Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton House
View on Google MapsPhoto: Athelhampton House & Gardens
About Athelhampton House and Gardens
Step into centuries of history at this magnificent Tudor manor surrounded by award-winning formal gardens, where families can explore grand rooms, enchanting topiary, and scenic grounds together.
What's nearby
- SPASE Architects & Surveyors next door
- The Orthodox Christian Church of Saint Edward next door
- Somerville next door
- Athelleaze next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Marvellous Medieval House that's privately owned. The new owner since 2019 has obviously invested a lot of time and money by introducing solar and ground source heat pump technology along with renovation work. The gardens are delightful and well worth visiting! The young lady who conducted the house tour is a Gem - an amazing memory and general history knowledge as well as her knowledge of the house and local area, all combined with nice gentle humour! The Gardens are stunning! One of the best country house visitsweve done!. Lunch and coffee in the café were also very good..
· via Google
Quite an impressive place. The gardens are beautiful with a surprising number of separate areas with fountains and pools. There were quite a lot of plants in flower when we visited in early May. It would have been good to sit and linger and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Inside you can discover the history of the house and Thomas Hardy's connection with it. There is a lot to see in this well preserved house. There is a good restaurant which did get busy while we were there. In the car park there are a lot of EV charging stations. It's just an impressive place, we will definitely go back. We used the Gardeners World 2 for 1 card to get a reduction on the entry price.
· via Google
A fine Tudor house with a rich history. You can visit quite a few rooms at your own pace or take a guided tour. The staff are helpful and kind. The gardens are lovely although some parts are undergoing renovation. The River Piddle flows by and makes for a relaxing moment with the birdsong and breeze blowing through the trees. The cafe has gluten-free options and a variety of cakes for afternoon tea.
· via Google
Athelhampton thoroughly deserves a 5 star rating, the house is so interesting and the free guided tour was absolutely superb. The rooms are able to be explored without being kept back by rope cordons and there is a pleasant relaxed vibe. The gardens are lovely to stroll around and do visit the restaurant, the food is superb and very fairly priced!
· via Google
Visitors say this historic house and gardens offer a beautiful and interesting experience, with many rooms to explore and well-maintained gardens featuring water features and topiary. They also highlight the excellent food in the restaurant and cafe, including delicious cream teas and Sunday carvery, and appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Athelhampton Road, Dorchester, DT2 7LG Get directions
- Category
- Historic Houses & Gardens
- Guest rating
- 4.6 / 5 (1,358 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Suggested visit
- 3-4 hours
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Dorchester