rhs gardens to visit in dorset

Great Garden Trail of Dorset

Great Garden Trail of Dorset Great Garden Trail of Dorset

visit the top 6 must see gardens in dorset, showcasing the very best in english gardens design, planting & History.

Forde Abbey

The monastic, rhs (monday), dogs welcome, coffee shop, picnic area, athelhampton, rhs (saturday), open all year, ev charging, the italianate, rhs (tuesday), hh (gardens only), the subtropical, rhs (oct to feb), plant centre, sherborne castle, the landscape, rhs (wednesday), cafe (next door), lakeside walk, the himalayan, rhs (daily), tea terrace.

Great Garden Escapes: Dorset

Garden escapes make for some of the best adventures. Explore some of the most exquisite gardens in picturesque Dorset.

Iconic views, historic coastline and literary inspiration await in peaceful Dorset. Garden escapes abound here too, whether it’s to Mapperton, home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, or the country garden surrounding Thomas Hardy’s Cottage in care of the National Trust.

If there is one view for which Dorset is known, it is Gold Hill, a steep, cobbled street in Shaftesbury with a 14th century church at the top. It is so ageless, so quintessentially English, that it starred in a classic television advert for a loaf of Hovis bread, with parts of Dvorak’s New World Symphony used as the soundtrack.

In truth, Dorset, one of the country’s quietest and most unsung counties, is crammed with views. Of unknown age, the Cerne Giant above Cerne Abbas is a nude male figure carved into a hillside outside Dorchester. On the coast near Lulworth, the distinctive limestone arch of Durdle Door extends into the Channel. At its base is a pebble and shingle beach where you may spot the fossils that give this 95-mile stretch of shore the name Jurassic Coast.

The county has long been a retreat for writers, designers and artists, and often serves as a location in novels, from Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd to Ian McEwan’s On Chesil Beach . John Fowles’ The French Lieutenant’s Woman is set in Lyme Regis, where holidaymakers paddle in waters protected by the long, curved harbour wall known as the Cobb,  a recurring feature in the novel.  Lyme Regis is also the setting of Tracey Chevalier’s Remarkable Creatures , the story of the life of Mary Anning , fossil collector. 

Gardens to visit

Close to Dorchester, Hardy’s Cottage , has a country garden surrounding the author’s former home. Like nearby Kingston Lacy and Sherborne Castle,  it is also in the care of the National Trust

Knoll Gardens near Wimborne is worth visiting for the range of superb grasses it sells. Set against a mini-arboretum of unusual trees and shrubs, this secluded naturalistic garden is home to the UK’s leading ornamental grass specialist, Neil Lucas, and an award-winning nursery. The grasses create stunning year-round displays, clearly demonstrating the versatility and drama that grasses can bring to any garden. Alongside the grasses, you’ll find an increasing range of native plants and perennials coming together in glorious drifts of colour. Other highlights include the gravel garden, bark circle and dragon garden showcased in its naturalistic garden.

The mild climate here is a boon for gardeners. Near Beaminster, Mapperton , the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, is an award-winning garden set in a steep-sided valley.

The gardens at Forde Abbey have evolved over 900 years. Once the property of Cistercian monks, Forde Abbey has been the home of the Roper family for over 100 years. Alice (Roper) and Julian Kennard are its current custodians. Find exuberant borders close to the house, and a new bulb labyrinth and wildflower meadow further away.

The former home of Sir Walter Raleigh and with grounds landscaped by Capability Brown, Sherborne Castle makes a worthwhile visit. It dates from the 12th century, although the current house was updated between 1856 and 1859.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a magnificent 20-acre garden, which dates back to 1765, and is filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country, discovered by the plant-hunting descendants of the garden’s founder, the first Countess of Ilchester. World-famous for its camellia groves and magnolias, the garden is a mixture of formal and informal flowers and has earned acclaim in Dorset for its rhododendron and hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian garden.

The Japanese Garden is one of five distinctly beautiful gardens at Compton Acres . In the 1920s the original owner visited Kyoto, Japan and was inspired to bring back experts and authentic artefacts to create one of the UK’s most enduring Japanese gardens.

Also in the area

STAY   Summer Lodge Country House is set in Evershot, erstwhile home of Thomas Hardy, and was partly designed by the author himself – Hardy was also an architect. The hotel’s rooms are sumptuous, as is to be expected of a member of the Relais & Châteaux Group, and offer sublime escape.

DINE  Louise Chidey and Cass Titcombe are two of many Londoners to have made their way down to Dorset. In Beaminster they bring their well-honed skills to Brassica Restaurant , an intimate establishment that works with local suppliers, farmers and smallholdings and sources 85 per cent of its ingredients from within a 15-mile radius. Their shop, Brassica Mercantile , offers a range of pieces for the considered home.  

More from Gardens To Visit

More from The English Garden

Visitor Information

Mapperton Gardens are open from 31 March until 30 September 2024, Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm ( 11am to 5pm on Sundays ). Last entry to the Gardens is at 4pm.

Mapperton House is open from 31 March until 30 September 2024, Sunday to Thursday. The house is open for guided tours only, starting 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Tour spaces are limited so we recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment.

