Mapperton Gardens to star in Smithsonian Channel special
Mapperton House and Gardens are set to hit the small screen in two television specials during the run-up to Christmas. The West Dorset home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich is being featured in the hit series An American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates, to be broadcast in both the UK and the US.
In the two special episodes Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, introduces life at Mapperton including Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations at the historic house, located just outside Beaminster.
The first episode ‘Welcome to Mapperton’ will air in the UK on the Smithsonian Channel at 8pm on Tuesday 1 December. It features the Earl and Countess of Sandwich talking about the house and gardens, a family Thanksgiving meal at Mapperton and a trip to Belgium to learn about tapestry restoration.
The second episode ‘Christmas at Mapperton’ will broadcast at 8pm on Tuesday 8 December. Viewers will enjoy a Victorian Christmas feast prepared in the Mapperton kitchens with celebrity chef Darina Allen well as a tour of the stunning Christmas market at Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey) with the Countess of Carnarvon.
Julie Montagu says: “I have been travelling around Britain’s finest historic houses to learn how they are adapting and thriving in the 21st century.
“Now it’s time to focus on my own family’s estate. It has been great fun to film here at our home and I hope these special episodes will enable viewers to see what really goes on behind-the-scenes here at Mapperton.”
Smithsonian Channel is available on Sky channel 173, Freeview channel 57, Freesat channel 175 and Virgin Media channel 295.
The Gardens at Mapperton were recently voted the Historic Houses’ Garden of the Year 2020 after winning a public vote.
Mapperton Gardens are now open Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 5pm. The Winter Special Offer price for November and December is £5 for adults & free for under 16’s until 17 December. Garden tickets should be purchased in advance and are available online.
Read more...
Read more stories
Family Fairy Door Trail Returns to Painshill for Autumn 2023
Painshill, in Surrey, invites families to enjoy an enchanting fairy tale adventure in a landscape full of stunning autumnal colour.
The Leaves are Falling and Autumn is Calling as Dalemain Celebrates Harvest Time on Sunday 17 September
From bees to beer, apples to agriculture, there will be something for everyone at Dalemain’s Harvest Festival.
Showcasing the Treasures of Chawton House
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of opening to the public, Chawton House will be bringing together some of the most precious treasures in the collection for the first time.