Athelhampton House and Gardens
Dorchester, Dorset
About Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton nestles in the Piddle valley, between Tolpuddle and Puddletown, and is easily reached from the A35 main road.
The ancient manor of Athelhampton has been continually lived in since Saxon times. The manor is mentioned in the Domesday book.
The current house was largely constructed in Tudor times, with the Great Hall built by Sir William Martyn in 1485, considered one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture in England.
The house was extended in Elizabethan times when the West Wing and Kitchen Wings were added. The Kitchen opened to the public for the first time in 2022.
In 1891, Athelhampton was purchased by the young Victorian gentleman, Alfred Cart de Lafontaine who created the fabulous award-winning gardens that surround the house and restored the house taking advice from his friend and mentor Thomas Hardy.
Why not come and visit? Athelhampton is open throughout the seasons, with a restaurant, and gift shop.
Award winning architectural gardens
The gardens at Athelhampton were created in 1891. The Ham-Stone compartments are exciting for both children and adults to explore, with ponds and fountains featuring throughout.
We have been in private ownership since 1485!
Athelhampton has been in private ownership since 1485- although the owners have changed over the last 500 years, the family still occupy part of the house today!
One of the most Haunted Houses in England
When you appreciate Athelhampton's complex history it is no wonder that it is considered to be one of the most haunted houses in England with an Ape, Duelists & Grey Lady said to be roaming.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Open all year round. Closed over Christmas and New Year. Please check our website www.athelhampton.com for up-to-date opening times.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (0-12) : Free
- Adult (18++) : £18.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-3) : Free
House & Gardens
Adult: £18.00, Children under 16: Free, Student: £15.00
Gardens Only
Adults: £12.00, Student: £9.00, Children under 12: Free, Dogs: £1.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Athelhampton House
Athelhampton
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 7LG
England
what3words: ///following.published.monkey By Road On the A35 from Dorchester Poole, or A354 from Blandford follow our signs at the "Northbrook" junction, left at the traffic lights in Puddletown.
Tel: 01305 848363
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
By Train
Dorchester has two stations, with Taxi service from Dorchester South, a short walk from Dorchester West.
By Bus
Dorchester - Blandford 187
Athelhampton is a request stop
3 stops each direction weekdays
Verification
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Athelhampton House and Gardens Reviews
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