Kingston Lacy

About

Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland.

Step inside the residence of the powerful and flamboyant Bankes family who owned vast swathes of Dorset for over 400 years. From fighting the forces of Oliver Cromwell, to gathering one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts, the Bankes have an intriguing past.

You’ll encounter many points of interest as you tour this fine house; witness paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel and explore the largest private collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK, all mementoes from William John Bankes’ incredible travels through Egypt in 1818.

Discover the Spanish Room with its gilded leather and gilded ceiling brought from the Contarini Palace in Venice and don’t miss the interactive digital tour of Kingston Lacy in the Egyptian Room where you can take control of the camera to delve into all the nooks and crannies of the house.

The Gardens

There’s so much to see in the 17th century formal gardens, created by Henrietta Bankes. Stroll around the Japanese Garden, complete with authentic tea house or take a sheltered walk through the woodland.

Visit during the spring months to see spectacular displays of cherry blossom, azalea, camellia, and flowering tulips that continue all the way into May. The Kitchen Garden at Kingston Lacy is a hive of activity in the summer months which in its hey day was second only to Kew Gardens!

When autumn arrives Kingston Lacy bursts into vibrant hues of yellows, oranges and reds painting a breathtaking picture across the garden and parkland. The Illuminations are a popular event in the Winter time which transform the gardens into an enchanted world as darkness falls.

Other highlights include the ancient 6.5m-high Egyptian obelisk which  monuments the adventures of William Bankes, the fernery which is home to over 40 different types of fern and the nursery wood

Spot our resident herd of Devon cattle and don’t forget to pop into the restaurant to try our home made cake and scones.

The Wider Estate

The Kingston Lacy Estate stretches for 8,500 acres and takes in Holt Heath National Nature Reserve and Badbury Rings. There are 12 way-marked footpaths around the estate and the National Trust run regular guided walks. Plus, every Thursday, in partnership with Moors Valley Country Park, come and join the fun, friendly and free cycle rides!