Mottisfont (National Trust)
Mottisfont Abbey
Mottisfont
nr Romsey
Hampshire
SO51 0LP
England
Website
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk
Telephone
Infoline
01794 340757
Set amidst glorious countryside along the River Test, this 12th century Augustinian priory was converted into a private house after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and still retains the spring or "font" from which its name is derived. The key attraction is the grounds with magnificent trees, walled gardens and the National Collection of Old-fashioned Roses, at their best in mid-June
Venue Type:
Historic house or home, Garden, parklands or rural site
Drawing room decorated by Rex Whistler and Derek Hill's 20th century picture collection
Collection details
Architecture, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art
Exhibition: Water Colour
Artists have been using watercolour for centuries, from rapid sketches that capture atmosphere and colour to complex, expressive works that push the medium to its limits. Visit this exhibition to see more.
Suitable for
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
The Gallery is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Website
Exhibition: Water Colour
In partnership with Southampton City Art Gallery this exhibition shows the beauty and diversity of watercolours. Artists have been using watercolour for centuries, from rapid sketches that capture atmosphere and colour to complex, expressive works that push the medium to its limits. Visit this exhibition to see more. The Gallery is not accessible to wheelchairs. The House and Gallery are open from 11am and closes at 5pm. Last entry is 4:30pm
Where
The Gallery is situated on the top floor of the house
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
When We Were Very Young
This summer we will be exploring the ideas surruonding childhood and play, displaying 30 original E H Shepard water colours from A A Milne's family classic- Winnie the Pooh. There will also be a contemporary art and craft exhibition exploring the wider themes of play and imagination. There will be a great family trail to accompany the exhibition. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access to the gallery space. Last entry to the house is at 16:30.
Where
The gallery is located on the top floor of the House.
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Exhibition: The House at Pooh Corner
An Exhibition of classic illustrations. There will also be a display of contemporary art on the theme of childhood and imagination and a distinct, fabulous family quest trail.
Suitable for
When
11am-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Website
Exhibition Open Spaces
Building on the success of previous exhibitions, this years show is on the theme of spaces, linked to the many different natural and constructed spaces of Mottisfont. This year’s open show will be on the theme of spaces of all kinds
landscapes, interiors and shapes. The inspiration for this is linked to Mottisfont, and the varying spaces which can be found in this beautiful place. The exhibition will feature works from many local artists, many of which will be for sale to the visiting public. Childrens activities and quizzes will be availiable. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access to the gallery. Last entry to house and gallery is 4.30pm.
Where
The art gallery is located on the top floor of the house.
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply. The house and gallery is open from 11:00am to 17:00 everyday. Last admissions are at 16:30.
Country Fair
Learn all about countryside persuits and traditional skills and trades. This year we have got the Great Big Tree Climbing Company- climb our oak tree- take a leap of faith and zip-wire down to the ground.
Suitable for
When
10am-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Website
Country Fair
Join us and find out more about traditional countryside skills such as thatching, blacksmithing, basket and broom making and wood turning.
New for this year:
Meet The Big Tree Climbing Company as they show you how to climb one of our beuatiful old trees, zip-wire you down to the ground and let you take a leap of faith on thier tree swing!
When
10am-5pm
Admission
: £0.00 - : £0.00. Usual property admission prices apply.
Summer Half Term
Go on a really long bike ride on our estate- just pick up a map from our Visitor Reception.On your adventures see if you can find a tree and explore the inside of it. Kick off your shoes and go for a walk bare foot in our grounds.
Suitable for
When
10am-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Painting the roses Master Class
Be inspired by our Watercolour exhibition and our beautiful walled garden and have a master class in botanical illustration. Join local artist and have exclusive access to our rose garden.
Suitable for
When
9am-3:30pm
Admission
All tickets: £35
Booking Essential.
Wear weather appropriate clothing.
We have an electric buggy to assist you to the walled garden if needed, the pathways in the walled garden are all wheelchair accessible.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Exclusive Rose Evening
Why not avoid the crowds and gain exlusive access to the walled garden when the property has closed?
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and soak in the scent and colour of our world famous collection of old roses. Our top gardener will be on hand to answer any questions.
