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  3. Dorchester

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.

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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.

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Facilities

  • TOILETS iconToilets
  • FREE_WIFI iconFree Wifi
  • GIFT_SHOP iconGift Shop
  • ONSITE_PARKING iconOnsite Parking
  • ACCESSIBLE_TOILETS iconAccessible Toilets
  • BABY_CHANGING iconBaby Changing
  • FOOD_AVAILABLE iconFood Available
  • WHEELCHAIR_FRIENDLY iconWheelchair Friendly
  • DOG_FRIENDLY iconDog Friendly
  • PUSHCHAIR_FRIENDLY iconPushchair Friendly
  • CARD_PAYMENTS_ACCEPTED iconCard Payments Accepted
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Opening Times

Regular 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.

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Pricing & Tickets

General Admission
  • 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

Find other attractions similar to Athelhampton House and Gardens by visiting our attraction tickets section.

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Plan Your Visit

MorningAfternoonEvening

Stopwatch IconTypical visit time 3 - 4 hours

Tick IconSuitable for Kids and Adults too

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FAQs

Parking Icon

Parking

Toilets Icon

Toilets

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Family Friendly Options

Food & Drink

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Accessibility Information

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Tickets & Bookings

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Private Hire & Birthday Parties

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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

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Transport 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

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Verification & Last Updated

Verified Status:Verified

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last Updated: 01:30 03/10/2024

Athelhampton House and Gardens Reviews

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