Athelhampton House and Gardens

Athelhampton House and Gardens

Athelhampton House and Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Athelhampton House is one of England's finest Tudor Manor Houses. Dating from 1485, the Great Hall is a fine example of domestic Tudor architecture, the house has many interesting rooms, filled with antique furnishings and art. The Gardens remodelled in 1891 surround the House, with many 'compartments' built with Ham stone, each with a different style or theme, each with a water feature of a pond or fountain. The Great Court features the 12 world famous giant yew tree pyramids. The House and Gardens are protected by a Grade 1 listing, and are well maintained to protect for future generations. An excellent visitor centre with restaurant, tea room, gift shop and plant sales area complete the attraction. Enjoy a great Lunch or afternoon tea. See our website for special offers.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • anthonymurray2018
    Plymouth, United Kingdom6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent
    Lovely house and gardens. Made even better by Emma, the guide in the house, who was hugely knowledgeable and happy to tell us things and answer any questions and discuss any thoughts. Without her it would have been ok - she made it really interesting. We thought beforehand that it was maybe a tad expensive but in fact given the amount to see and the time we spent there, the price was not unreasonable. Thank you very much. Am sure we will be back when other family members visit us.
    Dear anthonymurray2018 Many thanks for the 5* review! Especially for mentioning Emma who is one of our superstar stewards. I am pleased that once you had explored Athelhampton, you thought the cost of admission was fair, its quite a balance for us, we maintain the best prices possible, but rely on the income to maintain and improve Athelhampton for generations to come. With 18 rooms open to the public, 5 acres of formal gardens, the kitchen garden and the wildlife areas, we hope that it is a full day our for most visitors. Best wishes Owen
    Written 8 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 March 2023
  • MarcusHurley
    Calne, United Kingdom9,564 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden gem but a beautiful house and pretty gardens
    This property is a bit of a hidden gem. We didn't see any signs until we were literally at the car park but it is a beautiful place. All the staff we met - ticket office, cafe and in the house - were fantastic, professional, friendly and helpful. We used our Historic Houses membership to get in and started touring the grounds. A wet April weekend probably wasn't ideal but you could see the potential in the views and vistas and in another month or so the gardens will be fabulous. We only saw one other couple there so it was certainly a peaceful visit. The house itself was, frankly, magnificent. I usually avoid the interior of houses as I find them dull but this was a masterpiece of displaying a home in an engaging way. Each room had an information board that was actually interesting to read, concise and informative. There was a well laid out route that took the over two floors and quite a few rooms, displaying furniture and decor from the Tudor period to the 20th century. We finished our visit with lunch in the cafe which was rather fabulous too. All in all a lovely, relaxing and informative visit - thank you.
    Dear MarcusHurley Many, thanks for the kind review, and especially for mentioning our staff, the team who work so hard to maintain Athelhampton. We have certainly had some wet weekends, and that can make Athelhampton a little more peaceful around the gardens, buT I am pleased that you had a great explore. I am so pleased you explored the house! Best wishes Owen
    Written 8 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 3 April 2023
  • Bargeegirl
    West Sussex, United Kingdom676 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A historic hidden gem.
    Lovely visit to this historic house. The gardens contain some amazing yew hedges meticulously trimmed.We enjoyed the walk along the riverbank and had a nice chat with the owner of the house. Inside the house is like a maze, with lots of rooms to explore. Make sure you go to the cellars, as the interactive display here is worth a visit. The house guide was dressed in costume and very knowledgeable. This house really is a hidden gem of the area.
    Dear Bargeegirl Many thanks for the great 5* review, many thanks! I am so pleased to read that you found the display in the cellar! Best wishes Owen
    Written 8 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 April 2023
  • Jenny C
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Tudor House lovely gardens
