Mottistone Manor Garden which is owned by the National Trust is a magical garden set in a sheltered valley with views across the neighbouring countryside to the sea.

It surrounds an Elizabethan manor house (which is tenanted and so is not open to visitors) and is a family friendly venue for children of all ages with plenty of grassy areas and shrub filled banks to explore.

Everyone will enjoy the colourful herbaceous borders and there is also a small organic kitchen garden overseen by a resident scarecrow. Keener gardeners will be interested to learn about the different plants being trialled by the Trust to test the effects of climate change. Mottistone Manor Garden is the National Trust's most southerly dry garden and is experimenting with many varied plants including bananas, olives and Aloe vera. Hidden around the garden are Captain Jack Marrow and his flowerpot friends which the young and not so young enjoy finding and family discovery packs are available to be borrowed free of charge for the duration of the visit.

In addition to these activities we also have a number of special family fun days throughout the season including Magical Punch & Judy shows.

Tea garden (franchised) selling freshly made sandwiches, soup and cake plus drinks and ice cream.

Our shop sells a range of pocket money toys and souvenirs plus a small range of educational goods as well as plants. We also sell second hand books and are always grateful for donations to add to our stock.

There is a unisex accessible WC which also contains baby changing facilities plus the usual ladies and gents

Mottistone Manor Garden is situated on the B3399 between Brighstone and Brook and is on the number 7 bus route. From the A3055 Military Road turn north towards Brook. After Brook turn right at the triangle to Hulverstone and Brighstone Mottistone Manor Garden car park is approx 1 mile on the left.

There are some gravel paths and steep banks in the garden which can be difficult for pushchairs. Much of the ground underfoot is on grass so on or after wet days bring your wellies so that you explore.

If you've had fun on your family day out to Mottistone Manor Garden, tell us about it your visit, so other people will know it's a great place to go as well.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-mottistone.htm