Gardens in Dorset

All Year Round

For the nature lovers, there is no doubt that Dorset has plenty to offer. Besides its contrasting landscapes of coastline with high cliffs, the rolling chalk hills and its wild heath-land, Dorset also boasts of some spectacular gardens.

From romantic Valley gardens to the more exotic Italian or Japanese garden, there are some fantastic gardens which are open to the public and should not be missed.

Here’s just a brief selection:

Kingston Lacy garden – A late-Victorian formal garden.

Mapperton Gardens – A romantic valley garden reflecting at least three periods of history.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - A mixture of formal and informal gardens including many exotic and unusual flowers, with wonderful views of the Dorset Jurassic Coast.

Athelhampton House & Gardens - Planted in 1891, these spectacular architectural gardens surround a beautiful Tudor Manor House. Don’t miss the famous Yew Pyramids!

Compton Acres - With over 10 acres to explore, visitors will discover everything from a wooden valley to Japanese and Italian gardens.