Mottistone Manor Gardens

Mottistone Manor Garden, which is owned by the National Trust, is one of the most peaceful and magical gardens on the Island. Set in a sheltered valley with views to the sea, the garden with its colourful borders, shrub-filled banks and grassy terraces surrounds an Elizabethan manor house which is tenanted (so not normally open to visitors. Please see website for further details).

The 5 acre garden contains many contrasting areas. The double herbaceous border which is full of colour throughout the season adjoins the more formal rose garden, whilst next to the grassy orchard area wildflower banks are covered in springtime bluebells and summer flowers. The valley setting also gives rise to hidden pathways leading high above the manor with views over the surrounding countryside to the sea.

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Tucked away in the grounds of the tea garden is ‘The Shack’, which was formerly the country retreat of architects Seely (2nd Lord Mottistone) and Paget. This tiny treasure is a fine example of Modern Movement design and is open for visitors to explore.

And for younger visitors there's the ever popular flowerpot trail – see if you can find Indiana Hose, Marjoram Simpson and their friends. And when you have seen all you want to see, there are delightful walks onto Mottistone Down and to the Long Stone across the adjoining Mottistone estate.

Facilities

Free car parking
Tea garden (franchised)
Free flowerpot trail
Gift shop
Plant sales
Dogs admitted on leads
Lavatories

Forthcoming Events

Mottistone Manor House: Members' Open Day - Mottistone Manor Garden
Dates: 3 June 2012 11:00am and 3 June 2012 1:30pm. Take a rare opportunity to see inside this family home on this special one day opening for National Trust members only to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, by kind permission of the tenant family.

Mottistone Manor House Open Day - Mottistone Manor Garden
Dates: 4 June 2012 11:00am and 4 June 2012 1:30pm. The ground floor of the house will be open to visitors for self guided tours from 11am-12 noon and again from 1.30pm-5pm. Last entry is at 4.30pm. The garden is open as usual from 11am-5pm.

Family Fun Day - Mottistone Manor Garden
Dates: 5 June 2012 11:00am. Join in the fun at Mottistone Manor Garden with a day of family activities. In the past these have included feeding the polar bears, croquet and a penalty shoot out. Come along and discover what challenges the Head Gardener has set for you this year.

Notes

Disabled access: free parking in main car park. There are steps from the car park to the entrance and disabled visitors may be dropped off at the pedestrian entrance before parking. The grounds are partly accessible: loose gravel paths, steep slopes, some steps. Steps into the Shack. Some visitors may require assistance from a companion. One wheelchair available to borrow. Photographic album of the Shack available.