National Trust - Mottisfont — Attraction in Test Valley

We parked, handed in our timed entry ticket and started our walk. As is becoming the paranoid norm, there were one way routes and signs telling us to keep our distance as we explored the gardens. The first route was the riverside walk, incredibly peaceful and beautifully clear waters. Although the car park was busy most people seemed to be around the cafe area so most of the gardens were quiet. After our walk we decided to join them and had a coffee and the inevitable cake before continuing with a circuit of the house. We stopped at first to visit an exhibition of lockdown arts and crafts which had some interesting exhibits. Mottisfont is a real mix of styles with Tudor and Georgian (I think) and a few traces of the original 12th century Augustinian Priory. It seemed to lack a grand entrance which seemed strange for a house of this size and status. The gardens were spectacular with beds of daffodils sheltering under centuries old plane trees that looked more like chaotic Ents than anything natural, with gnarled and twisted limbs waving in the breeze. The breeze. It was one of those days where, in shelter you could have actually sunbathed, in the open the 'breeze' meant I wished I'd worn a jacket! Deb was in her element as every time I thought we'd finished the gardens she'd find another loop for us to do. The winter garden had some very sculpted plants and the most entrancing bird song! I guess I'm getting old but I literally stopped in my tracks to listen to this bird's repertoire, quite amazing. The original 'font' that gave the house its name was also in this area. The final garden was the walled garden and I have to say, we'd saved the best til last. For someone with almost zero knowledge of botany I can at least appreciate colour and the tulips in this garden were superb. A real blaze of colour from the mass plantings of tulips was offset by the weatherbeaten red of the...

The sun came out for our visit to National Trust’s Mottisfont this weekend which is well worth a visit. It has beautiful grounds and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Mottisfont is very accessible. It’s conveniently located with vast, roomy car parking space, including a convenient disabled area. It is mostly on flat ground with even access and there is a golf buggy regularly on hand to help you skip the 10 minute stroll to the rose garden should you need the ride. Entry is pricey unless you’re a NT member and I have dropped a star due to the exorbitant prices in the numerous eateries which offer plenty of choice and inclusivity but have got greedy.. no slice of cake is worth £3.75. Definitely pack a picnic to enjoy; there are lots of green and beautiful areas and picnic tables scattered around. The house was sadly closed when we visited with the wet play area also out of bounds and there are a few areas in need of repair, most disappointing being their beautiful bridge across the stunning river in the grounds which will hopefully see some TLC soon. The walled gardens live up to their hype and are a horticulturist’s dream. There is a vast gift shop on site with beautiful offerings but the prices are eye watering! There is an outside play area for the kids and lots of places for running and exploring, including some challenges for the little ones to undertake. Ring ahead to check what is open before your visit to avoid disappointment but all in all a lovely day and well worth a few hours visit if...

Lovely day out to see Christmas at Mottisfont. We were greeted at the front desk by a very nice lady who spent ages explaining what was open, closed, and where the special events were happening (sorry we didn't catch her name for a shout out here). They even provided specially printed Christmas maps; a very nice touch.

Despite the recent wet weather, all the main paths were passable with a buggy.

We got lunch at the main restaurant before entering the house and were pleased to see some festive additions to the menu. We thought were all very tasty... even our 2yr old agreed, based on the speed the pigs in blankets disappeared from the bowl. The team in the restaurant were very efficient; something that can't always be said about NT cafes.

The Christmas decorations in the house were stunning and put us all in a cheery festive mood, as did the friendly greetings from the volunteers that really enhanced the whole experience. The model train in the first room mesmerised our 2-year-old as it made its way around and around the room. The polar bear ball and the northern lights were very pretty and transported you to somewhere completely different in the world. And, of course, we thoroughly enjoyed trying to find our names to see if we were Naughty or Nice in the Christmas gallery.

Following the house, we spent some time in the gardens with our 2-year-old running around like a loon. He particularly enjoyed pushing the mini wheelbarrows around;...