Places to Visit in Brading
Morton Manor
The Manor
Morton, Anglo-Saxon for 'by the water', was a hamlet on the edge of Brading
Harbour, now reclaimed land. It is believed the manor was built in 1249,
on the existing site for the de Aula family, of Norman descent. Since
then, it was structurally altered with the addition of a Tudor Longhouse,
followed by major rebuilding in 1680. Although the house has changed ownership
several times, generations past have added to Morton as a comfortable
home. Refurbished in the Georgian period, at its most elegant best, it
remains with beautiful furnishings and fittings, whilst still retaining
its charm as a family home to the current owners for over 40 years.
The Gardens
Meanwhile, the gardens, considered by many to be the most beautiful on
this 'Garden Isle', are a delightful blend of formality and informality.
Spring dawns with a myriad of bulbs from February onwards. 40 years of
hard work have made it possible to grow Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Caelias
and Magnolias, and reward is provided by the amazing massed cresendo of
flowers from March to June. As summer arrives many varieties of Roses
produce a riot of colour in the formal rose and Elizabethan Sunken Gardens.
Along with the traditional herbaceous borders, they last well into Autumn
when the huge collection of Japanese Acers go through 'traffic light'
colour changes. We are also blessed with the many tender plants that thrive
in our mild climate, and countless specimen trees, notably our Magnolia
grandiflora and London Plane, both possibly the largest in Britain.
The Vineyards
The 'English Wine Renaissance' came to Morton in 1981 with the addition
of a vineyard. With the Island's higher sunshine hours and light intensity,
our site can be considered one of the best in this country. We grow varieties
of grapes most suitable to our climate, with the aim of producing the
highest quality wines. Although white wine is our mainstay, we also produce
rose, and quality red wine is on its way!
Wine growing is an all year occupation, with winter pruning, weed and mildew control during the growing season, and the harvest normally in October. The development of the wine up to bottling is meticulously monitored during the winter, not to mention the pleasure of plenty of sampling!
View our winegrowers video, the artifacts in the Granary, and enjoy our quality Estate grown and bottled Morton Manor wines.
Refreshments
Please feel free to partake in refreshments in the idylicc Dove Cot Tearooms
and Wine Bar, then browse in the stable shop which stocks our wine, plants
and quality gifts.
Questions
During your visit to Morton the owners are always available to help with
questions. We hope you will, as so many do, visit us again, and recommend
us to your friends, since this very much helps us to preserve this beautiful
pocket of tranquility.
Opening Hours
Open from Easter to the end of October daily except Saturday from 10am
to 5.30pm.