Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands — Attraction in Mapperton

We visited during the west Dorset food fair which allowed access to the gardens but not the house. Note dogs not allowed in the garden and I’m grateful of that decision. Food fair was worth the visit and so are the gardens. There is a sense of the garden that once was and how it’s being managed. There is an acceptance I feel that there is a managed decline or at least there is no attempt to replace structures that need a little tlc. That said it’s a lovely peaceful garden that cascades down the valley into an arboretum. The pools must have been fabulous in their day but are now full of tadpoles and newts. The woodlands are full of birds that sing all afternoon long. Dont forget Percy the tortoise he is a giant for 18y. The glance of the house we had looks impressive and well maintained. Good facilities, it’s certainly worth visiting on a warm day. No picnic facilities but then there is no need for them with no little ones running around but an excellent cafe. Will visit again in September as the...

Mapperton is a magical place, with exquisite topiary, swallows nesting in the eaves, newts swimming in the pools, and huge lichen balls on the trees - evidence of the wonderfully pure water and air in this valley.

The cafe has a limited menu but beautifully presented food, definitely worth staying for a meal. There are many enormous and impressive trees, quirky and colourful chicken breeds mingling with the diners outdoors, and both swallows and house martins circling as they feed on the wing.

There is a small gift shop with a good range of garden plants, tea towels, mugs and plates, hand-made soaps, and gifts for children of all ages, as well as guides to wild flowers, birds and bats, plus books about local history, heritage and the wonders of nature.

During dry summers beware of the road in and out, which at the time or writing leaves your car with a thick layer of dust! This burden is worth the reward of witnessing a manor house and gardens unsurpassed in this country, in my...

We visited Mapperton House and Gardens in early September on a perfect sunny day. We couldn't get booked for the house visit so book early online if you're looking for a house tour.

The gardens didn't disappoint and are an unusual but interesting mix of 3 styles in a landscaped valley. A nice circular walk via the arboretum area took us past the Croquet lawn and into the sculpture section of the garden. Below these was a pool area followed by the arboretum. A unique garden example we really enjoyed the walk. Notably the upper garden levels were wheelchair accessible despite being in a terraced layout.y weather. Oh, and don't miss the giant tortoise!

With the courtyard cafe serving a helpful range of drinks and food, there was good provision for rest after the walk and a nice coffee and cake.

Very nice location, enhanced by lovely weather delivered a very enjoyable afternoon. Oh, and don't miss the giant...