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Mapperton House and Gardens

"The finest manor house in England."

Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR

Mapperton House historic country estate
Free for members
Facilities
  • Accessible loos
  • Accessible parking
  • Cafe / restaurant
  • Facilities for children
  • Free parking
  • Mostly wheelchair accessible
  • Parkland / open spaces
  • Pet friendly
  • Picnic area
  • Shop
for the latest information.
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair ramps/routes
  • Accessible toilets
  • Accessible parking
Does our information need updating?
Let us know here

Mapperton House is the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. The family moved here from Hinchingbrooke House, near Huntingdon, in the 1950s, bringing with it the family collection.

Mapperton was voted ‘The Nations Finest Manor House’ by Country Life and was principal location of 2015 film ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’.

It is a glorious Jacobean manor overlooking a 15 acre Italianate garden, with orangery, topiary and borders, descending ponds and arboretum. The house has outstanding views of Dorset hills and woodlands.

The house and gardens welcome visitors and Mapperton also hosts weddings.

Opening Times

Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.

View website

Gardens Open March – September, Sunday – Thursday 10am – 5pm
Cafe Open March – September Sunday – Friday 10am – 4pm
House Open for tours April – September  Sunday – Thursday 12pm – 3pm

 

Admission

Historic Houses members get into gardens for free. House tours must be booked in advance for a £5 supplement.

 

Group Visits

We welcome group visits both for just gardens, house and gardens or for private tours of the rewilding estate.

Group rates are available for pre-booked groups of ten people and over

Check the website for further information on group visits.

for the latest information.
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair ramps/routes
  • Accessible toilets
  • Accessible parking
Does our information need updating?
Let us know here

Getting here

Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR

2 miles southeast of Beaminster, follow brown signs on B3163.

You can travel to Crewkerne train station, then take a taxi from Crewkerne to Mapperton.

Lord David Cecil, Some Dorset Country Houses, 1955

Throughout the house, the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries meet each other at every turn. Yet, – and this is notably characteristic of Mapperton – they do not quarrel. Diversity never means discord. Rather the different ages combine to create an unexpected and richer harmony.

Mapperton Gardens won Garden of the Year 2020

Lilly James and the Countess of Sandwich filming Rebecca for Netflix in 2020

Mapperton stars in new Netflix film

Mapperton House and Gardens has another starring role in a new film version of Daphne du Maurier’s classic Gothic novel “Rebecca” released on Netflix today (Wednesday 21 October).

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Forde Abbey in Somerset
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Forde Abbey

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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

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Mapperton Gardens sunshine

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