Gardens & Parks in Dorset

Dorset’s mild climate makes it a perfect location for some magical gardens and horticultural masterpieces. Take in the grandeur of these beautiful gardens and parks, some of which have been painstakingly cared for over hundreds of years.

Explore Dorset's amazing gardens and find your corner of paradise.

Dorset’s subtropical paradise

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens has a unique micro-climate that enables exotic plants from around the world to thrive. The garden has vibrant displays of Camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas, while the formal walled gardens overflow with subtropical colour. This 20-acre walled Victorian garden makes for a lovely day out.

Make sure you don’t miss the viewpoint at the top of Magnolia Walk with its stunning views over Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

Dorset’s secret garden

Hidden among the rolling hills of Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck is Careys Secret Garden. Left wild for many years this walled Victorian garden was rediscovered in 2019 and has undergone extensive restoration. It is now a welcoming space that aims to inspire a return to nature. Created with expertise in Rewilding, Permaculture and Natural Gardening, Carey is open to a small number of visitors every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Visitors can expect to see an Arid Garden, Rose Garden, Traditional Orchard and local wildflower meadow, Tea and Herb Garden, Fruit cage and cut flower garden and vegetable beds. The latest edition is the exciting Stumpery and Food Forest area.

Beautiful water gardens

For those who love water gardens, a trip to Bennetts Water Gardens is a must. Set over eight acres the garden holds the National Plant Collection of Water Lilies, with 140 varieties. Visitors can explore the Tropical House, Woodlands Walk and Museum. Don’t miss the Claude Monet style Japanese bridge over the lake for a postcard-perfect photo opportunity.

Dorset’s botanical garden

Did you know that Dorset is home to the largest private botanical garden in the UK? Keyneston Mill has over 1,500 varieties of aromatic and scented plants over 50 acres. The creative home of Parterre Fragrances, plants and ingredients are grown and distilled to make Parterre Fragrances luxury perfumes.

Keyneston Mill also offers various events and workshops throughout the year for visitors to experience; Perfume workshops, floristry and botanical silk dying. In addition, visitors can relax and enjoy a delicious meal at the Scented Botanical Bistro-Café.

Historic gardens

Dorset is home to some truly beautiful historic houses and castles with stunning gardens to match. Choose from Mapperton House and Gardens, Athelhampton House and Gardens and National Trust’s Kingston Lacy.

Mapperton House and Garden is a magnificent Jacobean manor overlooking a large Italianate Garden, with an orangery, fountains, statues, herbaceous boarders and bold topiary. Onsite there is the Coach House Cafe which offers delicious snacks and meals using locally sourced produce.

The stunning Athelhampton House is a 15th century manor-house surrounded by Grade I Listed Garden. The garden dates back to 1891 and is full of beautiful vistas, a great day out offering something for everyone.

The beautiful country mansion Kingston Lacy is set in extensive parkland and attractive formal gardens located just outside of Wimborne Minster. Spring is a great time to visit, when visitors can see the snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells down Lime Avenue and cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden.