Catering for groups
• Catering Provided
• Full liquor licence
• Outdoor eating area
• Picnic area
• Refreshments Available
• Restaurant
• Vegetarians catered for

Payment Methods

• Delta
• Maestro
• MasterCard
• Solo
• Visa

Room / Unit Features

• Large Screen TV

Establishment Features

• All weather attraction
• Audio Tours
• Cloakroom
• Conference facilities
• Garden / Grounds for visitors use
• Gift shop
• Groups by arrangement
• Groups welcome
• Guided tours
• Guided tours by arrangement
• Licensed for alcohol
• Licensed for weddings
• Meeting rooms
• Open on bank holidays
• Team / Corporate Activities

Specialist Features

• Cyclists welcome
• Educational Groups
• Information Point

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

• Literature in French
• Literature in German
• Literature in Italian
• Literature in Japanese