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Kingston Lacy
A lavish family home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace in the rural Dorset countryside.
Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Important notice
11 – 13 November the Woodland Walk play area will be closed for essential woodland thinning work. Access to the Woodland Trail is very limited. The Kitchen Garden play area and all other areas will be open as usual.
Opening times for 12 November 2024
Asset Opening time House 10:30 - 15:00 Car Park 09:30 - 16:00 Garden 09:30 - 16:00 Park 09:30 - 16:00 Stables Café 09:30 - 16:00 Shop 10:00 - 16:00 Second-hand bookshop 10:00 - 16:00 Badbury Rings car park Dawn - Dusk Kitchen Garden Kiosk 11:00 - 15:00 Please note: Until 24 Nov, access to the upper floors in the house is via guided tour only. See Upcoming events for more information. House closed 25-29 Nov for Christmas set up. Woodland Trail: Between October 2024 and February 2025 sections will be closed due to essential woodland thinning work. For more information please call 01202 884302 or ask a member of team on arrival.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £21.00 £19.00 Child £10.50 £9.50 Family £52.50 £47.50 1 adult, up to 3 children £31.50 £28.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Bookshop
Second-hand bookshop located in Laundry Courtyard, just opposite the shop.
Café
A range of sandwiches, light snacks such as soup or sausage rolls, and heartier choices such as one-pot lunches served with bloomers. Cream teas and ice cream. Children's lunchbox. A range of vegetarian and vegan options. Hot and cold drinks (takeaway available). Tables inside and out.
Plant shop
Visit the shop in Laundry Courtyard to buy a range of seasonal plants.
Car park
The main car park is 0.25 miles from the main road down a tarmac driveway. The car park consists of tarmac driveways and loose stone and gravel mix.
Shop
Located in Laundry Courtyard. A range of home furnishings, fashion accessories, kitchen ceramics, plants and seasonal food and drink, including products from local providers
Dogs allowed
Dogs on a lead are welcome in the car park, woodland walks, parkland and the Stables courtyard. Dogs not allowed in the formal garden, immediately behind the house, and in the house. Assistance dogs welcome everywhere.
Toilet
Signposted as you enter the property. Baby-changing facilities are available in the ladies' and men's toilets
Blue Badge parking. Mobility scooters for hire. Accessible WC. House partly accessible, virtual tour available. Garden paths mainly gravel.
Accessible route and/or map
Path and floor surfaces around the property are tarmac, concrete, gravel, flagstone, grass, tile, marble and carpet. Map of accessible route available from Visitor Reception.
Level access/terrain
Accessible toilet
Located in the Laundry courtyard.
Narrow corridors
Please leave backpacks and rucksacks in the bag store (free of charge), located in the Laundry Courtyard.
Braille (guide or menu)
Braille guides are available from the Front of House team in the main entrance.
Powered mobility vehicle available
Three powered mobility vehicles are available for loan from Visitor Reception. Pre-booking advised, telephone 01202 883402 (line 2).
Designated parking
There are 14 designated spaces for disabled people, on a gravel surface. Bays are not marked. Car park has tarmac driveways and loose stone and gravel mix for parking bays. The overflow car park is grass. The parking area is 21 metres (22 yards) from Visitor Reception, up a tarmac slope with a 1:8 gradient.
Ramped access/slopes
Induction loop
Induction loops at Visitor Reception and in the shop.
Steps/uneven terrain
Main entrance to the house is up four steps and access to ground, first and second floors is via staircases. Wheelchair users have level access to three rooms on the basement level only, via a door is located in Laundry Courtyard. Please ring the bell for admission if no one is on duty. One of these rooms contains the virtual tour.
Large print (guide or menu)
Large print guides are available from the Front of House team in the main entrance.
Virtual tour
Audio-visual virtual reality tour available about the history of the house and the family as well as 360º degree imagery of all rooms. The touch screen is located on a 720mm high table within the interpretation space. The screen is positioned at an angle that can be adjusted. A chair without armrest is available.
Level access to food outlet
Flooring within the restaurants is cobble stones or wood.
Wheelchairs available
Three manual wheelchairs and three powered mobility vehicles are available for loan from Visitor Reception. Pre-booking advised, telephone 01202 883402 (line 2).
Level access to shop
Two entrance ways: one with steps down and the other (signposted) level. Flooring uneven flagstones.
By road
on B3082 Blandford to Wimborne Road
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Parking: free at Kingston Lacy for all visitors. If you are visiting Badbury Rings on the wider estate, there is a pay-and-display car park: free for members (scan your membership card for an all-day ticket) and a charge for non members of £1 for one hour or £3 for the day.
Sat Nav: data unreliable, follow B3082 and brown signs to Kingston Lacy
On foot
The Hardy Way and other footpaths pass around Kingston Lacy from Blandford Road and Cowgrove Road.
By train
Poole c.10 miles, Bournemouth c.12 miles.
Bus connections to Wimborne Minster. See below for onward journey.
By bus
Services from Bournemouth and Poole to Wimborne Minster, alight Wimborne Square. Taxi advised for onward journey to Kingston Lacy (3 miles). On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Bus 88 runs from Wimborne to Kingston Lacy car park.
Bus X8 from Blandford Forum to Sturminster Marshall, c.3 miles on foot. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Bus 88 runs from Sturminster Marshall to Kingston Lacy.
By bicycle
Car-free
We hold the Good Journey Mark for welcoming car-free visitors. Travel a greener way and enjoy a hot drink with a valid bus ticket. Plan your journey by train, bus, bike or foot at Good Journey
Planning your visit
Get behind the scenes at Kingston Lacy
Ever wondered what it takes to care for Kingston Lacy? Go behind the scenes this November to see the extraordinary work that's being done to look after this special place for future generations. Peer behind doors that are usually closed, find out what threatens our collections and discover how the conservation team protect and deep clean the rooms and items within them.
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Christmas wishes at Kingston Lacy
What will you wish for this Christmas? Kingston Lacy’s cheeky Wish Maker sprites need your help – they’ve transformed the house with festive decorations, but their wish machine has gone wrong and sent wishes flying out into the garden. Help them find all the escaped wishes, ride on a vintage carousel and book for Storytelling with Santa. If your Christmas wish is for a memory-making, festive family day out, you’ll find Kingston Lacy can make your wishes come true.
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Visiting Kingston Lacy with your dog
Enjoy nature and fresh air on woodland walks across the Kingston Lacy estate in Dorset, and find out all you need to know about visiting with your four-legged friend.
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Group visits to Kingston Lacy
Groups of visitors are warmly welcomed by the National Trust at Kingston Lacy. Find out more about booking your tickets and the benefits you’ll get.
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Visit Kingston Lacy by bus for a free hot drink
We're encouraging visitors to arrive at Kingston Lacy by bus. We're offering a free regular hot drink with every valid bus ticket until further notice.
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Accessibility at Kingston Lacy
At Kingston Lacy, there is Blue Badge parking and mobility scooters for hire. There is an accessible toilet. The house is partly accessible, and a virtual tour is available. Garden paths are mainly gravel.
Highlights
House
A lavish family home, re-imagined as a Venetian Palace, in the Dorset countryside.
Garden
Classic English garden with Fernery, herbaceous borders, formal Parterre and Kitchen Garden, surrounded by Japanese-inspired planting and colourful woodland.
Parkland
Acres of parkland surround the house, grazed by the pedigree Red Ruby Devon cattle and rare breed Portland sheep.
Heathland
Holt Heath is one of the largest remaining areas of heathland in Dorset, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Play areas
Two play areas, one featuring natural play in the woodland and the second in the Kitchen Garden. Both include a variety of features, including accessible play.
Eating
Stables Café serving a range of drinks, light lunches and takeaways; takeaway kiosk in the Kitchen Garden.
