Mapperton House and Gardens
"The finest manor house in England."
Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
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.
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.
Mapperton Gardens are open from 31 March until 30 September 2024, Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm (11am to 5pm on Sundays). Last entry to the Gardens is at 4pm.
Mapperton House is open from 31 March until 30 September 2024, Sunday to Thursday. The house is open for guided tours only, starting 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Tour spaces are limited so we recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment.
The Coach House Café will open from 31 March until 30 September 2024, Sunday to Thursday 10am to 4pm (11am to 4pm on Sundays).
Please note that Mapperton is closed on Fridays and Saturdays (except for special events).
Occasionally the House, Gardens and Coach House are closed for special events; please check the website and social media before your visit.
Historic Houses members get into gardens and house for free. House access is via house tours only, which can be booked on arrival (subject to availability). See the Mapperton website for more details.
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.
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
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 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).
Houses nearby
Minterne House & Gardens
Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU
Forde Abbey
Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Buller's Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
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