Mapperton Wellbeing in Nature Retreat
This Retreat is a shorter version of our Grand Historic Tour with a focus on Wellbeing in Nature. For 4-days and 3-nights, up to twelve guests are invited to stay in one of the fabulous bedrooms within the Manor or in one of the Estate’s private cottages. You will join Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, for morning Yoga, enjoy activities within the grounds of Mapperton Estate, and visit one of Somerset’s historic towns centred around healing – Glastonbury.
The tour will be led by Samantha Hannay who will accompany you during the days both on the Estate and as we explore further afield. Travel during the week to the various venues on the itinerary will be by luxury private minibus. Due to the nature and activities of this tour, we suggest it is not suitable for under 18’s.
By booking this tour, you will be supporting the maintenance and upkeep of this important part of England’s heritage. Please note that Luke and Julie will only join specific tour activities as detailed in the itinerary.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Travel to Mapperton House, Dorset; Orientation Tour
- Day 2: Wellbeing activities at Mapperton House & Gardens
- Day 3: Glastonbury Tor and Abbey
- Day 4: Mapperton Wildlands; depart Mapperton House
The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and access to tour venues.
Dates & Pricing
Spring 2025 Tour dates:
- Thursday 1st to Sunday 5th May, 2025: £4,500*
* price is per person, assuming two people. There is a single person supplement of £900 and a Heritage Room premium supplement of up to £2,000, depending on choice of room.
Included in your tour price are:
- Three nights accommodation in Mapperton House (or a Estate cottage)
- Formal dinner with Luke & Julie Montagu, Viscount and Viscountess Hinchingbrooke
- A dinner at an outstanding local restaurant
- Exclusive excursion to Glastonbury to visit the Tor and Abbey
- All wellbeing activities on the Estate
- All meals, including vegetarian/vegan and gluten free options
- All drinks (including wine)
- Travel in luxury minibus between tour venues
- Services of the Tour Manager who will accompany the guests
Please note that the pricing does not include travel insurance, flights to and from your home destination, transfers to and from Mapperton, porterage or gratuities. Full booking conditions can be found via this link.
We are able to advise transport options and provide guidance if you wish to extend your stay to explore other areas of interest.
Details of your stay
On arrival in the UK, guests will make their way to Mapperton House in West Dorset. This can be by private car, coach or train. The journey will take approximately 3 hours and we expect to welcome guests at around 12noon.
Upon arrival at Mapperton, guests will be met by Samantha Hannay, the Tour Manager, and their hosts Luke & Julie Montagu, Viscount and Viscountess Hinchingbrooke. Refreshments and a light lunch will be served upon arrival while luggage is taken to the rooms. Guests are given time to rest and settle into their new surroundings within Britain’s Finest Manor House (according to Country Life Magazine).
Our Dorset Chef will ensure everyone is well looked after, with delicious meals made from Estate produce as well as a fine selection of wines and other drinks.
Your hosts at Mapperton, Luke & Julie Montagu (Viscount & Viscountess Hinchingbrooke)
Day 1 – Arrival at Mapperton House
Afternoon
Relax and refresh at Mapperton with a light lunch served in the Hall upon your arrival. You will be taken on a tour of the House to orientate you and plunge you into Mapperton’s wonderful history and the seat of the Earl of Sandwich.
Mapperton has one of the most important and distinctive gardens in the country, famous for their romantic setting, varied planting and sense of tranquillity. You will be taken on a wellbeing journey to shake off your travels and relax into your surroundings.
Evening
Julie and Luke Montagu invite you for welcome drinks in the Hall, followed by an informal dinner in the Coach House.
Day 2 – Mapperton House & Gardens
Morning
Following breakfast, you are welcome to participate in a yoga wellbeing experience with Julie Montagu. A creative experience of a willow workshop crafting your own willow sculpture under instruction will be the activity for the day.
Afternoon
Lunch will be provided in the Coach House followed by completion of your willow sculpture.
An afternoon cream tea will then be waiting for you in the Hall where you can relax before dinner.
Evening
A gentle evening walk along the beach (weather permitting) will allow us to tune in to the calming sounds of the sea, before dinner at one of our fine local restaurants overlooking the ocean.
Day 3 – Glastonbury Tor & Abbey
Morning
Following breakfast, Julie will once again lead a private yoga wellbeing experience.
Depart for Glastonbury where we will first climb the Tor, a spiritual magnet shrouded in legends. Topped by St Michael’s Tower, the Tor has been the site of quests by King Arthur and his knights, searching for the Holy Grail and the Cauldron of Rebirth. You will be rewarded by the 360° view from the top of the hill.
Afternoon
From the Tor, we head to Glastonbury Abbey for a picnic (weather permitting) in the tranquil grounds followed by a private tour. The legendary burial place of King Arthur, the medieval monastery entwines stories of myth, legend and history.
If time allows, you can explore the quirky shops of Glastonbury town – there really is no other town like it in England!
Evening
You are invited for drinks in the Library with Luke and Julie Montagu, followed by a formal dinner in the Dining Room.
Day 4 – Mapperton Wildlands
Morning
Following breakfast and room checkout, you will accompany Luke Montagu, Mapperton Ecologist Tom and Estate Ranger Ben for a ‘herbal forage’ walk. You will explore the wider estate and learn about changes to the land management strategy, which combines the promotion of sustainable farming practices with rewilding. We will be looking out for various plants along the way and learning about their herbal and medicinal properties.
Afternoon
You are welcome to a self-choice lunch in the Coach House and enjoy free time around the gardens before departing from Mapperton by 3pm.
Optional Tour Extension
We have couple of options if you wish to extend your visit to this stunning corner of south west England.
Please note that activities on this tour are indicative and may vary according to weather conditions, availability or other local factors. However if there is a change we will always aim to exceed your expectations!
We are able to advise transport options and provide guidance if you wish to extend your stay to explore other areas of interest. Here are a couple of options that you could consider.