Mottisfont Abbey

Mottisfont Abbey is a former Augustinian priory in Hampshire converted into a country house that now serves as a museum run by the National Trust. The estate features extensive gardens, walking paths through woodland areas, and houses a permanent art collection spanning different periods.

William Briwere founded the Augustinian priory in 1201, which Sir William Sandys converted into a residence after the 1536 dissolution of monasteries. This transformation allowed the medieval structure to survive and serve new purposes through the following centuries.

The house displays Rex Whistler's decorated drawing rooms and Derek Hill's twentieth-century art collection, representing different periods of British artistic expression. These works show how tastes in art changed over time through the rooms of the same building.

The site is equipped for visitors with different mobility needs and offers on-site dining options for refreshments and meals. Those who enjoy walking will find numerous paths to explore through the woodlands and surrounding landscape.

The grounds contain one of Britain's largest London plane trees and the national collection of pre-1900 rose varieties, which flower each June. These rare historical rose types are seldom found elsewhere and draw gardeners and plant enthusiasts to see them bloom.

Location: Mottisfont

Inception: 13 century

Operator: National Trust

Part of: National Trust

Address: Mottisfont, nr Romsey SO51 0LP

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont

GPS coordinates: 51.04113,-1.53488

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02