Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.
Our pick of the best gardens to visit in Dorset, from sprawling manor house estates to surprising subtropical paradises.
Dorset is celebrated for its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. The county is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting a variety of gardens and parks that range from tropical wonders to historic sites and artistic creations.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape, a family-friendly day out, or you’re eager to learn more about flowers and plants, there are plenty of gardens to discover around the county. Pack a picnic and immerse yourself in the best of Dorset’s nature…
- 16 Gardens to Visit in Dorset
- 1. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Weymouth
- 2. Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster
- 3. Compton Acres, Poole
- 4. Kingston Lacy Gardens, Wimborne Minster
- 5. Thomas Hardy Cottage & Garden, Dorchester
- 6. Cranborne Manor and Gardens, Wimborne
- 7. Athelhampton House and Garden, Dorchester
- 8. Careys Secret Garden, Wareham
- 9. Forde Abbey and Gardens, Chard
- 10. Minterne Garden, Dorchester
- 11. Sherborne Castle and Gardens, Sherborne
- 12. Corfe Castle Model Village & Gardens, Wareham
- 13. Bennetts Water Gardens, Weymouth
- 14. The Walled Garden, Moreton
- 15. The Blue Pool, Wareham
- 16. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Exbury
- Gardens in Dorset: Map and Quick List
16 Gardens to Visit in Dorset
1. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Weymouth
Nestled in the heart of Abbotsbury village near Chesil Beach in Dorset, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a true gem – with breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast. These stunning gardens date back to 1762 and boast a rare collection of exotic plants from all corners of the globe, from magnolias to camellias and more!
Stroll along meandering pathways discovering enchanting features such as woodland glades, tranquil lakes, and the Victorian Fernery. This is one of my personal favourites – every time I visit, I always seem to discover something new!
Opening Times: 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm), every day.
Address: Bullers Way, DT3 4LA, Weymouth
2. Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster
Mapperton Gardens, located near Beaminster, transports visitors into a romantic setting and a realm of timeless beauty. The award-winning Italianate garden, set within the grounds of the famed Mapperton House, features manicured lawns, vibrant flower borders, and an exquisite Orangery.
With its perfectly symmetrical design and stunning topiary, Mapperton Gardens has a sense of serenity and elegance, making it a popular destination for garden lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Visit their website for up-to-date information on events and tickets.
Opening times: 30 Mar-30 Sep 2025, open 10:00 – 17:00 daily excluding Friday and Saturday
Address: Mapperton Estate, Mapperton, Beaminster, DT8 3NR
3. Compton Acres, Poole
Spanning over 10 acres, Compton Acres in Poole is an award-winning garden showcasing a series of themed areas, each with its own distinct character.
Explore the tranquil Japanese Garden, with its authentic teahouse and calming water features, the vibrant colours of the Italian Garden, the enchanting Wooded Valley, or the majestic Palm Court. The site is also home to one of the largest rock gardens in the UK.
Summer Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm).
Address: Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, BH13 7ES
4. Kingston Lacy Gardens, Wimborne Minster
Situated near Wimborne Minster, the gardens at Kingston Lacy offer a glimpse into the past and showcase timeless elegance. This 17th-century Italianate country mansion, owned by the National Trust, boasts extensive gardens with a rich history, featuring magnificent trees, kitchen gardens, and sweeping lawns. Don’t miss the beautiful Japanese Garden – at its best during the spring cherry blossom season.
Opening times: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. See National Trust website for exact dates/times.
Address: Wimborne Minster, BH21 4EA
5. Thomas Hardy Cottage & Garden, Dorchester
Immerse yourself in literary history at Thomas Hardy’s Cottage – just outside Dorchester. Tucked away amidst woodland in the Dorset countryside, this hidden gem offers a delightful insight into the author’s early years and the inspiration that fueled his novels and poems. The charming garden surrounding the cottage is meticulously designed, featuring winding paths, vibrant cottage flowers, and even a thriving vegetable patch.
Opening times: 10:00 – 16:00 Tuesday to Sunday. (See website for details as date/time may vary)
Address: Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QJ
6. Cranborne Manor and Gardens, Wimborne
Nestled in the scenic Dorset countryside, Cranborne Manor and Gardens is one of the area’s lesser-known attractions. The courtyard features a stunning steel water-lily sculpture by Angela Connor, while the walled garden delights with vibrant flowers and a charming orchard. The garden also features a picturesque rose garden and a flourishing vegetable garden.
Opening times: Open every Wednesday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, March to October. See website as dates/times may vary.
Address: 1 Church St, Cranborne, Wimborne BH21 5PY
7. Athelhampton House and Garden, Dorchester
Designed by Alfred Cart de Lafontaine in 1891, the formal gardens at Athelhampton House boast four Elizabethan-style Ham stone courts, complete with ponds and a charming canal.
Throughout the seasons, the gardens showcase a stunning array of natural beauty, from snowdrops and narcissi in spring to roses and subtropical plants in summer. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the historic house, renowned for its Tudor architecture, including the magnificent Great Hall.
Opening times: 10am to 5pm daily (last admission 4pm).
Address: Athelhampton Road, Athelhampton, Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 7LG
8. Careys Secret Garden, Wareham
This idyllic walled Victorian garden had been left wild and untouched for over four decades until its rediscovery in 2019. Since then, Careys Secret Garden has undergone extensive restoration with a strong emphasis on regeneration, rewilding, permaculture, and sustainability.
