The valley gardens at Mapperton reflect at least three periods of history. On the top level is the croquet lawn, where in dry weather the remains of a parterre, probably 17th century, can be made out. On the next level is the Italianate garden laid out by Mrs Ethel Labouchere in her husband’s memory in the 1920s, complete with grottoes, stone ornamental birds, animals and fountains. Below the wall and summer house are 17th century fish ponds. An orangery was added by Victor Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich’s father, who created the wild garden with its wonderful specimen shrubs and trees in the 1950s.

The surrounding countryside is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with many bridle paths and public rights of way. Further up the hill, looking east, there are views of Eggardon Hill and Hooke Park, and to the west and south, Beaminster, Lewesden Hill, Pilsdon Pen, Bridport and the cliffs along Lyme Bay.

Sorry no dogs allowed in the Gardens.