Mapperton Gardens has been voted one of the top and most enjoyed gardens in the country.

The gardens near Melplash have been named the Historic Houses' Garden of the Year 2020.

The award recognises the importance of some of the country's most spectacular gardens with outstanding horticultural and public appeal.

Mapperton Gardens received nearly a quarter of all votes from the public for a shortlist of eight gardens from across the country, as selected by Historic Houses, a co-operative association of independent historic houses and gardens.

The garden of the year is nor judged by professional gardeners, it is voted for by the general public who judge the gardens purely based on their enjoyment.

One of the most important and distinctive gardens in the country

Mapperton, the family home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, is registered Grade II* and is among a handful of the top gardens in the south west, famous for their romance setting, varied planting and sense of tranquillity.

Lady Sandwich said: "We are so delighted that Mapperton has been voted Historic Houses' Garden of the Year 2020.

"We want to thank everyone who voted for us. It means a great deal that so many people took the trouble to vote and have had so much enjoyment from the garden. That has been especially so this year, when getting outdoors and enjoying nature has been more important than ever.

"Everyone here works so hard to make the gardens a wonderful place to visit and this award is a great boost."

Mapperton Gardens still open

Tucked into a steep north-south combe in the heart of west Dorset, the gardens descend from the formal topiary gardens and orangery to the north and to an arboretum, beyond which the land unfolds in small, steep valleys and headlands down to the sea five miles away.

Mapperton Gardens is open Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 5pm. The winter special offer price for November and December is £5 for adults and free for under 16s until December 17. Tickets should be purchased in advance from Mapperton.com