The estate is located near the Long Stone, a 13-foot-tall Neolithic sandstone block that is the oldest monument on the Isle of Wight.
The manor house at the site was the ancestral home of the Seely family, whose descendants still live on the estate.
The garden's microclimate allows for the successful cultivation of Mediterranean species like olive and citrus trees that are rarely found in this part of England.
The gardens were significantly developed by the late Lord Mottistone and his wife in the 1960s.
The site includes a 'woodland walk' that features collections of rhododendrons and azaleas.
The property is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Mottistone Gardens is a National Trust property located on the Isle of Wight, centered around the 16th-century Mottistone Manor. The grounds feature a Mediterranean-style olive grove, a herbaceous border, and an orchard, which are sheltered from prevailing winds by the surrounding landscape. A notable feature is the 'tea garden' area that includes a rustic cabin for light refreshments. The site is situated at the foot of a chalk downland ridge near the Long Stone, a Neolithic standing stone. The estate layout utilizes the natural microclimate of the valley to sustain plants that would otherwise struggle in the local coastal environment. The gardens are designed with a series of tiered terraces and winding pathways that offer varied views of the valley. It serves as a base for exploring the surrounding downland trails of the West Wight area.
The elevated terraces overlooking the olive grove and the manor house.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the sloping paths and gravel trails.
Allow time to visit the nearby Long Stone located just a short walk up the hill from the gardens.
Bring binoculars if you intend to hike the adjacent public footpaths that lead up to the chalk cliffs.
Do not attempt to walk on the protected chalk downland ridges without proper footwear, as the paths can be steep and slippery.
The gardens generally operate on a seasonal basis, closing during the winter months.
Stay on marked footpaths to protect the garden beds; dogs must be kept on a short leash.
