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
Lydiard House Museum to reopen with new special exhibition and family activity for Easter
The historic State Rooms of Lydiard House Museum are reopening this April with a new special exhibition and family activity in time for the Easter holidays.
Leighton Hall proud to be winners at this years’ Red Rose Awards
Leighton Hall has succeeded in winning the Environmental, Social and Governance award at Lancashire Business View’s Red Rose Awards
Tourism Investment Helps Uncover the Historic Lost Garden at Montalto Estate
Montalto Estate, in rural Co. Down, is getting ready to unveil a significant new tourism experience called The Lost Garden Trail.