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A garden with trees in autumn colours of orange, purple, yellow and green
Autumn colours in the Japanese Garden | © National Trust/Stephen Candy

Gardens and parks in Dorset

The gardens we care for in Dorset are looking glorious over the autumn months. They are the perfect place to stretch your legs, breathe in the floral scents, marvel at the autumnal colours and take in the fresh air.

Top autumn gardens in Dorset

A carpet of white flowers under trees
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Discover the garden at Kingston Lacy 

Relax and wander the gardens to enjoy seasonal interest at any time of year, with plenty of space for children to run, skip and play, and spaces to stop along the way.

A desk in the Study at Max Gate, Dorset
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The garden at Max Gate 

Re-opens spring 2025. Explore a garden planted by writer Thomas Hardy including a shelter of trees, vegetable plots and a croquet lawn. Discover the Nut Walk which was used daily by Hardy whatever the weather.

Dorchester, Dorset

Closed now
The garden path leading to the Hardy's Cottage, near Dorchester in Dorset
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Hardy's Cottage garden 

Re-opens spring 2025. Explore a cottage garden surrounding the former home of the writer Thomas Hardy.

near Dorchester, Dorset

Closed now
The Bookroom at Clouds Hill, Dorset
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The garden at Clouds Hill 

Re-open spring 2025. Climb up to the top of the small hill overlooking the cottage and look down on this peaceful retreat.

An early morning view across Corfe Castle, Dorset in winter

Discover more in Dorset

Home to everything from an island, ancient coasts and hidden gems to a castle and a house inspired by an Italian palace.