The Coach House Café will open from 31 March until 30 September 2024, Sunday to Thursday 10am to 4pm (11am to 4pm on Sundays).

Please note that Mapperton is closed on Fridays and Saturdays (except for special events).

Occasionally the House, Gardens and Coach House are closed for special events; please check the website and social media before your visit.

Pricing 2024

House & gardens tickets.

• Adults: £19.50 (includes guided tour)
• Children under 16: £7
• Children under 5: free

Gardens only tickets

• Adults: £14.50
• Children under 16: £5

American Heiress Exhibition, House & Gardens Tickets (opening 5 May)

• Adults: £24.50 (includes guided tour)
• Children under 16: £12.50

Tickets are available online for pre-booking.  

Gilded Age American Heiress Exhibition

Step into the captivating world of Alberta Sturges Montagu, the 9th Countess of Sandwich and an American Heiress from the renowned era known as The Gilded Age, as we unveil a treasure trove of her personal correspondence at Mapperton House in West Dorset.  The American Heiress Collection unveils over 10,000 previously unseen diaries, journals, and letters from 1888-1951, offering unparalleled insights into Alberta’s life and times.  This collections stands as the largest unpublished private collection of its kind, offering a rare glimpse into the era.  Join us for an unforgettable exhibition, illuminating the life and legacy of Alberta, the 9th Countess of Sandwich, at Mapperton House.

Mapperton Annual Membership

• Single adult: £35
• Two adults: £65
• Family (two adults, up to four children): £75
• Children under 16: £15

Our 12-month Mapperton Annual Membership includes:

• Free access to the Gardens (during regular opening times)
• Free access to the Lost Village and Beaver Wild Play Areas (during regular opening times)
• Free parking (during regular opening times)
• Free access to selected events
• 10% discount in the Coach House Café
• 50% off entry to our Partner Garden, Iford Manor, BA15 2BA

Mapperton Annual Memberships are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.  Memberships can be purchased both online and onsite at our Coach House admissions desk.

Some events such as our popular children’s trails are included in your Garden Season Pass; however there are other ticketed events for which your membership will not be eligible, particularly charity events.

Upon purchase, you will be emailed a receipt and we will then post out a Mapperton membership card with your unique membership number. Please bring your membership card each time you visit.

If you are buying a Season Ticket as a present for someone else, please use the notes page to indicate the name(s), a contact email address and postal address of the recipient(s) and indicate whether we should send direct to you or or to the lucky person on whose behalf you are buying pass.

How to find us

Our address is:

Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR

Approach by road:

• from Beaminster via the B3163
• from Bridport via the A35 (lane from Melplash is unsuitable for coaches)
• from Crewkerne via the A303 and A3066
• from Dorchester via the A37 and A356

Travel time is 5 minutes from Beaminster, 10 minutes from Bridport, 15 minutes from Crewkerne, 30 minutes from Dorchester, and about 3 hours from London.

Mapperton Gardens are signed from Beaminster and from the A356 at Toller Down.

The nearest train stations are Crewkerne and Dorchester.

Postcode for satnav: DT8 3NR

Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas. Dogs are welcome on our wider estate walks and in the Coach House Cafe and car park as long as kept on leads. Unfortunately  dogs are not allowed in the house or gardens .

Accessibility

We welcome visitors in wheelchairs and our accessible route is marked on the visitor map which is also available at the Coach House café. If you would like assistance please don’t hesitate to approach a member of staff once you have arrived at Mapperton.

The paths in the Gardens are gravel and some areas are very steep due to the natural topography. Approximately 50% of the garden is considered to be accessible by wheelchair and there is a recommended wheelchair route.

The Coach House café and the ground floor of the House are accessible to wheelchairs. However the House is not accessible in an electric wheelchair.

Accessible parking Designated accessible parking is available in the first row of the main car park, which is 50 metres from the entrance to the House and Gardens.

Carers Those who are able to show documentary identification of disability (i.e. blue / orange badge or similar) will be able to take a carer in free of charge.

Accessible lavatories A lavatory with wheelchair access is located to the right of the Coach House.

Assistance dogs Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas.

Historic Houses and RHS Members

RHS members are welcome at Mapperton with free entry to the gardens on a Tuesday.

Historic House members receive free garden entry. Use MAPP45 when buying Historic Houses Membership to receive £5 off.

Historic House members can join a house tour free of charge on the day subject to  availability.  However this cannot be booked in advance; please enquire upon arrival.

Visitor map

CLICK IMAGE ABOVE TO EXPAND

Great Garden Trail Dorset

Mapperton is a proud Member of the Great Garden Trail of Dorset, one of six must-visit gardens in the county.

Other important information

House tours.

Mapperton is a lived-in family home, and we hope it can remain that way. During your tour please be careful while walking around, and do not touch or pick up any objects, as these can easily be damaged.

Large bags and rucksacks may not be taken on a house tour as they can accidentally damage fragile furniture and other works of art. These can be left safely in the entrance hall at the start of a tour.

Sharp-heeled shoes are not permitted in the House, as they can cause damage to flooring and carpets. Please wipe your shoes before entering the House to ensure any grit is removed which might scratch the wooden floors.

Children are welcome at Mapperton. Children must be supervised at all times, and extra care should be taken close to the ponds and at the Play Areas. Please note that climbing on the banks breaks up the ground and is not allowed.   The Play Areas are available for your children at your own risk.

Photos & video

You may take photos within the Gardens for your personal use. However we do not allow photos or video inside the House.

​​Visitors are permitted to picnic in the picnic area adjacent to the car park but not within the Gardens. You may not use the seating outside the Coach House for picnics as this is for Café customers only.

Plants & animals

Please do not pick or eat anything from the Gardens, as many plants are fragile and may be poisonous. Please do not feed the ducks, chickens or tortoise, or allow children to chase them.

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THE 10 BEST Dorset Gardens

Gardens in dorset.

• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sculpture By The Lakes

2. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

3. Lower Gardens

4. Compton Acres

5. Sherborne Castle & Gardens

6. Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands

7. Greenhill Gardens

8. Nothe Gardens

9. Museum of East Dorset

10. Holme for Gardens

11. Bennetts Water Gardens

12. The Walled Garden Moreton

13. Minterne Gardens

14. Boscombe Chine Gardens

15. Lodmoor Country Park

16. Langmoor and Lister gardens

17. Borough Gardens

18. Knoll Gardens

19. Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens

20. Castle Gardens

21. Careys Secret Garden

22. Littlebredy Walled Gardens

23. Thorngrove Garden Centre

24. Radipole Park and Gardens

25. Coy Pond Gardens

26. Cranborne Estate

27. Abbey Farm Flowers

28. Sandsfoot Gardens

29. Easton Gardens

30. Edmondsham House and Gardens

What travellers are saying

• Sculpture By The Lakes
• Compton Acres
• Lower Gardens
• Sherborne Castle & Gardens
• Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
• Greenhill Gardens
• Kingston Maurward Park and Gardens
• Nothe Gardens
• Holme for Gardens
• Bennetts Water Gardens

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Voted hha/christie’s garden of the year 2012..

“One of the finest Gardens I have ever visited” Alan Titchmarsh

General Information

• DOGS are welcome on SHORT LEADS ONLY and must stay on the designated pathes. Extendable leads are NOT ALLOWED.
• Group rates available for parties of 10 or more.
• Ample FREE parking for cars and coaches, usual courtesies extended to coach drivers.
• Toilets: disabled and baby change facilities available at the coffee shop.
• The paths at the Gardens are gravel and some areas are very steep due to the natural topography. There is a Wheelchair Route which showcases some of the key areas of the Gardens.  Due to the gravel surfaces and some steep paths, only all terrain mobility scooters are permitted.

Visiting Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens?

Why not visit abbotsbury swannery at the same time.

We have a fantastic 25% dual ticket discount when you order tickets to both attractions at the same time. Bookings don’t have to be made for the same day either.

GGTD 2024 MapOur garden is a haven of tranquillity to explore and inspire.

landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown and Trailing around a mile in length, Minterne boasts a world renowned and completely unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with Spring bulbs, Cherries, Maples and many fine and rare trees. Wander the trail and enjoy our chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams. With an abundance to see from the snowdrops in winter, to spring bluebells through to summer azaleas and hydrangeas, the garden is full of interest throughout year.

With benches nestled throughout the garden, sit back, absorb the tranquillity, and remove the stresses of everyday.

Visitor Information

Our Gardens feature in The Telegraph’s top 25 gardens to visit. Come and see why we hit the top spot for ‘Best for Tranquility’.

• Opening Times February 1st– 10th November 2024 Daily, 10.00am – 6.00pm (last entry at 5.00pm) The Himalayan Tea Terrace serving a delicious selection of cakes and light lunches from 10am to 4pm.
• Garden Entry Tickets  Adults – £10
• Children  £5 (Easter trail 23rd March- 14th April please pay on arrival)
• Season Ticket Holders FOC
• RHS Members FOC
• Historic House Members FOC
• We are a RHS partner garden
• Free access for (Member 1 only)
• We are a Historic House Member
• Free access for members
• Seasonal Tickets are now available.
•   Family Season Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) – £45.00
• Single Adult Season Ticket – £35.00
• SEASON TICKET HOLDERS CAN USE MS Cards for ADULT ENTRY only to the FAIRY TRAILS but there is a charge for children (2-15) and the Trail Packs (£6.50) & (£2)

BOOK 1 DAY ENTRY

BOOK SEASON TICKET (2024)

Planning your visit

• Minterne is a working estate and whilst we welcome dogs, we ask they be kept on leads
• Unfortunately Minterne Gardens feature many uneven surfaces and are therefore not suitable for wheelchairs
• Please wear suitable shoes to enjoy our gardens to avoid slipping on uneven, slippery surfaces
• Parking is free for those visiting Minterne House and Gardens and is located opposite St Andrews Church, Minterne Magna
• Personal picnics are also allowed on estate/in the gardens but we kindly ask you to leave the garden as you found it for others to enjoy and to take your litter with you

We are taking all necessary precautions to safeguard our staff and visitors at this time, in compliance with government legislation

Find us on what3words: cosmetic.formation.heavy

Tea Terrace

• Our Tea Terrace opens Daily, serving homemade light lunches, cakes and Cream Teas. Offering a selection of Reads Coffee, Dorset Tea and Folkington’s Juices, our ethos is simple – relax, unwind and be served by our dedicated in-house team. There is nothing we enjoy more than serving up delicious salads with our Minterne dressings, Homemade Hummus, Quiches, Flatbreads and Brioche Buns, and Homemade cakes. All made with locally sourced ingredients and recipes created by us, for you.
• To book lunches or afternoon teas email: [email protected]
• Opening / closing times – 10 am to 4 pm, daily, ( Keep a Look Out for certain days when the gardens and tea terrace will be closed for private events)
• We are dog friendly.

