A colourful garden in early spring — The Tea Garden at the heart of Kingston Lacy's Japanese Garden | © National Trust/Jayne Szekely

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.

A froth of pink and white blossom with a thatched hut in the background

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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.

Sunny view of the lawn, shrubs and red brick house at Max Gate. There is a white bench on the lawn.

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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.