When
6-8pm
Where
Park at the visitor car park and walk up to the walled garden
Admission
£12.00. Property admission charge does not apply. 01794 340757.
Pimms and roses
Wonder around our Rose Garden with a glass of Pimms with live music. Meet our expert gardener and get top tips on how to keep your garden looking lovely.
When
6-8pm
Where
parkin the Visitor Car park and wonder up to the rose garden.
Admission
£15.00. Property admission charge does not apply. 01794 340757.
Pimms and roses
Pick up a glass of something refreshing, enjoy a wonder around our walled garden with live music from string quartet 'Quintessentially Wind' and chat to our expert gardener.
Suitable for
When
6-8pm
Admission
All tickets: £16
Booking Essential.
Walled garden is wheelchair accessible.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Exclusive access to the roses
Wander around our Walled Garden with it's scent and colour meet with our specialist gardener. Bring your plants to our A&E for some expert advice.
Suitable for
When
6-7pm
Admission
All tickets: £14
Booking Essential.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Exclusive Rose Evening
Why not avoid the crowds and gain exlusive access to the walled garden when the property has closed?
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and soak in the scent and colour of our world famous collection of old roses. Our top gardener will be on hand to answer any questions.
When
6-8pm
Where
Park at the visitor car park and walk up to the walled garden
Admission
£12.00. Property admission charge does not apply. 01794 340757.
Pimms and roses
Wonder around our Rose Garden with a glass of Pimms with live music. Meet our expert gardener and get top tips on how to keep your garden looking lovely.
When
6-8pm
Where
parkin the Visitor Car park and wonder up to the rose garden.
Admission
£15.00. Property admission charge does not apply. 01794 340757.
Open Air Theatre- As You Like It
Bring your picnic and join Illyira for another evening of fun and laughter.
Suitable for
When
7-9pm
Admission
Adult: £16
Child: £8
Booking Essential.
Dress for the weather. Performances are only cancelled in the event of hurricane.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Family fun Weekend
Coinciding with the House at Pooh Corner exhibition this summer well be having great outdoor activities throughout this weekend some of which you can tick off your 50 things list.Join us this weekend as we builg pooh-stick boats to send down the river.
Suitable for
When
10am-4:30pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Open Air Theatre- Sherlock Holmes
How can one open-air show with just four actors possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary, my dear! The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company put dynamic detective duo Holmes and Watson through their paces as they tackle their most fiendish case yet in this delightfully inventive and hilarious show for all ages featuring live music, audience interaction and more mystery than you can shake a magnifying glass at. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it!
Suitable for
When
7-9pm
Admission
Adult: £16
Child: £8
Booking Essential.
Dress for the weather. The Pantaloons will only cancel in the event of a hurriance.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Daisy Chain Day
We love a challenge and this time we'd love your help! As part of our 50 things to do before you're 11 and 3/4 you need to make a daisy chain so why not visit us and add to our growing chain.
Suitable for
When
10am-4:30pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Family fun Weekend
This summer, Mottisfont hosts The House at Pooh Corner, an exhibition of classic illustrations. Well be having great outdoor activities throughout this weekend, including lots you can tick off on your 50 things list.
Suitable for
When
10am-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Build a Kite
Join us as we teach you how to make a kite that will always fly. Once you're done building why not take it out to the north paddock and give it a try! Sessions run from 10.00-10.30 and 1.00-1.30
Suitable for
When
10-10:30am
Admission
All tickets: £2.5
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Family Open Air Theatre- Babe
Settle down for a fun-filled family night out with Illyria's adaptation of the popular staory of the plucky piglet Babe.
Suitable for
When
7-9pm
Admission
Adult: £16
Child: £8
Booking Essential.
Dress for the weather. Illyria only cancel in the event of a hurriance.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Family fun Weekend
Coinciding with the House at Pooh Corner exhibition this summer well be having great outdoor activities throughout this weekend some of which you can tick off your 50 things list.
Suitable for
When
10am-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Mottisfont Abbey, 01794 344020, mottisfontabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
artSOUTH: collaborations
Mottisfont is a key part of the artSouth programme, funded by the Arts Council, which will produce a series of art installations at locations across the south of England. Visitor ruote is made up of gravel and grass paths.
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
- About
- | Collections
- | Exhibitions
- | Events
- | Map

