Houses and or gardens to visit
Here is a list of houses and gardens we recommend you visit. These are not National Trust properties, but privately owned. They range from just 7.5 miles to 25 miles from Quiet Woman House, and from wild and natural to formal. Please check individual websites for property details.
Mapperton Manor House and Gardens. DT8 3NR
www.mapperton.com
Mapperton manor house is 7.5 miles from Quiet Woman House. The gardens are a mix of formal and wild. There is a cafe for refreshments. Tours of the Jacobean manor house must be pre-arranged. Please see their website for details.
Town Tree Nature Garden. TA12 6AP
www.towntreenaturegarden.co.uk
Town Tree Gardens are just 14.5 miles from Quiet Woman House. There are no refreshments available at the time of writing. This is nature at it's best, remote, quiet and natural. Pathways to follow, lot's to see, including some unique artworks. It can be a little boggy in places even in summer! Please check their website for details.
East Lambrook Cottage Garden. TA13 5HH.
www.eastlambrook.com
East Lambrook cottage garden was created by Margery Fish. The cottage is 15 miles from Quiet Woman House. There is a cafe for refreshments. Please check their website for details.
Minterene Gardens. DT2 7AU.
www.minterne.co.uk
Minterne gardens are just 12 miles from Quiet Woman House. There are trails to follow and refreshments are served outside on the terrace weather permitting.
Veiw from the terrace is of the rolling Dorset countryside at it's best. The gardens are well stocked with Azaleas, Japanese Cherry and Rhododendrons.
Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens. DT3 4LA
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk.
Abbotsbury gardens can be found just 22 miles from Quiet Woman House. They are set on the Jurassic coastline a world heritage site right next to the swannery, which is well worth a visit in itself.
The gardens, as the name sugggests feature several sub-tropical plants. Magnolias, Azaleas and rhododendrons are also in abundance.
There is a cafe for refreshments. Please check their website for details.
Forde Abbey. TA20 4LU.
www.fordeabbey.co.uk.
Forde Abbey is currently home to the Kennard family, but most of the house is open to visitors. The gardens are extensive, and offer a full variety of plants and settings.
It is famed for it's fountain, which is impressive.
There is a cafe for refreshments and lunches. Please check their website for details.
Athlehampton House and Gardens. DT2 7LG
www.athlehampton.com
Athlehampton is a 15th century manor house with mainly formal gardens.
There is a short river walk and the house is open to visitors. There is an interesting connection to Thomas Hardy.
The restaurant serves refreshments including full cooked dinners and Sunday roast.
Please check their website for details.
