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Thomas Hardy's country home

Thomas Hardy's country home

Max Gate House

Stately Homes & Gardens in Dorset

Come and soak up the atmosphere at some of Dorset's finest homes and gardens. Take the chance to enjoy a relaxing lunch or afternoon tea surrounded by some of the most stunning grounds in Dorset.

Have a great day out to Lulworth Castle and Park, built in the early 17th century with displays, exhibitions and woodland walks. Stroll around the beautiful Kingston Lacy House and Gardens exploring the Edwardian Japanese Gardens, way marked trails and Egyptian artefacts.

Mapperton House & Gardens is a stunning setting recently listed as 4th in the top 10 greatest British gardens in the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

Don't forget to check opening times, as they may vary according to the season. There are many other wonderful houses and gardens across Dorset - it's all here for you to come and explore!

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Number of items: 11

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  1. Kingston Lacy House & Gardens (NT), Wimborne Minster

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    Kingston Lacy House and Gardens

    Type

    Historic House/Palace

    WIMBORNE

    Elegant 17thC Italian inspired country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland.

    Wander around the house and discover the Spanish Room with its gilded leather and gilded ceiling brought from the Contarini Palace in Venice. Witness paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and...

  2. Clouds Hill, Wareham

    Add Clouds Hill - home of T.E .Lawrence to your Itinerary

    Clouds Hill - home of T.E .Lawrence

    Type

    Historic House/Palace

    Bovington, WAREHAM

    T E Lawrence's (Lawrence of Arabia) retreat containing his own furnishings and photographs. Sorry no internal photography is permitted. Suitable for school groups. A special exhibition on Lawrence is provided in the garage area.

  3. Lulworth Castle in Winter

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    Lulworth Castle & Park

    Type

    Castle/Fort

    EAST LULWORTH

    Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens as you enjoy wide open spaces, historic buildings and stunning landscapes. Built as a Hunting Lodge in 1608, this Castle has been owned by the same family for over 365 years. Inside the Castle is a wealth of fascinating history, follow their fortunes, fate...

  4. Sherborne Castle

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    Sherborne Castle

    Type

    Historic House/Palace

    SHERBORNE

    Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and stately home of the Digby family since 1617, Sherborne Castle is a Historic House which reflects a glorious variety of decorative styles from over 400 years of English history. Come and experience the Castle's rich interiors with splendid collections of art,...

  5. Forde Abbey and Gardens

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    Forde Abbey and Gardens

    Type

    Historic House/Palace

    CHARD

    Enjoy England Excellence Silver Award Winner 2008 and South West Tourism Small Attraction of the Year 2006 & 2007.

    Now privately owned, Forde Abbey was founded by the Cistercians in 1140 and became one of the richest and most learned monasteries in the country. The church was demolished in the...

  6. cr Tash Granville-Abbott

    Add Mapperton House & Gardens to your Itinerary

    Mapperton House & Gardens

    Type

    Garden

    BEAMINSTER

    Gardens descending at 3 levels beside Tudor manor-house, remodelled in c1660s. Italianate garden and fountain court. Fishponds, orangery and summerhouses. Wild garden with specimen shrubs and trees. Surrounded by wooded landscape with magnificent views. Gifts and plants for sale. Licensed cafe...

  7. Minterne Gardens - A Corner Of Paradise

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    Minterne Gardens

    Type

    Garden

    DORCHESTER

    The secluded gardens at Minterne, famed for its seasonal profusion of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Japanese cherries and Magnolias are set in a peaceful wooded valley and have been described by Simon Jenkins as ‘corner of paradise.’ In late May and June many fine specimens of Davidia Involucrata (the...

  8. Athelhampton House & Gardens

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    Athelhampton House and Gardens

    Type

    Historic House/Palace

    DORCHESTER

    Athelhampton is one of the finest 15thC manor-houses and is surrounded by one of the great architectural gardens of England. The house contains many finely furnished rooms including The Great Hall, Great Chamber, wine cellar. The Gallery in the west wing exhibits works by the Russian artist Marevna...

  9. Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park

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    Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park

    Type

    Garden

    DORCHESTER

    Kingston Maurward Gardens are set deep in Hardy's Dorset and are listed on the English Heritage register of gardens. The gardens include grand floral displays, stone terraces, topiary, a lake and temple. The Animal Park is a firm favourite with children and home to an interesting collection of...

  10. Hardy's Cottage

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    Hardy's Cottage

    Type

    Historic House/Palace

    DORCHESTER

    Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 in this small cob and thatch cottage, which was built by his great-grandfather and is little altered since the family left. His early novels Under the Greenwood Tree and Far from the Madding Crowd were written here.