    We stopped off here on our way home after reading up on it after finding it in things to do in Dorset. Beautiful house And gardens very well looked after. It was a shame there wasn’t a tour guide however the lady on the door of the house was available And answered all our questions and showed us some special attractions ti the house! It was nice to be able to walk around the house freely and take time to take it all in. We had our dog with us so took it in turns to stay in the garden with her as we went in the house separately with our daughter. The gardens are beautiful and well kept lives the dove house. We didn’t see the ape however we watched most haunted unseen on our return ! Def recommend a visit !
    DearP73HGjennyc Many thanks for the 5* review. Reviews like yours help maintain Athelhampton by bringing more visitors, so that is very kind. We don't have a 'tour guide', but I not that you enjoyed being able to walk around the historic house freely, that is exactly what we intend. We hope to see you again! Best wishes Owen
    Written 8 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 10 April 2023
  • Henryh
    Ruthin, United Kingdom120 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dorchester delight
    Athelampron is an old compact country house with an award winning garden comprising a succession of compartmentalised areas, each with different water features, and gently terraced with linking gateways and short runs of steps. The house is mainly Tudor and somewhat austere with dark panelling. The first floor hosts the Harmsworth rooms, furnished in Art Deco style, representing the 20’s era when Lady H entertained the socialites of the period. Look carefully for the ‘Priest Hole’ before you leave, the guide will help you if you are struggling. A most pleasant cafe, and a surprising bar are at the entrance.
    Dear haoh23 Many thanks for the fabulous 5*review. I am delighted to read that you had a day out at Athelhampton! Best wishes Owen
    Written 8 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 May 2023
  • Chomperpig
    34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thoroughly enjoyable with great picture opportunities
    We spent a very enjoyable four or five hours exploring the house and gardens of this fine stately home. The gardens are beautiful and set amongst fountains, lakes and pyramid hedges. The interior of the house is enchanting and captures the atmosphere of this historic gem. I also met, by chance, a young lady there who sometimes acted as a tour guide. Had a very interesting chat to her (sorry, didn't get her name) and she told me lots of interesting facts about the house and how life was in those times. Great house, great visit. Thank you.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 May 2023
  • Amy C
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning
    Very impressive gardens, gorgeous layout, interesting ponds, absolutely beautiful. Fascinating house full of beautiful antique furniture. Well worth a visit. The children's trail kept our 3 year old entertained. Good selection of lunch options. Definitely not pushchair friendly, take baby in a carrier!
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 May 2023
  • Matthew L
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful and memorable day out at Athelhampton.
    I visited Athelhampton house 7 years ago and revisited today with my family. It was delightful 7 years ago and even lovelier now. The improvements are extensive and have been beautifully done. More rooms and much greater access to rooms make this historic home such a pleasure to visit. Anna, the house guide, was a wonderful mine of interesting information and couldn’t be more obliging, in fact all the staff were helpful and willing to please which makes any visit much more pleasurable.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 May 2023
  • AmyDoherty
    Maidstone, United Kingdom19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Delightful
    One of the best houses and gardens we have visited in a long time. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the garden which takes you on a journey through a series of rooms and areas, all very beautiful with plenty of interest. The house is also very interesting and the guides very welcoming and full of interesting facts. Would highly recommend
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 June 2023
  • Tharsheblows
    Essex, United Kingdom25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A perfect place to wander
    A most beautiful garden - a collection of "rooms" with a surprise round every corner. Entering the house is like a trip into a long-gone age - nothing grand, it still has the sense of life in the 15th century. A good cafe and gift shop too!
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 10 June 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles908 reviews
Excellent
643
Very good
192
Average
45
Poor
13
Terrible
15

