Fonthill House Gardens, Tisbury, Nr. Salisbury

 

Well behaved dogs on a short leads are allowed in the Fair and Gardens.

Buy your tickets on arrival at the gate – no need to prebook!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FAIR IS ON A SATURDAY

Fonthill House Gardens are set in the idyllic rolling countryside of Southwest Wiltshire. The house is set in 12 acres of varied gardens, designed by Tania Compton. The formal gardens nearest the house consist of billowing borders planted with romantic cottage garden classics. The walled sunken garden is a riot of colour, filled with exotic dahlias and salvias, framed by Brugmansia, Tetrapanax and Musa, while a cool and dark fern cave is set within the bastion wall. Fonthill House is also home to the National Collection of Crassula, arranged by botanical section and housed within a greenhouse. A terraced kitchen garden is filled with seasonal produce and complimented by a mixed orchard with extensive local varieties. The terrace surrounding the house has magnificent views over the gardens whilst displaying the house collection of species of pelargoniums, amongst other seasonal highlights.

The house also boasts an impressive Himalayan-hillside woodland garden, filled with a collection of unusual Magnolias and Rhododendrons, complimented by specimen ancient oaks and a riot of bluebells in the Spring. Designed by Marie-Louise Agius, this part of the garden will transport you from deepest Wiltshire to the highest Himalayas. A wild flower meadow separates the house from the Deer Park and Fonthill lake beyond, filled with native wildflowers and still managed by scythe. There are several wild honeybee colonies just in this part of the garden alone, one of which resides in the fabulous ‘Rocket Hive’ and stands proudly in the middle of the meadow.

The gardens are a haven for the 3^rd Lord Margadale of Islay and his family. With the help of his Head Gardener, Jack Greenwood, and his two assistant gardeners, the aim is to build on the legacy left by previous generations of the Morrison family to conserve and continually enhance these beautiful gardens.

Admission

Adults £10.00. Admission includes the Fair and Garden. Children under 16 free. 

Buy your tickets on arrival at the gate.

Parking

On site parking adjacent to garden entrance. Disabled parking in gravelled area in front of the house, on a first come, first serve basis.

One-way system in operation to avoid congestion on the drive. Please follow ‘Exit’ signs when leaving.

Accessibility

The Fair itself is on level ground and accessible to wheelchairs and those with mobility issues. Access to the other levels of the gardens is more limited with steps and some sloping banks. Accessible toilet available. 

Refreshments

Teas, coffees, empanadas, sandwiches, cakes and other delights will be available. There will also be a wine bar and Baboo Gelato ice creams.

Address 

For arriving at the correct Fonthill House entrance: 

Fonthill House,

Tisbury,

Salisbury,

Wiltshire

SP3 5RZ

* Please note this postcode

Please use the Fonthill Park entrance coming via B3089 in Fonthill Bishop, 3 miles north of Tisbury.

What3words will guide you to the white bridge crossing the lake - creamed.moderated.passwords 

 

Nurseries Attending