History of Minterne Gardens

An island nation, our explorers are well known; from Drake, Raleigh, Captain Cook to the pilgrims on the Mayflower, our list of explorers is impressively endless…

The Beginning

An island nation, our explorers are well known; from Drake, Raleigh, Captain Cook to the pilgrims on the Mayflower, our list of explorers is impressively endless.

However, there is another group of unsung English explorers who remain unknown to many, the plant hunters of the Victorian times. This relatively inconspicuous group whose names include Joseph Dalton Hooker, Frank Kingdon-Ward, George Forrest and Edmund Loder revolutionised/transformed the English garden as we know it.

Between 1850 and 1947, these impressive plant hunters voyaged across the world, sponsored by many amateur garden enthusiasts, under the umbrella of the Royal Horticultural Society. Lasting up to 6 years, each trip introduced countless new exotic species including Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, to name but a few to English gardens; the seed was shared around the sponsors who propagated this as a basis for exotic subtropical shrub gardens. Minterne Gardens were at the forefront of planting these newly introduced species with the vast majority of species at Minterne being propagated from seed brought back by these explorers.

The Capabilities

Gaining his name due to his observing a landscape and proclaiming “ah, it has capabilities”, Capability Brown revolutionised the English domestic landscape as we see it and is known as England’s greatest gardener and “the last of the great English 18th-century artists to be accorded his due”.

Before Robert Digby rode to Sherborne Castle to ‘pick the brains of Brown’, Minterne gardens were originally made up of a small stream below the house with a square bowling green and four rectangular paddocks or gardens, leading up to the house. However, Capability Brown’s style of smooth undulating grass running straight to the house, clumps, belts and scattering of trees, along with his serpentine lakes formed by invisibly damming small rivers, swept away all the remnants of the previous formally patterned style.

As we see it today, Minterne Gardens is made up of a series of small lakes and cascades created by the small stream being dammed up. The original square gardens were swept away, many trees planted both exotic and indigenous providing a oasis of calm. Whilst the hills are chalk, the garden is situated on a mound of green sand which runs for a mile down the centre of the valley. A combination of this, the humus and dappled shade provided by the large beech tress, provided the perfect setting for the Rhododendrons and Magnolias obtained during the Wilson, Forrest, Rock and Kingdon Ward expeditions to the Himalayas. With the horizon ever growing, we are continuing the work of those early explorers by continuing to add new and exciting plants to the garden gathering horticultural delights for the future. Today, Minterne’s 20 acre woodland garden are laid out in a horseshoe over the course of a mile creating a breath taking landscape.

Get in touch

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Visit our Garden and Nursery

Visiting knoll, opening times.

Garden and Nursery are currently open:

• Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm
• Closed Sundays, Mondays (incl Bank Holidays), and Tuesdays

Last admission to garden 30 minutes before closing time

Please be aware that in periods of adverse weather such as high winds, severe frost, or extreme rain the garden may open later or remain closed for safety reasons. Please contact us via email or phone for an update before travelling.

Admission to Gardens

(free access to nursery)

*Admission charges apply to Gardens only. Entry to the Nursery is free. *RHS Free Access applies throughout the opening period (subject to conditions as stated in current RHS Members Handbook). *Picnics in car park only. *Guide/Hearing Dogs only. *Most of the garden is wheelchair accessible when accompanied by able bodied helper. *Pre booked coach parties welcome – see booking form info below.

We only offer self service refreshment facilities. Cafe / Restaurant facilities are available at several nearby garden centres or local pubs including; Old Thatch Inn  BH21 7NW , and Haskins Garden Centre BH22 9DG.

Refreshments

Self service refreshments.

Free on-site parking.

On-site facilities.

How to find us

1. knoll gardens, knoll gardens.

Stapehill Road, Wimborne BH21 7ND Telephone: +44 (0)1202 873931 | Email: [email protected]

Group Tours and Booking Form

We welcome groups and offer a choice of garden tours. Please click below to download the current group rates and booking form.

Where to stay

There are several local hotels including the Dudsbury ,  Premier Inn,  and Travelodge

The Visit Dorset website has more options, or you can call the East Dorset Information Centre on 01202 886116

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The great garden trail of dorset, a curated tour of dorset’s famous gardens.

Minterne Gardens, Dorchester

Dorset is one of the most populous counties in which to find Historic Houses and gardens, and in this article, we’re going to take you on a curated tour of five of these fabulous places which you might want to consider for when you next visit the region.

Arriving and staying in Dorset

We recommend you stay at the Eastbury Hotel & Spa in Sherborne, Dorset. Winner of the ‘Best Value Experience’ in the 2022 Conde Nast awards for excellence, the hotel offers comfort and elegance, helping you to feel relaxed during your stay in Dorset. The award-winning garden at the hotel is also a reason to stay here, with guests immersed among hazel, lavender, roses, acers, honeysuckle, magnolia, bluebells and many more plants.

For Historic Houses members, Eastbury are offering a complimentary upgrade to a Potting Shed Suite for all bookings placed between before the 30th April 2022, and on stay dates throughout summer (subject to availability). You’ll need to ensure you bring your membership cards with you on arrival.

Find out more about the offer for staying at Eastbury

Sherborne Castle & Gardens

Once you’ve enjoyed breakfast at the Eastbury Hotel, it’s time to set off for your first garden visit. If you’re feeling fit and the weather’s nice, Sherborne Castle & Gardens is 0.8 miles, or a twenty minute walk, from the hotel. You can also drive there in three minutes.

Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and home of the Digby family since 1617 at Sherborne Castle, you can see magnificent staterooms and nationally important collections of art, furniture & porcelain. The gardens are rather spectacular, and here you can view a Capability Brown exhibition and Sir Walter Raleigh’s kitchen in the Castle cellars.

The Orangery at Sherborne Castle

Visitors can explore acres of gardens surrounding a fifty-acre lake with spectacular views, colourful herbaceous borders, champion trees and sweeping vistas.

Once you’ve enjoyed spending time at Sherborne, it’s time to enjoy some lunch. If you’ve walked to Sherborne, it would be best to walk back to The Eastbury Hotel, to enjoy their lunch offer , served between midday and 2pm. You can view a selection of menus on their website. Alternatively, if you’ve driven to Sherborne, the castle also recommend enjoying lunch The Elms: Farmhouse Kitchen , aslo in Sherborne. Both options offer an easy route to your afternoon stop, Minterne Gardens.

Minterne Gardens

Minterne Gardens are a seventeen minute drive south from The Eastbury Hotel down the A532. A historic house in an unequalled setting, Minterne House and gardens is a unique family estate.

There, you can visit the unique Himalayan gardens and wander ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ through Minterne’s wild woodland gardens and let the tranquility provide that perfect antidote to life’s stresses.

While the house itself isn’t open to the public, being a family home, the gardens there really are stunning. After the long winter, Minterne Garden is preparing for new growth. Gone are the autumn leaves the colour of toast. Gone is the autumn sun as yellow as a young chick and in their place is the promise of the spring.

Minterne Gardens close at 6pm, leaving you easily enough time to enjoy the gardens and then set off back up for dinner at your hotel.

Athelhampton House & Gardens

You’ve a busy day ahead of you, so make sure you don’t get up too late and have breakfast, as you’ll need to be at Athelhampton House & Gardens from 10am (when they open) to start exploring their gardens.

Athelhampton House & Gardens is in Dorchester, about a thirty four minute drive south from The Eastbury, passing Minterne Gardens en route. Athelhampton is one of England’s finest Tudor Manor Houses. The Great Hall, the heart of the House was built in 1485, when it would have served as the entire accommodation.

The West Wing was added in the 16th Centuty as the house become domesticated, with further additions over the centuries, and with its linenfold paneling, ancient heraldic stained glass & minstrels gallery, The Great Hall is a fine example of Tudor architecture.

Athelhampton is home to glorious award winning Grade 1 listed gardens. Dating from 1891, the Inigo Thomas designed gardens are full of architectural vistas. The walled gardens include the 12 world famous topiary yew pyramids, Ham Stone courts, ponds and fountains, with the River Piddle leading you around to the C15th Dovecote.

The Kitchen Garden began it’s 10 year restoration in 2014 and is being restored to it’s former glory with fruit trees, vines, herb borders and vegetable beds to provide produce for the restaurants, the Kitchen Garden will continue to evolve over the next few years.

The Eastbury Hotel to Athelhampton House & Gardens

Your next stop will be Mapperton Gardens, and with two sites still to visit, it’s best you enjoy lunch at The Coach House Cafe at Mapperton.

Mapperton House & Gardens

Mapperton is a forty one minute drive west of Athelhampton Gardens, in Beaminster. Just follow the A356 westwards and you’ll soon see the signs to visit Mapperton.

The 2020 Historic Houses Garden of the Year winner (as voted for by the general public) Mapperton is the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. The family moved here from Hinchingbrooke House, near Huntingdon, in the 1950s, bringing with it the family collection.

Mapperton House itself was also voted ‘The Nations Finest Manor House’ by Country Life and was principal location of 2015 film ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’.

Mapperton is a glorious Jacobean manor overlooking a 15 acre Italianate garden, with orangery, topiary and borders, descending ponds and arboretum. The house has outstanding views of Dorset hills and woodlands.

Athelhampton Gardens to Mapperton Gardens

Forde Abbey & Gardens

If you feel you still have the energy and time to make a final stop, it’s certainly worth rounding off your tour with a trip to Forde Abbey . Thirty minutes west of Mapperton, Forde Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery dating back to the early 12th century.

