Athelhampton House and Gardens is a place we love to visit. We've been to the house several times and it's still one of our favourite Dorset attractions.

A magnificent tudor manor house, privately owned, dating from the 15th Century. The house is partly open to the public and has some beautifully decorated rooms. There's a snooker room, library, great hall, wine cellar and various other rooms to look around.

Athelhampton gardens which surround the house, are beautifully laid out. The river piddle runs through the gardens. Some of the gardens are walled and some contain ponds, water fountains, statues and a dovecote. There's also a river/nature walk for the adventurous and a 160 acre deer park to look at too.

And after you've walked around Athelhampton house and gardens, you can relax and treat yourself to a cream tea and lunch in the restaurant!

Athelhampton House & Gardens photos