Mapperton House & Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset
Country Life labelled this ‘The Nation’s Finest Manor House’ so if you need a good reason to visit it, there you are. Mapperton House & Gardens just outside of Beaminster in Dorset is home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, and how very lucky they are to live here – the setting is nothing short of glorious, in a deep coombe with rolling hills and fields as the backdrop, utterly beautiful in all seasons. The 15 acres grounds are a dream, with lots of topiary, a croquet lawn, an Italianate garden that leads onto a summer house and two fish ponds, and then a wild area with specimen shrubs and trees. You can buy tickets for the house and gardens or just the gardens, and groups are welcome by appointment. The good news is that half the garden is wheelchair accessible, but dogs are not allowed anywhere other than the car park and just outside the Coach House Café.
Throughout the year there are events held at Mapperton - Snowdrop Sundays in February, an Easter Egg Hunt, Shakespeare in the Garden in the summer, Creepy Crawly Shows and Halloween Fun Days. All wonderful of course, so if you catch any of them, good for you.
Open: Early March to end October, Sun-Thurs 10.00 am-5.00 pm
T: 01308 862645 All information correct at the time of writing