The Great Garden Trail of Dorset

The Great Garden Trail of Dorset — showcasing the very best in English garden design, planting and history.

World famous for its camellia groves and magnolias and with its own micro climate, Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens cover more than 30 acres and has a plant collection of over 6,000 species from around the world. Highlights include the Mediterranean bank and lily ponds, the Burma Rope Bridge and stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.

Situated close to Dorchester, Athelhampton was built in 1485 and is one of England’s finest manor houses. The surrounding five acres of formal gardens were created in 1891, with ponds, fountains, a variety of plants and the world-famous yew pyramids. Don’t miss the Edwardian kitchen garden which provides fresh produce for the restaurant.

Mapperton House and Garden, is one of the most distinctive gardens in Dorset; tucked into a steep north-south combe, descending from the very formal topiary gardens and Orangery to the north, to an arboretum beyond which the land unfolds in a small, steep valleys and headlands down to the sea five miles away.  

Landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown and trailing around a mile in length, Minterne Gardens boast a world-renowned collection of Himalayan rhododendrons and azaleas, with spring bulbs, cherries, maples and rare trees. Wander the trail and enjoy a chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams.

A 'Capability Brown' English Landscape Garden awaits in the home of Sir Walter Raleigh and the Digby Family. See 42 acres of magnificent gardens surrounding a 50-acre lake at Sherborne Castle and Gardens. Two walks are suggested, one short and one long taking you past garden features such as the Cascade, Folly, Fossil House and Raleigh's Seat. See beautiful herbaceous borders, champion trees and an abundance of wildlife on the lake. 

Home to the highest-powered fountain in the country, Forde Abbey & Gardens include topiary-lined vistas, colourful herbaceous borders, an arboretum, and a bog garden, which together with swathes of early spring bulbs and camellias provide all year-round interest. 

For more details please visit see the Great Garden Trail of Dorset.