It was converted into a palatial family home during the mid 17th century. The house has exquisitely ornate plaster ceilings throughout the state rooms, together with collection of tapestries woven from cartoons drawn by Raphael for the Sistine Chapel, it is a unique family house.

Throughout the 20th century the 30 acres of gardens that surround this unique house have been transformed by the present owners. The gardens are now a diverse and breathtaking landscape fit for the house that they surround, from the productive Kitchen Garden, to the Arboretum, Rock Garden, Herbaceous Borders, Bog Garden, and Woodland Garden.

Mapperton Gardens to Forde Abbey

And so concludes your Great Garden Trail of Dorset. The Eastbury Hotel is a 47 minute drive from Forde Abbey, via Yeovil. Or if you’re looking for accommodation a little closer to the Abbey, there are options in Chard.

We hope this has inspired you to think about visiting this beautiful county and the magnificent gardens it houses.

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Kingston Lacy National Trust House and Gardens

Abbotsbury subtropical gardens, mapperton house jacobean manor and gardens, gardens & parks in dorset.

Dorset’s mild climate makes it a perfect location for some magical gardens and horticultural masterpieces. Take in the grandeur of these beautiful gardens and parks, some of which have been painstakingly cared for over hundreds of years. 

Explore Dorset's amazing gardens and find your corner of paradise.

Dorset’s subtropical paradise

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens has a unique micro-climate that enables exotic plants from around the world to thrive. The garden has vibrant displays of Camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas, while the formal walled gardens overflow with subtropical colour. This 20-acre walled Victorian garden makes for a lovely day out. 

Make sure you don’t miss the viewpoint at the top of Magnolia Walk with its stunning views over Dorset’s Jurassic Coast .

Dorset’s secret garden

Hidden among the rolling hills of Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck is Careys Secret Garden . Left wild for many years this walled Victorian garden was rediscovered in 2019 and has undergone extensive restoration. It is now a welcoming space that aims to inspire a return to nature. Created with expertise in Rewilding, Permaculture and Natural Gardening, Carey is open to a small number of visitors every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Visitors can expect to see an Arid Garden, Rose Garden, Traditional Orchard and local wildflower meadow, Tea and Herb Garden, Fruit cage and cut flower garden and vegetable beds. The latest edition is the exciting Stumpery and Food Forest area. 

Beautiful water gardens

For those who love water gardens, a trip to Bennetts Water Gardens is a must. Set over eight acres the garden holds the National Plant Collection of Water Lilies, with 140 varieties. Visitors can explore the Tropical House, Woodlands Walk and Museum. Don’t miss the Claude Monet style Japanese bridge over the lake for a postcard-perfect photo opportunity. 

Historic gardens

Dorset is home to some truly beautiful historic houses and castles with stunning gardens to match. Choose from Mapperton House and Gardens, Athelhampton House and Gardens and National Trust’s Kingston Lacy. 

Mapperton House and Garden is a magnificent Jacobean manor overlooking a large Italianate Garden, with an orangery, fountains, statues, herbaceous boarders and bold topiary. Onsite there is the Coach House Cafe which offers delicious snacks and meals using locally sourced produce. 

The stunning  Athelhampton House  is a 15th century manor-house surrounded by Grade I Listed Garden. The garden dates back to 1891 and is full of beautiful vistas, a great day out offering something for everyone. 

The beautiful country mansion  Kingston Lacy is set in extensive parkland and attractive formal gardens located just outside of Wimborne Minster . Spring is a great time to visit, when visitors can see the snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells down Lime Avenue and cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden. 

Where will you visit?

If you’re still undecided, here’s our garden video for some botanical inspiration for your next visit to Dorset. 

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Trebah Garden

Mawnan Smith Near Falmouth Cornwall TR11 5JZ

4 miles south-west of Falmouth, signed from Treliever roundabout at A39/A394 junction, through Mawnan Smith to garden.

Tel 01326 252200

Visit website

Opening Hours

Daily (excl 24–26 Dec). Please see website for more opening date and times.

Please see website for admission prices.

RHS members

Free access (member 1 only for joint memberships) applies Nov–Mar.

• Accessible facilities
• Accessible garden
• Baby changing facilities
• Children’s play area
• Children's activities
• Dogs welcome
• Free carer entry
• Group rates
• Picnic area
• Plant sales
• Refreshments
• Champion trees
• Pond or lake
• Sub-tropical garden
• Water features

About the garden

Trebah is a sub-tropical paradise with a beautiful coastal backdrop, set within one of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the result of nearly 200 years of inspired and dedicated creation.    Discover the magic of this beautiful valley garden with more than four miles of footpaths. Explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms. Follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to a secluded beach on the idyllic Helford River.  Trebah offers visitors a year-round experience. In spring, the garden comes alive with a colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias forming a rolling canopy of colour. In summer, the giant gunnera is a must-see for young and old, forming tunnels that can be explored beneath its mammoth leaves, which often grow to be two metres wide – the largest leaves found growing outside in the UK! In autumn, Hydrangea Valley casts clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard Pond and in winter, spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape, while plants from the southern hemisphere flower. Trebah is home to nine UK champion trees, either the tallest or of the biggest girth of their kind, including the iconic Chusan Palm at nearly 15 metres high. 2023 saw the addition of the Court Garden; a delightful new accessible walled garden at Trebah. Situated between the car park and the visitor centre, it's the perfect way to start or end a visit and is packed with colour and scent, with many plants grown in Trebah's own nursery. The unique character of the garden can be attributed to the areas of mass planting of Victorian collectables from around the globe – most plant hunters of this time made collections of one or two specimens whereas at Trebah whole vistas are filled, such as the breathtaking Hydrangea Valley, providing two acres of summer colour. The 'bamboozle' is home to nearly 50 species of bamboo and the impressive mass planting of the Gunnera manicata , or giant rhubarb, which is equally as impressive in winter when it forms an eerie pre-historic landscape as it declines into its boggy bed.

