Discover Mapperton Gardens: West Dorset’s Hidden Gem

It’s easy to overlook places like Mapperton Gardens. Tucked away in the countryside of West Dorset, it’s not shouting for attention. But that’s part of the charm. I visited on one of those perfect English summer days: deep blue sky, barely a cloud. Whether you’re a seasoned garden lover or simply seeking a peaceful afternoon in nature, Maperhorn’s charm is undeniable.

Exploring the Gardens at Mapperton House

The gardens

Winner of the 2020 Historic Houses Garden of the Year award, Mapperton’s grounds are officially Grade II* listed, recognised for their national importance and exceptional design. These aren’t just pretty gardens; they’re a living piece of English heritage.

Terraced landscaping at Mapperton Gardens

Formal garden design at Mapperton Gardens

Lower down in the garden, there’s a long, narrow basin lined with stone.

All Saints church

Just beyond the estate lies All Saints Church, with its medieval roots and 15th-century tower base. Remodeled in 1704 and again in 1846, it’s worth a quiet visit if you’re exploring the area.

inside All Saints church, Mapperton Gardens

The orangery

One of the highlights of the Mapperton House & Gardens was the Orangery, tucked into one of the lower terraces, with tall windows and a slightly weathered charm. It’s a peaceful spot, filled with light and a few citrus plants, and it looks out over the garden in a way that makes you want to pause for a while.

Mapperton House

The House itself is beautiful, a sandstone manor with centuries of history behind it. But the real surprise is the gardens. It wasn’t crowded, which helped. A few other visitors wandered through the grounds, mostly in pairs or small groups.

Coach House Café

After exploring the Mapperton Gardens, I stopped by the Coach House Café. It’s a relaxed spot with indoor and outdoor seating, offering light meals, sandwiches, cakes, and a good selection of teas and coffee. The café is open Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm (11am to 4pm on Sundays) from late March through September. Dogs are welcome in the café and on the wider estate walks, as long as they’re kept on leads.

Mapperton House and Gardens doesn’t feel like a big attraction, and I mean that in the best way. It’s refined but unpretentious, well-kept but not sterile. It’s the kind of place you leave feeling like you’ve had a real break from things.