Are you thinking of visiting Sculpture By The Lakes in Dorset? If so we hope you’ll find our guide helpful. Before you begin you visit, the most important thing to remember is that babies and under 14’s are not permitted.
Sculpture By The Lakes is designed to offer peace and tranquility within the botanical gardens in Dorset.
Getting To Sculpture By The Lakes
The address of Sculpture By The Lakes is Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU. The gardens are open Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.
If you’re travelling via the main A35, you’ll spot plenty of signage for the gardens making them easier to find. Once you arrive there is free parking.
History of Sculpture By The Lakes
Sculpture By The Lakes gardens are one of eight botanic gardens in the UK. You will see during your visit plenty of signage with information about the tree and garden conservation.
Since 2007, the gardens have been transformed from former fishing lakes to include over 1,000 trees and shrubs. Many of these are under threat in the wild and protected here in Dorset.
Things To Do At Sculpture By The Lakes
As well as visiting Sculpture By The Lakes to enjoy a peaceful garden wander, you can also enjoy the many sculptures that are dotted around the gardens. There are 26 acres to explore. The winding paths take you past the lakes and river Frome.
During your visit, you’ll also notice there are plenty of places to stop, sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.
We began our visit by following the guide map trail to walk around the big lake. The swing seat overlooking the river Frome was our first stop to just sit and enjoy the view whilst gently swinging on the seat. Behind us was a large musical wind chime. As there was a slight breeze, we were treated to some notes floating around in the wind.
You never walk far before spotting a new sculpture, or a bench to sit and relax for a few minutes. As well as private pod areas you can hire, there is also plenty of waterside seating.
Sculpture By The Lakes Facilities
As well as the many acres of gardens, which you really could spend all day wandering around in. There is also The Makers Yard which includes a kitchen cafe, pantry, store and gallery to peruse and enjoy.
Toilets are available at the entrance to the gardens. We also noted that a fairly recent addition is that dogs on short leads are welcome in the gardens (aside from the kitchen garden area).
Throughout the year, Sculpture By The Lakes also has a range of events taking place too.