Athelhampton House and Gardens

One of Dorset’s secret gems, Athelhampton House never fails to impress. Built in 1485 by Sir William Martyn, the Great Hall is one of the finest examples of fifteenth century domestic architecture in England. It is full of curiosities, with rooms built off from the main hall, and monkeys or apes in the stained glass windows. The family motto was “he who looks at Martyn’s ape, Martyn’s ape shall look at him” and maybe this gives a clue to expect the unexpected.

Nothing is more so than the garden where each section of the garden exists as like a room with it’s own original, separate style. The house has it’s own restaurant. Just walk through the 500 year old front door and you will be captivated with every turn.