KERNOW1991
Salisbury, UK3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
We really enjoyed our visit to Athelhampton house. The new owner has done a wonderful job carefully restoring many period features in the house such as the Oak Room panelling and the Library with a 1915 Imperial Billiard Table. The gardens were also very impressive and in particularly good condition for mid-February. We will return - many thanks for a wonderful visit.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

carolharwood
Plymouth, UK30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
Absolutely beautiful Tudor manor house and gardens with a well explained and document history. The current owners have created a gorgeous property that is accessible with very few items being 'off limits'. The staff are so warm and welcoming and are obviously very proud of this beautiful property. Special mention to Gemma, the chef, who went out of her way to accommodate a change to our lunch booking and made sure that the staff found us and let us know. The Sunday roast carvery was amazing. Thank you all for such a lovely visit.
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah B
Teignmouth, UK267 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Solo
Athelhampton House was built in 1485, right at the start of the reign of the Tudors. It has had a few additions and extensions down the years but still has the feel of a beautiful and tastefully presented ancient manor house. The interiors are exquisite and the new owner has made excellent choices with appropriate period furnishings and decor. The guide was helpful and knowledgeable. The garden is brilliantly maintained and looks good whatever the season. If you are travelling with your canine friend they are welcome to walk with you round the gardens, at a small entrance fee.
Written 20 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Diane K
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
Lesley the guide in the House was very knowledgeable informative and entertaining with details to share about the history and stories of the house and current day plans etc.
Very relaxed inviting informal and friendly attitude and atmosphere as we walked round. Worth every penny for a January visit. Gardens as you would expect in the winter but definitely worth a re visit in the spring or summer especially walking by the river.
Lunch was of good standard in the cafe as well.
Written 17 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Go673972
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
Despite it being a grey and chilly day, Athelhampton House was an unexpected gem. The garden was beautifully laid out and the house and its long and chequered history brought to life by our entertaing and informed guide Lesley. The house felt welcoming and we were invited to sit in the rooms and touch most exhibits, allowing us to fully experience the feel of the house. The food in the cafe was great and all of the staff super friendly. Thanks for a lovely day.
Written 17 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lntraveller2015
Wiltshire, UK3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
We really enjoyed out day out at Athelhampton. The staff were fantastic - they went out of their way to advise and help, which was much appreciated. We were lucky and had a bright and sunny, although cold day. The gardens were lovely and you could really see how stunning they would be in the spring/summer so we will definitely come back then. The river running through was so clear. We particularly liked the pyramid yews and the various 'garden' rooms. Inside the house was fascinating, with lots of rooms to see - it was such a maze of passages and we were fascinated to see all the little doors leading to other places. Thanks for sharing Athelhampton with us.
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hove-Gull
Brighton and Hove, UK184 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Visiting in November we did not expect much from the garden, though it is obvious even in winter that the garden is quite special.
The house was very interesting but our guide Lesley made it come alive. She was the only guide in the house but would turn up in various rooms and add so much to the experience. Well done and thank you.
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Hove-Gull Many thanks for the great 5***** review, and for mentioning Lesley, one of our fabulous house stewards! Best wishes Owen
Written 13 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Julie G
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Friends
What a fabulous house!! Beautifully presented, full of quirky things and hidden staircases. (You really have to see the bath!!) The people there were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and clearly loved the place. It felt more like exploring a real home than looking at a preserved house. Oh and the cafe was excellent for a light lunch. The gardens are still being restored but so interesting.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear juliegS6699RG Many thanks for the great review. I am delighted to read that you had a great time exploring the house. As you mentioned there is a great deal of work going on in the gardens, lots of planning for next year, and some new planting schemes and a whole garden being restored! Hope to see you again.! Best wishes Owen
Written 13 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sue
Poole, UK125 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
A day to remember indeed!
From its amazing history and house, wonderful gardens, and the best tea room/restaurant ever! Great items in the shop, too. Lesley was a brilliant guide around the house. Her enthusiasm was infectious and brought the history of the house alive. You could wander at leisure, sitting on room seating and touching the 1325 olde 'filing cabinet'! You were absorbing the atmosphere in every amazing room, passage, and nook. Matilda was a most pleasant and efficient waitress in the tea room where the menu was 5 🌟 star. The blue viney and mushroom baked potato was the best baked potato I've ever had. The cakes were delicious too. We had the most memorable, enjoyable and wonderful day. Three cheers to Athelhampton 👏👏👏👏👏A must to visit.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 667sueg That is a really lovely review, thank you so much. I am pleased to read the mention of the restaurant and food, and big thanks for shouting out about my colleagues Matilda and Lesley! I do hope you will call in and see all the amazing things we have planned for 2024! Thanks again, Gemma
Written 20 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

FoodTravelMusicLove
Maidstone39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Business
Check out our visual video review on Youtube by searching Athelhampton House Dorset Tripadvisor Review or check our channel at FoodTravelMusicLove.com

LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Brown tourist signs help locating the property
Small car park and one coach space but a tight entrance
As with many stately homes the accessibility is not good for wheelchairs or mobility issues to visit the second floor but the ground floor is good and flat


FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Good clean toilets and a fantastic well stocked shop, cafe and licensed bar
Also function room for groups and parties
Guided tours available, signs and information boards and knowledgeable staff to ask on your way round

FOOD AND DRINK
Lovely home made cakes and a full menu available that looked really nice but not sampled by us. Our video shows the lovely options available

OFFICIAL FOODTRAVELMUSICLOVE.COM RATING

In our professional opinion Athelhampton House offers fairly good value for money at around £18pp for the house and gardens, albeit a little pricey compared to other similar properties

Our official rating is 9/10, equal to a Tripadvisor rating of 5 stars.

Excellent example of a British stately home
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear rossub40 Many thanks for the in-depth review. I trust that it will bring you great success on Youtube. Just one thing... you write "a little pricey compared to similar properties" Athelhampton is a Grade 1 listed house with 20 rooms open to the public and has award-winning Grade 1 listed gardens, around 12 acres in total, with 4 as formal gardens, and 1 as a kitchen garden, an adult visit is £18. Mapperton is £18.50, Sherborne Castle £17, Forde Abbey £18, Kingston Lacy £18, I think our pricing is spot on. Best wishes Owen
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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ATHELHAMPTON HOUSE AND GARDENS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Athelhampton House and Gardens

Athelhampton House and Gardens is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 - 16:00


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