Dorset Gardens in Bloom

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. We walked around mid-April, and wow, the colours of the camellias, rhododendrons, and magnolias are spectacular. The 36-metre rope bridge is also open and offers a great photo opportunity and a bit of adventure.

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. The garden looks superb right now, with everything blossoming, and the bird song is quite something!

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. 

Bennett’s Water Gardens is an 8-acre garden holding national and international collections of water lilies, with a Monet-style Japanese bridge as the centrepiece. Some 300 different varieties produce tens-of-thousands of flowers from late spring through to autumn, creating one of the most outstanding displays of water lilies in Britain. It is also home to the Monet Café, a lovely spot for tea and cake!

Home to the highest-powered fountain in the country, Forde Abbey & Gardens offers 30 acres of award-winning gardens, wildflower meadows, topiary-lined vistas, herbaceous borders, arboretum, bog garden, and walled kitchen garden. Meandering pathways offer plenty of seating to admire the views along the way. Don’t miss the plant nursery and gift shop; stay for coffee and something delicious, it’s a full day out.