Athelhampton House and Gardens, near Dorchester, was built in 1485 and has been in private ownership for over 500 years. The house, with its fascinating Tudor architecture, and its gardens with a variety of woodland scenes, formal architecture, river walks along the River Piddle, wonderful pyramid shaped Yew trees and an ancient dovecote, are all open to the public.
There’s free parking, a gift shop and the licensed Topiary Restaurant which offers informal lunches, morning coffees and afternoon tea. On Sundays the Long Hall restaurant is open for private dining.Tucked away in the attic of the East Wing of the house is the 75 seater Athelhampton Cinema which shows a wide variety of interesting and unusual films – some of which were filmed in the Athelhampton house and gardens. A wheelchair lift is available, as is a hearing aid loop.
Coming up in January and February is a packed programme of films, including: –- the Academy and BAFTA Award winning film Frida: the film of the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
- Is Anybody There? – the story of a ten-year-old boy who lives at an old people’s home and who becomes obsessed with finding evidence of the afterlife. Michael Caine stars as an elderly ex-magician in the early stages of dementia.
- Modigliani - a film recounting the turbulent life of the artist Modigliani, including his rivalry with Picasso.
- Sleuth - The 1972 film adaptation of Anthony Shaffer's award winning play, filmed at Athelhampton and starring Michael Caine & Laurence Olivier.
- The Glenn Miller Story - the 1954 Academy Award winning biopic of musician and band-leader Glenn Miller, starring James Stewart & June Allyson.
Athelhampton even has an outdoor theatre. On summer evenings visitors bring their own low-backed seats, or a picnic rug (complete with picnic), and are entertained in the wonderful Athelhampton gardens by experienced travelling theatre groups
If you’re considering visiting any of our many fine local attractions, please contact us to book accommodation in Dorset.