Plants of special interest

• Autumn bulbs
• Cacti & succulents
• Cornus (for winter stems or spring bracts)
• Hemerocallis
• Rhododendrons/azaleas
• Spring bulbs
• Waterlilies
• Wildflowers

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.

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11 Dorset Stately Homes for a Brilliant Day Out

• Last Updated 28 August, 2023

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Dorset has a vast number of stately homes to explore. Centuries-old castles, sprawling country manors, and ancient abbeys… you’ll find them all dotted across the county’s stunning countryside.

These Dorset stately homes, castles, and gardens are the perfect places to soak up a little local history. Ideal for whiling away a rainy afternoon , or for strolling through picturesque grounds and gardens in more pleasant weather.

Perhaps you want to browse the antique furniture, or explore the curios gathered from around the globe by eccentric collectors like the Russel-Cotes.

If you’re looking for culture, history, and an insight into how the noble families of old once lived, the properties listed below make fantastic days out in Dorset. Enjoy…

Map of Dorset Stately Homes

11 stately homes to visit in dorset, dorset stately homes with limited or garden-only access, athelhampton house and gardens, dorchester.

One of the finest Tudor manors in England, Athelhampton House and Gardens is a stunning stately home in the heart of Dorset. The site’s history stretches back to before 1066, but the house as you see it today dates largely from the 15th century. The Great Hall was built in 1485, and remains mostly unchanged. Much of the hammer-beam roof, carved stonework, and stained glass are original.

With over 500 years of history, many incredible examples of English architecture, and tranquil Elizabethan-style gardens to explore, Athelhampton House makes a wonderful day out. There are two restaurants serving up top-notch homecooked food, as well as an elegant art-deco drawing room for afternoon tea. They also run regular events, such as fairs, themed days, and even ballet! There’s always something special happening at Athelhampton, so check their site to see what’s on.

Forde Abbey

Forde Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery close to the border with Somerset, a short drive from the popular seaside town of Lyme Regis . Fans of period drama may recognise the property as the background star of the recent adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ starring Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen and Tom Sturridge. Set upon a 1,600-acre estate, the house boasts over 900 years of history, and much of the original medieval monastery is still preserved today.

The Gardens at Forde Abbey are well-known for their exceptional beauty, and were nominated for the Historic Houses ‘Garden of the Year’ award in 2019. Here you can see the highest powered water fountain in the country, as well as a 19th-century walled garden, shrubberies, and the colourful Bog Garden. Forde Abbey also runs a great programme of events throughout the year, so check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch

Head to the seaside next, with a trip to Highcliffe Castle in Christchurch . This beautiful, Grade – I listed property has been described as “arguably the most important surviving house of the romantic and picturesque style of architecture”. A stone’s throw from the beach, Highcliffe Castle enjoys spectacular views across the sea towards the Isle of Wight.

It was built between 1831 and 1836 for Lord Stuart de Rothesay. Despite its relatively young age compared with some of the other stately homes in Dorset, Highcliffe Castle can also boast a rich and fascinating history.

It has enjoyed many famous and royal guests over the years, including Kaiser Wilhelm and Prime Minister William Gladstone. Today, the castle is open to the public and hosts numerous events and exhibitions throughout the year, while the surrounding 14-acre grounds are popular for walks and picnics.

READ MORE: 9 Castles to Visit in Dorset

Kingston Lacy, nr Wimborne Minster

Kingston Lacy is one of the best-known stately homes in Dorset and a popular day out. An opulent family home in the rural Dorset countryside, this striking manor was built to resemble a Venetian palace. It’s set within a vast 8,500-acre estate where you can explore heathland, water meadows, and Iron Age hill forts – so you can combine a trip to the house with a long countryside walk to really make a day of it.

The house has a rich and complicated history. Over the centuries, it was built, rebuilt, altered and embellished by the Bankes family who owned it. But it was William John Bankes who made it the striking Venetian palace we see today, after he was forced into exile in Venice in 1841 following a conviction for homosexuality. He remodelled the house from overseas, creating a lavish property filled with spectacular interiors. Today, Kingston Lacy is also an important gallery, with works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Brueghel.

Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth

Often considered one of the most beautiful castles in the South of England, Lulworth Castle is a brilliant day out. It stands on the enormous Lulworth Estate, some 12,000 acres of land which includes two of the Jurassic Coast’s most famous landmarks – Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.

