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Thomas Hardy's country home

Thomas Hardy's country home

Max Gate House

Houses & Gardens

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: 9

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  1. Lulworth Castle in Winter

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    Lulworth Castle & Park

    Type

    Castle/Fort

    Wareham

    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...

  2. 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...

  3. 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...

  4. 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...

  5. 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...

  6. Sherborne Castle, Autumn view

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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,...

  7. Forde Abbey and Gardens

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    Forde Abbey and Gardens

    Type

    Historic House/Palace

    CHARD

    Enjoy free entry into the beautiful gardens at Forde Abbey during their Christmas Opening . Stroll around the 30 acres of award-winning gardens to work up an appetite for homemade lunches and cakes in the tearoom and some stress-free Christmas shopping in the well-stocked Gift Shop.

  8. Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens

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    Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens

    Type

    Garden

    Weymouth

    Probably one of the best gardens of it's type in the world. Winner of silver medal at Chelsea and silver gilt at Hampton Court Show. Magnificent Victorian walled garden set in 20 acres of woodland valley. The unique micro climate enables rare and exotic species from all over the world to thrive...

  9. The 'Monet' style Japanese bridge sitting over national waterlilly collection.

    Add Bennetts Water Gardens to your Itinerary

    Bennetts Water Gardens

    Type

    Garden

    WEYMOUTH

    Wild plants and wildlife abound in the 6 acres of ponds, including a National collection of over 150 varieties of water lilies. Tropical house displaying tropical water lilies and a cacti collection. Museum showing the history of Chickerell's brickworks. Replica 'Monet' bridge in similar setting to...