Mapperton House is a historic manor house surrounded by gardens and countryside near Beaminster in West Dorset. The estate is the family home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich and includes the house, Italianate gardens and Mapperton Wildlands.
The house is mainly Jacobean in appearance, although parts of the building date from different periods. It contains historic paintings, furniture, naval pictures and family portraits connected with the Earls of Sandwich.
Location: Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3NR (Google map)
Website: https://mapperton.com
Mapperton House
Mapperton was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and has passed through several families during its long history. It became the home of the family of the Earl of Sandwich in 1955.
The house contains rooms and furnishings from several periods, together with paintings by artists including Sir Peter Lely, Sir Joshua Reynolds and William Hogarth. The collection also reflects the naval and political history of the Montagu family.
John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, served as First Lord of the Admiralty and supported Captain James Cook’s voyages of exploration. He is also traditionally credited with popularising the sandwich.
In 2006, Mapperton was named the “Nation’s Finest Manor House” by Country Life magazine. The estate has also appeared as a filming location, including in the 2015 adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd.
Visits to the house are by guided tour. Tours last approximately 50 minutes and are not considered suitable for very young children. House admission also includes access to the American Heiress Exhibition.
Mapperton Gardens
The gardens descend through a sheltered valley below the house and combine formal terraces with woodland, pools and more natural planting.
The Italianate Garden includes stone paths, clipped hedges, fountains, an orangery and an ornamental pool. Farther down the valley, the gardens become less formal, with mature trees, shrubs, woodland walks and views across the surrounding estate.
Visitors should be aware that parts of the garden are steep and include steps and uneven paths.
Mapperton Wildlands
Mapperton Wildlands forms part of a nature-recovery project across the wider estate. Visitors can explore the area on a self-guided safari through countryside where farming practices and natural processes are being used to encourage wildlife and restore habitats.
Tickets are available for the Wildlands alone or combined with entry to Mapperton Gardens.
Mapperton House Opening Times 2026
Mapperton House, Gardens and Wildlands are open on selected dates from Sunday 1 March until Saturday 31 October 2026.
Mapperton is normally closed on Fridays and Saturdays, except for special events.
5 April to 1 October 2026
Monday to Thursday: 10am–5pm
Sunday: 11am–4pm
4 to 29 October 2026
Sunday to Thursday: 11am–3pm
The house closes for the season on Thursday 22 October 2026.
Last admission to Mapperton Gardens and Wildlands is one hour before closing.
Guided House Tours
During March and October, guided tours normally begin at: 12pm & 1pm
From April to September, tours normally begin at: 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
Tour spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended.
The Coach House Café and Mapperton Wildlands generally follow the same seasonal opening dates and hours. The house, gardens or café may occasionally close for private functions and special events, so check the Mapperton website before travelling.
Mapperton Ticket Prices 2026
Peak Season: April to September
| Ticket | Adult | Child* | Family** |
|---|---|---|---|
| House and Gardens | £20 | £7 | £45 |
| Gardens Only | £15 | £5 | £35 |
| Gardens and Wildlands | £20 | £7 | £45 |
| Wildlands Only | £15 | £5 | £35 |
The House and Gardens ticket includes a guided tour of Mapperton House.
Shoulder Season: March and October
| Ticket | Adult | Child* | Family** |
| House and Gardens | £15 | £5 | £35 |
| Gardens Only | £10 | £5 | £25 |
| Gardens and Wildlands | £15 | £5 | £35 |
Tickets can be booked through the official Mapperton website, and advance booking is recommended for guided house tours.
Information last checked: 24 July 2026.
Facilities
Facilities at Mapperton include:
- The Coach House Café
- Visitor toilets
- A shop
- On-site parking
- Guided house tours
- Garden and countryside walks
The café and other parts of the estate may close for special events. Visitors should check the official website before making a journey specifically to visit the house or café.
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Related Pages: Forde Abbey / Bridport / West Bay Beach / Lyme Regis / Dorchester / Weymouth