Athelhampton House   Description Athelhampton is a 15th century manor house that has been in the Cooke family since 1957. The current owner is Patrick and his wife Andrea Cooke. The formal gardens were built in 1891 with Elizabethan style stone courts. There are nine garden courts with water features and the river Piddle running through the grounds. The most notable court is the Great Court that has 12 thirty-foot high yew pyramids.     Open March to October Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Sun, 10.30am - 5pm (Sunday only in autumn).     Prices Entry for children under 16 is free when accompanied by an adult.     Contact Athelhampton Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7LG Tel:01305 848363 Email Website     Directions Athelhampton House is about 5 miles east of Dorchester on the A35. Brown tourist signs show the way from the A354 & A35. If you are travelling by train the closest railway station is Dorchester and a taxi from Dorchester costs around £10.00 Streetmap     Parking Parking on site     Refreshments Topiary Restaurant is open from 10am and offers morning coffee, a full lunch menu and specials board and afternoon teas. On a Sunday the Long Hall restaurant is open for A la Carte dining.     Accessibility Ramp/Level Access Toilets for wheelchair users Dogs (Guide Dogs Permitted)