# Athelhampton House and Gardens, Dorchester — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > 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. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/attractions/athelhampton-house-and-gardens (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Tourist Attraction # Athelhampton House and Gardens Athelhampton House [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12316135132063800628&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Athelhampton House & Gardens](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/113579227617654531457) **In short:** Athelhampton House and Gardens is an attraction in Dorchester, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,358 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## 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 Toilets Free Wifi Gift Shop Onsite Parking Accessible Toilets Baby Changing Food Available Wheelchair Friendly Dog Friendly Pushchair Friendly Card Payments Accepted ## 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 [Lea South (Leasouth)](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110152229771682529252/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [Tom King](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109318808153563047135/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [stephanie Meteyer](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107033853365280721907/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [Mark Dicker](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105442754612820628139/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487253fa87150bad:0xaaebb3a6205f1d34!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) 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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=50.7476283%2C-2.3265416) **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 [More attractions in Dorchester](https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/attractions) ★ 4.6 (1,358 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.athelhampton.co.uk/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01305 848363](tel:01305848363) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Dorchester **Postcode** DT2 7LG **Payment** Cards, Contactless **Plus Code** 9C2VPMXF+39 [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487253fa87150bad:0xaaebb3a6205f1d34!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487253fa87150bad:0xaaebb3a6205f1d34!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487253fa87150bad:0xaaebb3a6205f1d34!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Dorchester Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DDorchester%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Athelhampton House and Gardens? Athelhampton House and Gardens is open Mon–Sun 9:30am–5pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Athelhampton House and Gardens any good? Athelhampton House and Gardens is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,358 Google reviews. ### Is Athelhampton House and Gardens good for children? Yes, Athelhampton House and Gardens is listed as good for children. ### How long do you need at Athelhampton House and Gardens? Allow three to four hours. ### Is Athelhampton House and Gardens indoors or outdoors? Athelhampton House and Gardens has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is Athelhampton House and Gardens suitable for? Athelhampton House and Gardens suits all ages. ### Is Athelhampton House and Gardens wheelchair accessible? Athelhampton House and Gardens has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at Athelhampton House and Gardens? Yes: free car park, paid car park and free street parking. ### How do I contact Athelhampton House and Gardens? Call Athelhampton House and Gardens on +44 1305 848363. ## Stay near Athelhampton House and Gardens [Holiday cottages nearby 219](https://staycation.co.uk/near/athelhampton-house-and-gardens/cottages) [Campsites nearby 52](https://staycation.co.uk/near/athelhampton-house-and-gardens/camping) ## More near Athelhampton House and Gardens ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [The Oak at Dewlish ★ 4.6 · 2.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/hotels/the-oak-at-dewlish) - [Guest Suite at 31 Little England ★ 4.9 · 2.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/blandford-forum/hotels/guest-suite-at-31-little-england) - [Higher Waterston Farm ★ 4.7 · 2.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/hotels/higher-waterston-farm) - [The Rivers Arms ★ 4.6 · 3.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/hotels/the-rivers-arms) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [No.1 The Old School 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorset/cottages/no-1-the-old-school-ukc2567) - [Old School Retreat 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorset/cottages/old-school-retreat-uk45936) - [Miller's Cottage 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorset/cottages/millers-cottage-syk1160443) - [The Old School Cottage 1.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorset/cottages/the-old-school-cottage-syk20691) ### Campsites nearby - [Southover Woods ★ 4.5 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorset/camping/southover-woods) - [Moreton Camping and Caravanning Club Site ★ 4.4 · 3.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorset/camping/moreton-camping-and-caravanning-club-site) - [Thorncombe Farm ★ 4.8 · 3.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorset/camping/thorncombe-farm) - [Crossways Caravan and Motorhome Club Site ★ 4.6 · 3.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorset/camping/crossways-caravan-and-motorhome-club-site) ### Things to do nearby - [Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park ★ 4.6 · 4.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/attractions/kingston-maurward-gardens-animal-park) - [Warmwell Fisheries ★ 4.5 · 4.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/attractions/warmwell-fisheries) - [Warmwell Snowsports Centre ★ 4.6 · 4.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dorchester/attractions/warmwell-snowsports-centre) - [Dorset Country Pumpkins ★ 5.0 · 4.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/blandford-forum/attractions/dorset-country-pumpkins)