Visitors are invited to explore the various sections of the garden, including the Arid Garden, Rose Garden, Food Forest, Veggie Patches and more. The garden also collaborates with the local restaurant, the Salt Pig, which serves refreshments and vegetarian dishes.
Opening times: Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Address: Garden Wood, Wareham BH20 7PG
9. Forde Abbey and Gardens, Chard
Surrounding a historic 12th-century Abbey, Forde Abbey Gardens is hailed as one of Britain’s finest. These gardens have a rich history dating back almost 900 years.
There’s something to see in every season: from enchanting displays of snowdrops and crocuses in February to vibrant daffodils and tulips in spring. Don’t miss the impressive canal pond, home to diverse wildlife, and the highest-powered fountain in England!
Opening times: Open daily from 1st March – 31st October, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm).
Address: Forde Abbey House and Gardens, Chard, TA20 4LU.
10. Minterne Garden, Dorchester
Tucked away in a tranquil valley, the tranquil gardens surrounding the 17th-century Minterne House provide a tranquil setting for a day out. The gardens span some 20 acres, and many of the plants were collected by adventurous “plant hunters”, who explored the world between 1850 and 1950. Look out for the large collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Opening times: February 1st – 9th November 2025, Daily, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm)
Address: Minterne Magna, Dorchester DT2 7AU
11. Sherborne Castle and Gardens, Sherborne
The historic estate at Sherborne Castle boasts 42 acres of picturesque English Landscape Gardens. Embark on walks around the serene lake, where you’ll encounter notable garden features such as Raleigh’s Seat, The Cascade, and the newly constructed Fossil House. The grounds are particularly lovely during spring, which brings a carpet of colourful bulbs, and autumn when the rich reds and oranges are reflected in the tranquil lake.
Opening times: April – October, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm)
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NR
12. Corfe Castle Model Village & Gardens, Wareham
Nestled in an acre of meticulously landscaped gardens, Corfe Castle Model Village is a 1/20th scale model of the iconic castle and surrounding village. There are lots of family-friendly attraction here, including Giant Games, an enchanting Enchanted Fairy Garden, a mini museum, and a Wildlife garden.
Opening times: February – November, daily between 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ
13. Bennetts Water Gardens, Weymouth
This exceptional garden located on the Jurassic Coast is managed by the third generation of a dedicated family. Bennetts Water Gardens occupies an expansive eight-acre expanse featuring serene lakes and an internationally acclaimed collection of lilies. Don’t miss the picturesque Monet-inspired bridge.
Opening times: Daily (except for Saturdays) between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Address: Putton Lane, Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4AF
14. The Walled Garden, Moreton
One of my personal favourite gardens to visit in Dorset is Moreton Walled Gardens in the tiny village of Moreton, near Dorchester. This five-acre landscaped formal garden has a sculpture trail, a picnic area, and a small play park. There are also some farm animals to discover such as pigs, ferrets, and free-roaming chickens. Plus, there’s a small plant shop where you can buy garden decor and locally grown plants.
Don’t miss the lovely on-site Dovecote Cafe, which does amazing cakes! They’re an Employ My Ability employer, giving students with learning disabilities and Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) work experience to help them develop vital skills, expertise and confidence.
Opening times: Daily 9am-4pm (Oct-Mar) and 9am-5pm (Apr-Sep)
Address: The Walled Garden, Moreton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8RG
15. The Blue Pool, Wareham
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms, part of the historic Furzebrook Estate, has a rich history dating back nearly 400 years. The Tearooms, established in 1935, have been welcoming visitors for almost a century. A flooded former quarry, the Blue Pool is known for its colour-changing waters, which are different shades of blue depending on the light. Whilst it’s not a garden in a traditional sense, the pool is surrounded by lush British fauna, as well as rhododendrons and azaleas.
Opening times: open daily 9:30 – 5pm (last entry 4:30pm)
Address: Furzebrook Rd, Nr Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR
16. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Exbury
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway offers a delightful mix of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, and formal gardens. Although located just over the border in Hampshire, these stunning gardens are well worth the short trip from Dorset.
Set in a unique riverside location, this enchanting site boasts beautiful gardens filled with vibrant flowers. A charming steam railway winds its way through the grounds, adding to the magic. The gardens also feature a restaurant, play area, and plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Opening times: Daily 10:00 – 17:30 pm until 2 November (last entry 4:30pm).
Address: Summer Lane, Exbury, Hampshire SO45 1AZ
Gardens in Dorset: Map and Quick List
Use the map below to find your nearest gardens to visit in Dorset – or plan your next floral-themed day out!
- Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Weymouth
- Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster
- Compton Acres, Poole
- Kingston Lacy Gardens, Wimborne Minster
- Thomas Hardy Cottage & Garden, Dorchester
- The Blue Pool, Wareham
- Cranborne Manor and Gardens, Wimborne
- Athelhampton House and Garden, Dorchester
- Careys Secret Garden, Wareham
- Forde Abbey and Gardens, Chard
- Minterne Garden, Dorchester
- Sherborne Castle and Gardens, Sherborne
- Corfe Castle Model Village & Gardens, Wareham
- Bennetts Water Gardens, Weymouth
- The Walled Garden, Moreton
- Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Exbury
If you know of any more gardens in Dorset we should add to this list, please scroll down to leave a comment!
