Mottisfont
Romsey, HampshireAbout Mottisfont
Rolling lawns and meadows frame this welcoming country house, Mottisfont, in the heart of Hampshire’s beautiful Test Valley. The spacious gardens at Mottisfont are the perfect space to let off steam during the school holidays! You can set off on an outdoor adventure by exploring acres of meadows and riverbanks. And with charming cafes on site, too, this day out ticks every box.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out with the kids, Mottisfont has something for everyone.
New For The Summer Holidays
John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories exhibition and trail - 20th July to 29th September!
Discover the wild and wonderful world of children's author John Burningham. Uncover original illustrations that fill Mottisfont’s playful gallery spaces and immerse families in stories, including Borka the Featherless Goose and Oi! Get Off Our Train!
There are comfy reading zones to snuggle into with a book, dressing up inspiration, a life-size ‘magic’ bed, and colourful blown-up scenes for family photos!
Outside, an activity trail introduces families to more characters, with challenges to complete. Play a game of Would You Rather, and step bravely onto the pirate ship, just like Shirley does in ‘Come Away From the Water, Shirley'!
Things To Do
There are lots of different ways to explore the beautiful gardens at Mottisfont, from the grassy paddock that’s perfect for games and picnic lunches to the crystal-clear stream that runs through the grounds, leading to fields behind the house. Or test your abilities in the Wild Play area where there are large wooden structures to balance and climb on.
History of Mottisfont
Mottisfont, originally a medieval priory, was transformed into a grand country house in the 18th century. The house itself is a marvel of architectural evolution, showcasing a blend of medieval and modern elements!
As you wander through its stylish 20th-century rooms, you'll encounter an eclectic mix of art, including works by renowned artists such as Rex Whistler. The house also offers fascinating glimpses into the lives of its former inhabitants, making it an engaging experience for both adults and kids, from a hidden ‘angel’ mosaic by Boris Anrep to a room painted as a trompe l’oeil illusion.
Gorgeous Gardens
If you love all things nature, you'll be amazed at the beautiful gardens at Mottisfont. A family favourite is the series of walled gardens, with pretty borders full of colour, lawns to loll on, and cool seated nooks to relax in on hot sunny days.
Not only is there flourishing flora, but you can also discover ancient trees, babbling brooks and natural beauty for every season! Look out for fragrant lavender hedges and a kitchen garden full of herbs, flowers and vegetables.
Adventure Awaits Young Explorers
Mottisfont is a paradise for young adventurers! With exciting themed trails and family-friendly activities designed to engage and entertain kids - it becomes a place for childhood fun!
There’s acres of space to run and play. Race across fields and test balancing and climbing skills on the Wild Play apparatus, a natural playground with a variety of play equipment made from sustainable materials. There are 3 large wooden features where the kids are encouraged to climb, balance, and explore! It's an ideal spot for kids to burn off energy while parents can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
With its river and bridges, Mottisfont is also the National Trust’s top destination for Pooh Sticks. Plus, there’s a big grassy paddock for picnics and ball games. It’s close to the café where you’ll find snacks, kids’ portions and locally made ice cream.
Food & Drink
If you're feeling peckish after all that exploring, why not pop along for some delightful bites? There are plenty of family-friendly eateries with indoor and outdoor seating that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll find picnic benches around the grounds too!
The Old Kitchen Café and Coach House Café serve a range of hot and cold food, light lunches, snacks and sandwiches. There's also a delicious selection of cakes and other sweet baked goodies!
On popular days including school holidays, you'll find extra kiosks open that serve hot and cold drinks, yummy snacks and ice creams too! Look out for local producer Jude's ice cream, serving refreshing flavours from their quirky pony trailer.
If you have dietary requirements it's worth noting that there is a range of gluten and dairy-free food available, and soya or oat milk for hot drinks.
Accessibility
- Blue Badge parking and drop-off point.
- Wheelchairs available.
- Buggy service.
- Accessible toilets.
- Slopes and uneven pathways.
- Ramped or level entrances.
- Volunteer-driven mobility buggy service available on request for transport between the welcome centre, house entrance, stable yard (including Coach House Café), and entrance to the walled gardens.
Why We Suggest Mottisfont for Families
Mottisfont is a perfect destination for a family day out, offering a blend of history, nature, and adventure that will appeal to visitors of all ages! With its captivating gardens, engaging activities for children, and a wealth of seasonal events, Mottisfont promises a memorable experience for everyone.

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Immersive Yourself in the Stories of John Burningham
Embark on an adventure as you discover the wild and wonderful world of John Burningham! From playful galleries and immersive stories to cosy reading nooks where you can settle down with a book. And outside, a storybook adventure trail.
Explore the Glorious Gardens
The walled gardens at Mottisfont are a great place to start your visit, especially for families who love beautiful blooms! Discover flower-packed borders, lavender-edged paths that release fragrance as you brush past and shady seating for hot days. In the kitchen garden nearby, you’ll find pretty raised beds of flowers, herbs and vegetables. Trailing vines climb up long wooden pergolas, and in late summer, you’ll be treated to bright new dahlia displays. There’s a mobile café here and plenty of outdoor seating.
The garden's peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views make it a perfect place for family photos and moments of relaxation.
The Wild Play Area
Kids can burn off energy and test their skills in imaginative play on Mottisfont’s Wild Play set in the gardens. Large wooden structures encourage them to duck and dive, climb and balance above a soft natural landing space.
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Closes 16:00 in winter - 28th October to 31st December and 1st January to 9th February.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £10.00
- Adult (18+-18+) : £20.00
Under 5s FreeFamily (2+2) £50.00Family (1+3) £30.00
National Trust members: FreeCar parking Free
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
The Old Kitchen Café and Coach House Café both serve a range of cold and hot food. As well as sandwiches, baked goods and light lunches.
Hot food is available from 12:00 - 14:30 and you can also buy a selection of hot and cold drinks.
There is a small selection of gluten and dairy free foods, as well as soya and oat milk.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Foot
Mottisfont is on the Test Way, a long-distance walking route spanning from Inkpen Beacon to Eling. You can use Stockbridge to the north or Romsey to the south as starting points for a long walk to Mottisfont - both towns are roughly five miles away.
By Train
The Mottisfont & Dunbridge station is just over a mile away on foot, across fields and some country roads. There is no taxi rank at the station – the nearest taxi companies are based in Romsey.
If you follow signs on foot from the train station, beware of livestock in fields. The public footpath cuts through a farm. Continue along the footpath and join onto Hat Lane. Head right here until you meet a small junction which joins Hatt Lane up to Oakley Road.
Once you are on this road, head right and follow the fingerpost to Mottisfont. This is a quiet country road, but it’s narrow with quite sharp turns in places and some poor visibility ahead, so please be careful while you walk. Keep following this road until you can turn into the visitor car park on your left.
By Bike
The Test Way runs from Romsey to Stockbridge. It is approximately 2 miles off the main route either off Lower Brook (if travelling from Stockbridge) or just past Awbridge and Kimbridge (if travelling from Romsey).
Follow National Trust signs to the main entrance. We are also off the cycle route 24, which runs from Bath to Southampton. We are 0.2 miles off the main route. Bike racks are provided for those cycling to us.
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Last Updated: 07:24 31/07/2024
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