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A great day out in Dorset
Athelhampton nestles in the Piddle valley, between Tolpuddle and Puddletown, and is easily reached from the A35 main road.
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The ancient manor of Athelhampton has been continually lived in since Saxon times. The manor is mentioned in the Domesday book.
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The current house was largely constructed in Tudor times, with the Great Hall built by Sir William Martyn in 1485, considered one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture in England.
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The house was extended in Elizabethan times when the West Wing and Kitchen Wings were added. The Kitchen opened to the public for the first time in 2022.
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In 1891, Athelhampton was purchased by the young Victorian gentleman, Alfred Cart de Lafontaine who created the fabulous award-winning gardens that surround the house and restored the house taking advice from his friend and mentor Thomas Hardy.
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Why not come and visit? Athelhampton is open throughout the seasons, with a restaurant, and gift shop.
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Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 5pm
(last admission is 4pm)
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Closed Saturday 7th October 2023
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Garden Admission:​
Adult: £12.00 (18 and over)
Student: £9.00 (12 to 17)
Child: Free (12 and under)
Dog: £1.00
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House & Garden Admission:​
Adult: £18.00 (18 and over)
Student: £15.00 (12 to 17)
Child: Free (12 and under)
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Visitors whose mobility or vision prevents them from fully enjoying Athelhampton on their own are advised to purchase their ticket at reception and apply for a free carer ticket
Memberships:​
Historic Houses
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Location:​
Athelhampton House
Athelhampton
DT2 7LG
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Gardens for all seasons
The ancient Manor of Pydele as it is known in the Doomsday book, was home to a Deerpark in Tudor times.
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In 1891, a young man, Alfred Cart de Lafontaine purchased Athelhampton to create his Arts & Crafts style architectural gardens.
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The Ham-Stone compartments present contrasting planting that changes with the seasons.
Subsequent owners have left their own mark upon the 12-acre gardens, enlarging, refining & enhancing them.
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The Edwardian kitchen garden is part of a 10-year plan to provide low food miles produce to our restaurant and shop.
A House for all seasons
In 1485, the same year at the Battle of Bosworth, William Martyn inherited Athelhampton from his father.
William built the Tudor Great Hall, and his son, and grandsons extend the house, adding the west wing and gatehouse.
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The Martyn line died out in 1595 and the house was divided, between four Martyn daughters, for the following centuries the manor is used as a farmhouse.
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In 1840 the divide is reunited and the house prospered, over the next 100 years successive owners make their own changes, adding to Athelhampton's rich history.
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In 2019 the Estate changes hands and a new chapter begins.
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Our Events
Every year at Athelhampton we plan an exciting range of events for you to enjoy.
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Our friends at Chapterhouse Theatre have worked with Athelhampton for over 20 years, and each year deliver a fabulous performance.
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We have extended our offering to add more theatre, ballet, music and more to our diary this year.
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Secret Gardens
August 5th to October 31st
In the Gallery
Angie Porter is a local emerging artist whose nature-inspired paintings find the joy in colour and exuberant composition. Angie’s paints on recycled materials and reuses frames and second-hand materials to mount her work.
Angie Porter trained in Anthropology and Philosophy in Melbourne, Australia. She completed studies in Fine Art in Melbourne and at the Cass School of Art at London University 2006 -2009. She has exhibited in group exhibitions in the UK, Europe and Australia over the years including at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
“I believe the only way we can survive as a species is to stop the rampant consumerism and mental anxiety that our industrialised world propagates. ‘Making do’ with what we have and appreciating the gifts of nature transforms our being from consumer to something more human. To enjoy being alive in a garden. To connect with colour and light outside. That is my secret wish for myself and for you.”
Porter lives in Bridport, Dorset with her family.
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Works offered for sale by the artist.
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Athelhampton.Zero​
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In 2021 we helped lower Dorset's carbon footprint by removing Athelhampton's reliance on fossil fuels. ​
Our LPG & Oil Heating, LPG Cooking, and Diesel Backup Generators have all been removed. We have installed Solar PV Electrical generation, Ground & Air Source heating & Battery backup.
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Our aim simply, to match our total energy requirement with energy generation.
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Our Project has been part-funded by Low Carbon Dorset as part of the European Regional Development Fund
