Mapperton Manor House & Gardens

Mapperton Gardens is a romantic valley garden deep in a lost Dorset combe among tumbling hills and unspoilt countryside. The gardens descend from the great lawn, through the formal topiary down to the woodland garden. The manor house with its church,stable block, coach house, dovecote and courtyard identifies with its countryside; a glorious harmony of golden sandstone. Pevsner's Dorset guide says "there can hardly be a more enchanting manorial group than Mapperton."

The house, Elizabethan in origin, enlarged in the late 1670s, is a marvellous example of a West Country manor in symmetry with its surroundings; growing into the landscape with every century.

Events and Weddings

Mapperton Gardens is an ideal setting for your complete wedding day in one place. It is a stunning and versatlie location and you and your guests will have exclusive use of the glorious and romantic garden surrounding one of Britain's finest manor houses.

Civil wedding and partnership ceremonies at Mapperton take place at either the Garden Pavilion or in The Sawmill.

We cater for receptions of all sizes and styles; from an intimate sit down dinner in The Sawmill to a wedding breakfast and evening party in a marquee on the croquet lawn. The idyllic surroundings are a photographer’s dream as well as a perfect place for your guests to relax and enjoy the tranquil beauty. Mapperton is available for weddings and receptions throughout the year.

Corporate events and festivals are by special arrangement. For these events, we are happy to advise on local caterers, suppliers, marquee rental, transport and accommodation.

Garden

The valley gardens at Mapperton reflect at least three periods of history. On the upper level, close to the house, is the Italianate garden laid out by Ethel Labouchere in her husband's memory in the 1920s, complete with grottoes, stone ornamental birds and animals and a fountain court. Below the wall and summer house are 17th century fish ponds. An orangery was added by Victor Montagu, former MP for South Dorset, who extended the lower garden with specimen shrubs and trees in the 1950s.

The gardens contain many secret paths and walks. The surrounding countryside is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with many bridle paths and public rights of way. Further up the hill, looking east, there are views of Eggardon Hill and Hooke Park, and to the west and south, Beaminster, Lewesden Hill, Pilsdon Pen, Bridport and the cliffs along Lyme Bay.