Mapperton has been acclaimed by Country Life magazine as ‘the nation’s finest manor house’, and it’s easy to see why. This spectacular Jacobean manor, home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, sits above breathtaking Italianate valley gardens that cascade down the hillside in a series of terraces, ponds, and formal parterres. The 1540s manor house features magnificent Tudor and Jacobean architecture with beautifully preserved interiors showcasing family portraits, antique furniture, and fascinating historical artifacts. The gardens are a horticultural masterpiece with classical statuary, topiary, roses, and vibrant herbaceous borders. The upper garden offers stunning views across the estate, while the lower gardens lead to peaceful woodland walks. The orangery houses a delightful café, and the Coach House contains local crafts and gifts. Mapperton frequently appears in film and television productions.
Photo by Ian Andrews from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Mapperton House & Gardens
Location
Photo Gallery
Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more places within 10km
Beaminster (Market Town)
Beautiful honey-stone market town with imposing church tower and Hardy literary connections.
Beaminster (Market Town)
Beautiful honey-stone market town with imposing church tower and Hardy literary connections.
Pilsdon Pen
Dorset's second-highest hill at 277m with Iron Age fort and spectacular panoramic views.
Bridport Museum
800 years of rope-making history plus fossils, local heritage, and live demonstrations.
Evershot Village
Picturesque stone village immortalized as 'Evershed' in Thomas Hardy's 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles'.
Colmer's Hill
Iconic conical hill crowned with pine trees - one of Dorset's most photographed landmarks.