Athelhampton House

Name: Dorset Holiday Cottages
Address: 8 East St, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5ED
Telephone: 01929 481547

Posted on 28th August 2025 by Leanne Hemingway

Peace, fountains and space to breathe

even on a bank holiday

Just a few miles east of Dorchester, Athelhampton House is one of Dorset’s finest Tudor manors — all gables, chimneys and neatly clipped hedges. Set within formal gardens and backed by tall trees, the house feels like it belongs to another century. And somehow, on a busy August bank holiday, it gave us one of the quietest moments of our summer.

Arriving in the calm

Ideal for Families

We visited with the kids, expecting a bit of a crowd. Instead, we found calm. Despite the season, one of the walled gardens was completely empty when we arrived — just us, the sunshine, and the soft splash of a nearby fountain. It’s rare to find stillness like that on a public holiday. The kids roamed safely, following paths between topiary and stone walls while I took photos of the garden in full bloom. Each corner felt like its own hidden room — quiet, tidy, and perfectly looked after.

They also really enjoyed the history of the house. Younger kids would need monitoring as some of the stairs are a little steep but the kitchen was a hit with toddlers who love a bit of role play.

Fountains and Freedom

Athelhampton is built for wandering.

The gardens are divided into spaces — some open and geometric, others more enclosed. Fountains punctuate the layout, drawing your eye and making it a great spot for photographers. The kids loved the freedom of it: no long walks or tight leashes needed, just enough structure to keep things interesting.

The house itself — dating back to 1485 — adds atmosphere to the day. Inside, you’ll find wood-panelled halls and historic details that hint at centuries of stories. Even if your little ones aren’t museum enthusiasts, there’s something about the creaky staircases and heavy doors that feels just the right side of mysterious.

Locally produced Nibbles

The Cafe

We stopped for lunch in the Coach House café, which sits just next to the house. It’s informal but well-run — simple sandwiches, salads, and jacket potatoes, plus a good pot of tea. We sat inside the conservatory, surrounded by stone walls and warm sunshine, with just enough breeze to keep things cool. It was the kind of lunch you don’t rush: no pressure, no queue, just a comfortable break in the day.

After a good stroll around for several hours, we returned for a slice of homemade cake and a pot of tea.

Why Its Worth The Trip

Value For Money?

Athelhampton doesn’t have the crowds of the coast or the commercial buzz of bigger attractions — and that’s what makes it a great choice, especially for families. There’s space to roam, quiet corners to discover, and enough history to keep grown-ups interested without overwhelming little ones. Even on a bank holiday, it felt like we had time and room to slow down.

The price for a family ticket for four was just over £50 but senior citizens do get a discount. You could spend a whole day here but only if you are having a bite to eat. There are also several good walks nearby and taking a picnic is definitely an attractive option.