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Athelhampton House Gardens

The award-winning gardens at Athelhampton, surround the Tudor manor house, and date from 1891. The Great Court with 12 giant yew topiary pyramids is overlooked by two terraced pavilions. This glorious Grade I architectural garden is full of vistas with spectacular planting, ponds with fountains and the River Piddle flowing past.

Owner Info

Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens
Athelhampton House Gardens

About Athelhampton House Gardens

The ancient Manor of Pydele as it is known in the Doomsday book, was home to a Deer park in Tudor times. In 1891, a young man, Alfred Cart de Lafontaine purchasds Athelhampton to create an Arts & Crafts style architectural garden. Designed by Francis Inigo Thomas, over 40,000 tonnes of Ham stone are bought to site. The Ham-Stone ‘rooms’ feature contrasting planting that changes with the seasons. Subsequent owners have left their own mark upon the 20 acre gardens, enlarging, refining & enhancing. The Edwardian kitchen garden is part of a 10 year plan to provide low food miles produce to our restaurant and shop.

Website:

https://www.athelhampton.co.uk

Athelhampton House Gardens features

  • Autumn Colours
  • Bed & Breakfast Available
  • Coaches Allowed
  • Cottage Garden
  • Daffodils
  • Dahlias
  • Dog friendly
  • Historical Garden
  • Picnics
  • Plants for sale
  • Refreshments
  • Roses
  • Tulips
  • Vegetable Area
  • Wheelchair access

Location details

Athelhampton House Gardens,
Dorchester,
Dorset,
DT2 7LG

Directions to Athelhampton House Gardens
5m E of Dorchester well signed off A35 trunk road at Puddletown. Easily reached from A31 Ringwood, & A354 Blandford Forum.

Athelhampton House Gardens openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Coffee, lunches & afternoon tea are available daily. Adm is for garden only. Tickets to visit the house can be bought on the day.
Admission Adult: £12.50
Child: Free
Opening times 10:00-17:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Coffee, lunches & afternoon tea are available daily. Adm is for garden only. Tickets to visit the house can be bought on the day.
Admission Adult: £12.50
Child: Free
Opening times 10:00-17:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Coffee, lunches & afternoon tea are available daily. Adm is for garden only. Tickets to visit the house can be bought on the day.
Admission Adult: £12.50
Child: Free
Opening times 10:00-15:30

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair map to guide you around the gardens. There are accessible toilets in the Visitor Centre. Please see our Accessibility Guide on our website.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Yes, coaches are accepted at  Athelhampton House Gardens. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Yes, dogs are welcome at  Athelhampton House Gardens. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at  Athelhampton House Gardens, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Athelhampton House Gardens are accessible to wheelchair users.

Athelhampton House Gardens is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.