Gardens in Dorset
Search gardens in Dorset
Our favourites
Keyneston Mill
Blandford Forum
Most public gardens have scented flowers dotted about, but at Keyneston Mill there’s an entire garden dedicated to fragrant florals. That’s because this 50-acre estate doubles up as the growing and distillation site for luxury perfumer Parterre Fragrances. To see where the magic happens just follow your nose through the grassy hills of Tarrant Valley until you reach the colourful fields of Keyneston Mill Botanic Gardens. As you sniff your way around these formal gardens, you’ll float through a range of intoxicating fragrance families from subtle florals and classic scents such as lavender and rosemary, to zesty citrus notes and more unusual spices such as Vietnamese Coriander. Make a note of your favourite aromas as you wander so you can make a beeline for them in the perfume shop later. And once you’ve savoured and spritzed the flora on display, pop into The Scented Botanist Bistro-Café to savour the locally grown menu.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Dorset
Those seeking warmer climes need go no further than Dorset, or the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens to be exact. Surrounded by 20 acres of woodland valley, the balmy micro-climate ensures a burst of colourful blooms to brighten the dullest of overcast days. Ruby red bridges carry visitors into sunken gardens home to golden pheasants, woodland bejewelled with rhododendrons and hydrangeas, past Camellia groves and palm tree-fringed pathways. This botanical treasure-trove is down to the 4th Earl of Ilchester, an amateur botanist who brought back a range of exotic and rare plants from his many travels. But a visit here wouldn’t be complete without seeing the sweeping vistas of Dorset Jurassic Coast, (a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site no less) from the top of Magnolia Walk. Family-friendly activities range from willow weaving and open-air theatre to the on-site swannery and children’s farm. Head here in October, when the Autumn foliage is accentuated by theatrical lighting as part of the Enchanted Floodlit Gardens event.
Dog-friendly gardens
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Dorset
Those seeking warmer climes need go no further than Dorset, or the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens to be exact. Surrounded by 20 acres of woodland valley, the balmy micro-climate ensures a burst of colourful blooms to brighten the dullest of overcast days. Ruby red bridges carry visitors into sunken gardens home to golden pheasants, woodland bejewelled with rhododendrons and hydrangeas, past Camellia groves and palm tree-fringed pathways. This botanical treasure-trove is down to the 4th Earl of Ilchester, an amateur botanist who brought back a range of exotic and rare plants from his many travels. But a visit here wouldn’t be complete without seeing the sweeping vistas of Dorset Jurassic Coast, (a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site no less) from the top of Magnolia Walk. Family-friendly activities range from willow weaving and open-air theatre to the on-site swannery and children’s farm. Head here in October, when the Autumn foliage is accentuated by theatrical lighting as part of the Enchanted Floodlit Gardens event.
Keyneston Mill
Blandford Forum
Most public gardens have scented flowers dotted about, but at Keyneston Mill there’s an entire garden dedicated to fragrant florals. That’s because this 50-acre estate doubles up as the growing and distillation site for luxury perfumer Parterre Fragrances. To see where the magic happens just follow your nose through the grassy hills of Tarrant Valley until you reach the colourful fields of Keyneston Mill Botanic Gardens. As you sniff your way around these formal gardens, you’ll float through a range of intoxicating fragrance families from subtle florals and classic scents such as lavender and rosemary, to zesty citrus notes and more unusual spices such as Vietnamese Coriander. Make a note of your favourite aromas as you wander so you can make a beeline for them in the perfume shop later. And once you’ve savoured and spritzed the flora on display, pop into The Scented Botanist Bistro-Café to savour the locally grown menu.
Kingston Maurward Gardens
Dorset
When it comes to the UK’s great gardens, choosing one that pleases the whole family is no easy task but Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens does just that. Bring your brood to the heart of the Dorset countryside and let them loose among the deep green hedges, luscious borders and sweeping lawns of Kingston Maurward Gardens. Pretend you're royalty in the Crown Garden, race to the top of the Temple Mound and breathe in the panoramic views before a game of hide and seek among the bamboo of the Japanese Garden. After exhausting the 35 acre stretch of formal gardens, reward little ones with a trip to the animal park. At the play barn, kids can meet and greet rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, alpacas, Shetland ponies and many of the park’s furry residents. The indoor play area and café are welcome pit stops, particularly if the weather isn’t playing ball.