With plenty of different gardens to visit in Dorset, you can see something different during every season of the year. From spotting the snowdrops at the beginning of the year, to the daffodils and bluebells in Spring time. As Summer takes over with the begonias and geraniums, to the changing of the trees in the Autumn. There will always be something slightly different to see in the Dorset gardens with the changing of the seasons.
Why not make a day of it with a lovely stroll followed by a bite to eat in the cafes and bistros that feature in many of these gardens listed below.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4LA
Open every day between 10am – 5pm, you can enjoy beautiful strolls through the gardens with history dating back to the 1700’s when a kitchen garden was created to provide fresh produce for the family living in the Abbotsbury castle.
These gardens in Dorset have grown over the years and coupled with the castle being demolished, storms and restorations, today you can see a mix of formal and informal flowers.
The Victorian garden showcases it’s famous Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections.
Dogs are welcome on leads around the gardens and inside and outside the coffee shop.
Athelhampton House And Gardens
Athelhampton Rd, Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 7LG
You can visit the Grade I Listed garden in Dorset. Expect to see plenty of fountains, walled gardens which showcase the world- famous topiary pyramids.
You can also expect to find a visitor centre with a restaurant, tea room, gift shop and plant sales area.
The gardens are open seasonally with time changes through the year, but well worth a vist when in the area.
Bennetts Water Gardens
Putton Lane, Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4AF
Bennetts Water Gardens in Weymouth are home to 8 acres showcasing wetland plants, trees, palms and water lilies to name a few.
Read our full review of Bennetts Water Gardens
The water lilies planted by the Bennett family in 1959 were supplied to Claude Monet for his garden in France.
Careys Secret Garden
Left wild and untamed for over 40 years, the secret walled garden at Carey in Wareham, Dorset is now open to the public for the very first time! Hidden amongst the beautiful rolling hills of the Isle of Purbeck, Careys Secret Garden has been lovingly and sensitively restored by the small gardening team into a tranquil and inspirational space.
Visit and discover the rose garden, orchard, stumpery, food forest, arid and herb gardens, veg patch, and children’s imaginative play areas. The Secret Salt Pig cafe serves up delicious locally sourced food and drink, the cakes are divine and the coffee is excellent!
Visits to Careys Secret Garden are by booking only, and full directions will be provided with your booking confirmation. The garden is open to visitors each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Compton Acres Gardens
164 Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES
Whilst Compton Acres is a privately owned garden in Dorset, visitors are still welcome. Visit the Italian gardens, Wooded Valley, Rock and Water gardens, Heather garden and the Japanese garden.
Additional facilities include the plant shop, cafe and tea rooms with bakery and a gift shop. Dogs are welcome in the gardens on a short lead.
Cranborne Manor Gardens
The gardens in Cranborne surround the Manor House in the village. You can visit the gardens on Wednesdays between March and October. Access to Cranborne Manor Gardens is via Cranborne Garden Centre in the village.
Dogs are welcome on leads in the gardens and the garden centre.
Sculpture By The Lakes
Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU
Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset is a unique blend of art and nature, set in 26 acres of stunning gardens and serene lakes.
There are many sculptures to admire and enjoy around the gardens with lake and river views. Dogs on short leads are welcome. Why not spend a day enjoying the peace and tranquility nature has to offer. Many of the pathways are very accessible for wheelchair users too.
Gardens At Holme
West Holme, Wareham, BH20 6AQ
There are plenty of amazing scents, colours and wildlife to be found in the gardens at Holme in Wareham. The garden is made up of distinct areas which are separated by hedges and areas of taller planting. The gardens are open between March and October, with a one off entrance fee of £6 or a season pass for £20.
Whilst you’re visiting don’t forget to check out the farm shop, cafe and garden centre. The gardens are also dog friendly with dogs kept on leads.
Keyneston Mill
Tarrant Keyneston, Blandford Forum DT11 9HZ
Discover this Dorset botanical garden in the 50 acre private estate in Blandford Forum. See the flowers that are harvested to create unusual perfumes.
Additional services and facilities include a gift shop and Bistro to enjoy refreshments.
Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA
Part of the National Trust, you can visit Kingston Lacy gardens without entering the house if you choose.
Visit Lime Walk, the Fernery, Nursery Wood, or the popular Japanese garden. There are plenty of different flowers and shrubs to discover.
Some of the gardens are dog friendly if you’re taking your dog with you. Dogs are also very welcome in the stable restaurant in a section which makes it the perfect excuse for a hot chocolate on a cold day or a jacket potato for lunch.
Knoll Gardens
Stapehill Rd, Hampreston, Wimborne BH21 7ND
Knoll Gardens offer a naturalistic garden, a haven for both people and wildlife to enjoy. Discover the winding paths, ornamental grasses and tall perennials. There is free parking and self service refreshments available. The majority of the gardens are also wheel chair accessible with a helper.
Langmoor and Lister Gardens
DT7 3JQ
Langmoore and Lister Gardens are seafront gardens to visit near Lyme Regis Dorset offering some of the best views across Lyme Bay.
Enjoy a stroll through the woodland walks, sculpture trail, and plenty of grassed areas to enjoy a rest or picnic.
There is also a mini adventure golf course, table tennis and putting course to enjoy.
Lawsbrook Garden
Shillingston, DT11 0TE
Lawsbrook Garden, part of the National Gardens Scheme is open by appointment only on varying days throughout the year. Why not combine a visit during January and February to see the snowdrops.
Check availability and book tickets
Mapperton House & Gardens
Beaminster DT8 3NR
There are 15 acres of gardens to discover at Mapperton House and Gardens. It’s a popular place to see snowdrops that can be found in the arboretum alongside other Spring flowers that start to appear at the same time.
Entry is chargeable to Mapperton House and Gardens, and currently pre booking is required for tickets.
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Mapperton Gardens is often opened for free entry for visitors during September as part of the Heritage Open Days.
Minterne Gardens
Dorchester DT2 7AU
Minterne has around a mile of garden to discover and enjoy. With a vast collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, you can also discover rare trees. As you wander you will discover lots of lakes, waterfalls and streams. Also one of the many dog friendly days out in Dorset. In the Spring time, Minterne Gardens are a great place to see bluebells.
Sherborne Castle And Gardens
New Rd, Sherborne DT9 5NR
The gardens at Sherborne Castle are an English Landscape garden. Famously worked in by Capability Brown, with an exhibition dedicated to his works at Sherborne also available to view.
There are 42 acres of garden for you to enjoy and discover with colours changing with the seasons. The gardens are open between April and October each year. There are discounts available if you’re visiting the castle and gardens together.