The castle itself was built in the 17th century and is steeped in history. It’s lived through the English Civil War, been home to a variety of occupants, and survived a devastating fire. Today, the castle is a fascinating place to step back in time and explore local history. But it’s also a beautiful place for a walk in the surrounding parkland and woodlands! There are also numerous events throughout the year, including the well-known family-friendly-festival Camp Bestival.

Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster

Mapperton House and Gardens is a magnificent Jacobean manor house set within fifteen acres of gardens. The property is home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, among whose ancestors is the man who supposedly “invented” the sandwich when he put his roast beef between two slices of bread so that he could eat whilst playing cards!

However, this striking sandstone manor house has a long and fascinating history. It was featured in the Domesday book in 1086 and remodelled numerous times over the centuries, with many original 16th and 17th century features still visible. You can only visit the house on a guided tour, so be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. But it’s the romantic valley gardens surrounding the house which are the real draw. They are Registered Grade-II, and are considered one of the most important and distinctive gardens in the country. 

Max Gate, Dorchester

An atmospheric Victorian townhouse in the centre of Dorchester , Max Gate was the home of famous local author Thomas Hardy. The writer grew up in a quaint thatched cottage just outside the town, which can still be visited today. But once he’d enjoyed a fair amount of success, he designed Max Gate and settled there for the rest of his life.

It was in this stunning red brick house that Hardy wrote several of his most famous novels, such as Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. Both Hardy’s Cottage and Max Gate are managed by the National Trust today, so you can visit both properties for a fully rounded insight into the life and works of the author.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth

On a clifftop overlooking the Bournemouth seaside stands East Cliff Hall. Today, this striking 19th-century mansion is home to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum .  In 1901, Merton Russell-Cotes bought the property for his wife Annie as a rather extravagant birthday present. Over the years, the couple filled their seaside home with an enormous and eclectic collection of art, furniture, and exotic curios picked up on their travels.

Of course, it’s this incredible collection which makes the property a popular spot to visit today. But the house itself is also stunning. Merton and Annie had a great deal of input into the design, and created a unique example of Victorian architecture with lots of quirky features.

Sherborne Castle, Sherborne

Sherborne Castle is a 16th-century Tudor mansion standing in a gorgeous 1,200-acre landscaped park on the outskirts of Sherborne. This historic house was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, while the Grade-I listed Garden was one of Capability Brown’s first commissions. So it’s pretty significant in terms of English history!

Inside, the rooms reflect a variety of decorative styles spanning four centuries. Throughout, you can explore a vast collection of furniture, paintings and porcelain. The stunning landscaped gardens are perfect for a walk or a picnic in summer. They’re even home to one of Dorset’s best local vineyards ! Sherborne Castle also hosts plenty of events throughout the year, from country fairs to jousting tournaments. So there’s always a fun reason to visit.

Stock Gaylard House, Sturminster Newton

In the north of Dorset, you’ll find one of the lesser-known stately homes. Stock Gaylard House is a Grade-II listed Georgian country house which is believed to have been built in around 1714. However, there are few records of the property’s history, so there’s an air of mystery surrounding the house!

The picturesque gardens lead down to the Deer Park, thought to be the oldest park in Dorset. Today it’s still home to a mix of common deer and menil fallow, so this is a lovely place to spot wildlife – especially in June when the fawns are born. Stock Gaylard House host several events, including the popular Oak Fair and various concerts. You can also stay at one of the unique glamping sites on the Estate for some unusual accommodation.

Next Opening Days: April 22nd – May 1st , June 3rd – 11th, and September 22nd – 30th 2023. These dates are subject to change so keep an eye on the website for updates.

Wolfeton House, nr Dorchester

Last – but by no means least – on this list of Dorset stately homes is the stunning Wolfeton House . This Grade-1 listed mediaeval and Elizabethan house has a long and complicated history. In fact, its history possibly goes back all the way to Roman times! Most of the house as it looks today was built around 1560, while the courtyard dates from the 1480s, and the name itself is Saxon!

This stunning country manor is in the heart of Hardy Country on the outskirts of Dorchester. It sits amidst tranquil water meadows between the Rivers Frome and Cerne so it’s in an ideal spot for a scenic walk. Wolfeton is still a private home and the house is only open for visits on certain days. But if you do get a chance to visit, you’ll discover a wonderful hodgepodge of architectural styles – as well as intricately carved wood panelling and a rich collection of art and architecture.

Wolfeton House is open to visitors Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June to September.

• Cranborne Manor , Cranborne – Although you can’t visit the house, which is still the home of Viscount Cranborne, the Manor Gardens are open to visitors.
• Deans Court and Gardens , Wimborne Minster – open for guided tours on occasional Sundays and Tuesdays during the summer season. See website for exact dates.
• Edmondsham House and Gardens, Wimborne – open on Bank Holiday Mondays, as well as Wednesdays in April and October.
• Minterne House and Gardens , Dorchester – gardens open daily February – November. Tours of the house are provided throughout the year and must be pre-booked.
• St Giles House , Wimborne St Giles – open by arrangement for groups (minimum 30) only. A number of events are also held at the house throughout the year, check the site for more details.
• Smedmore House , Kimmeridge – open by appointment to groups, or for various open days throughout the year to raise funds for local charities.

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