Gardens to visit in Dorset
By English Counties
see these pages for Scotland or Wales
Here are some links to gardens to visit, either locally or whist on holiday in Dorset. The sites we list include other sites recommending gardens as well as individual gardens.
The gardens listed include gardens which have limited access for people to visit, as well as other gardens open to the public all the year round - so check the opening times of particular gardens before going.
General Open Garden sites
British Red Cross Open Gardens programme offers a rare opportunity to explore the secrets of some hidden and private gardens not usually open to the public.
English Heritage - Lists The English Heritage gardens and properties open to The public.
Garden History and Garden Tours - International guide to gardens to visit - includes large number of UK gardens.
National Gardens Scheme - The Charity behind The Yellow Book of gardens open to The public. Often small and usual gardens open just one or two days a year. The site includes The GardenFinder database for finding gardens to visit.
National Trust - Lists The gardens and property owned by The National Trust in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
TopGardens to visit in Dorset
Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens
location: Bullers Way, Abbotsbury
- a mixture of formal and informal, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views. World famous for its Camellia Groves and Magnolias, noted for its Rhododendrons and Hydrangea collections.
website: https://abbotsbury-tourism.co.....Compton Acres
location: Poole, BH13 7ES
- Compton Acres is 10 acres of privately owned gardens with a unique series of stunning tranquil gardens offering spectacular views of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, and the Purbeck Hills beyond.
website: https://www.comptonacres.co.ukLyn and Malcolm
location: 357 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, BH22 9AE
- Lyn's garden is in a Cottage style with many favourite old and new plants. Phlox, lilies, roses and monarda, are planted to encourage butterflies and bees, as well as giving a riot of colour and scent into late summer. 100+ different Clematis are woven into and around it all.
Walk through a Moorish keyhole doorway into Malcolm's Exotic garden. large bananas, brugmansias, cannas, oleander, agave, ipomoea and dahlia, come together in a Spanish influenced design.
Minterne House
location: Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU
- The Minterne Valley was landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown in the 18th Century. The gardens are laid out in a horseshoe below Minterne House, with a chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams. They contain an unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with Spring bulbs, Cherries, Maples and many fine and rare trees; the garden is noted for its Autumn colouring. Check the website for opening times etc.
website: https://minterne.co.uk[Back to top]