9 Botanical Gardens to Explore in Dorset

Checkout places to visit in Dorset

Dorset

Dorset is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. Here you can the beautiful beaches to famous landmarks like Durdle Door and Portland Bill, and activities including kayaking, wine tasting, and more

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Botanical Gardens to Explore in Dorset

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Magnificent Victorian walled garden set in 20 acres of the woodland valley. It was probably one of the best gardens of its type in the world. Winner of the silver medal at Chelsea and silver-gilt at Hampton Court Show. The gardens are in a wooded and sheltered valley, leading down towards the sea at Chesil Beach; this combination produces a microclimate in which more delicate plants than are usually grown in southern England can flourish, and plants that would otherwise need greenhouses can be

Bennetts Water Gardens

Bennetts Water Gardens is a visitor attraction in Dorset. Set over 8 acres the gardens hold the National Plant Collection® of Water Lilies with a Claude Monet style Japanese Bridge, Tropical House, Woodland Walks, and Museum. The gardens hold the National Plant Collection© of Water Lilies with a Monet-style Bridge as the centerpiece. If you have never seen over 140 different varieties of water lilies producing thousands of flowers spread across acres of water.

Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens

The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth is a Grade II Listed Garden. The beautiful floral displays that combine a range of colours, textures and scents. The Gardens also have plenty of activities to keep visitors busy including music at the Pine Walk bandstand, an aviary, mini golf course and an art exhibition during the summer.

Compton Acres

Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England. Comprising a series of classical themed gardens, each providing an attractive and unique variety of ornamental plants from around the world, cared for by a team of professional gardeners. Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven, relax in our charming Café & Tea Rooms, browse the treasures in our Gifted Moment store or delve into the exciting world of plants within our Plant Centre.

Forde Abbey

Forde Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery dating back to the early 12th century. Throughout the 20th century, the 30 acres of gardens that surround this unique house have been transformed by the present owners. The house and gardens are run as a tourist attraction while the 1,600-acre estate is farmed to provide additional revenue. Forde Abbey is a Grade I listed building.

Forde Abbey House and Gardens

Forde Abbey is a stunning example of history preserved but not petrified, where the Kennard family continues to live and work in an informal style and where visitors will always receive a warm welcome. It has a long and varied history and was mostly neglected in the 19th century. The current family owners have lived in the house since 1905. The gardens are Grade II* listed and they cover 30 acres. There are several water features, planted gardens and an arboretum.

Larmer Tree Gardens | Wedding & Event Venue

A wownderful 11 acres of garden set in the heart of Cranborne Chase. created by General Pitt Rivers in 1880 is an extraordinary example of Victorian extravagance and vision, the perfect country wedding venue. The gardens hold a unique collection of ornate buildings, ranging from the spectacular Singing Theatre to the magical Roman Temple. The magical garden welcomes guests to wander through hidden walkways, unwind on the lawns, and discover the unique charm of this beautiful setting.

Mapperton House & Gardens

Mapperton is a glorious sandstone manor house and romantic valley garden deep in a lost Dorset combe among tumbling hills and unspoiled countryside. It hosts several events each year, including charity plant fairs, classical concerts, easter trails, creepy crawly shows, food shows and halloween fun days. The house is open by guided tour only, which run at set times each day.

National Trust - Kingston Lacy

An elegant country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. 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 Kingston Lacy Estate stretches for 8,500 acres and takes in Holt Heath National Nature Reserve and Badbury Rings.

Map of Botanical Gardens to explore in Dorset