Shopping
Shop selling a range of gifts, accessories, food and drink, plants and books. Second-hand bookshop.
Spotlight events
There's always plenty to see and do at Kingston Lacy, whatever the weather.
Conservation in Action tours
Ever wondered what it takes to care for Kingston Lacy? Go behind the scenes this November to see the extraordinary work that's being done to look after this special place for future generations. Peer behind doors that are usually closed, find out what threatens our collections and discover how the conservation team protect and deep clean the rooms and items within them.
Article
Christmas wishes at Kingston Lacy
What will you wish for this Christmas? Kingston Lacy’s cheeky Wish Maker sprites need your help – they’ve transformed the house with festive decorations, but their wish machine has gone wrong and sent wishes flying out into the garden. Help them find all the escaped wishes, ride on a vintage carousel and book for Storytelling with Santa. If your Christmas wish is for a memory-making, festive family day out, you’ll find Kingston Lacy can make your wishes come true.
Story telling with Santa
Santa is stopping at Kingston Lacy this festive season. Make memories, start traditions and come on a fantastical journey with his helpers to find the storybook nook, before settling in for a festive tale, an early Christmas gift and a chance to take a picture together with Santa. Normal admission applies, tickets £15 per child (0-12 years old) with one accompanying adult per child.
Things to see and do
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Family-friendly things to do at Kingston Lacy
Discover all the things to do on a family day out at Kingston Lacy.
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Things to see inside the house at Kingston Lacy
Find out more about the Bankes family home. Discover art treasures and look at how a large home was used by the family and their visitors who came to stay.
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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.
Top trails
Trail
The woodland trail at Kingston Lacy
Discover the woodland, resident wildlife and historic carriage drive of the Kingston Lacy estate with this circular trail for walkers and cyclists.
Trail
Walk at Badbury Rings and The Oaks
Enjoy impressive views across the Dorset countryside on this circular walk, while discovering the history, flora and fauna of the Iron Age hillfort of Badbury Rings.
Trail
Walk at Eye Bridge and Pamphill, Kingston Lacy
Enjoy a peaceful walk upstream along this picturesque stretch of the Stour river, with ancient woodland and an array of interesting birdlife to observe along the way.
Trail
Walk at White Mill and Shapwick
Starting by an 18th-century mill, this moderate walk goes over rough pasture, alongside the River Stour, through the picturesque village of Shapwick and returns on lanes to White Mill.
Trail
Walk at the Beech Avenue and Droves, Kingston Lacy
Walk around the network of droves and along the tree-lined Beech Avenue at Kingston Lacy. This circular trail takes you back along the outskirts of the Kingston Lacy parkland.
Trail
Walk at Pamphill and Cowgrove
Enjoy a gentle walk through the beautiful unspoilt villages of Pamphill and Cowgrove with good views across the Stour Valley.
Trail
Kingston Lacy walk at Holt Heath
This circular heathland walk covers one of the largest heath areas in Dorset, which is home to lots of wild flowers, birds, and all of the UK's reptile species.
Trail
Walk at White Mill and the Droves, Kingston Lacy
Enjoy a relaxing circular walk through the water meadows by the River Stour at Kingston Lacy, taking in short stretches on scenic country lanes and along gravel tracks.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Kingston Lacy
Sample the delicious menu at the Stables Café or visit the National Trust shop to browse a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and local produce. There's also a second-hand book store stocking a huge selection of titles, old and new.
Places to stay
524 Pamphill Green Cottage
An eye-catching thatched cottage on the Kingston Lacy estate, where you’ll find miles of footpaths through lush rolling countryside waiting to be explored.
Kingston Lacy Motorhome Site
A peaceful site surrounded by grassland and ancient trees on the Kingston Lacy estate, a short stroll from the house and gardens.
Middlebere Farmhouse
A picture-perfect thatch cottage with modern rustic interiors, close to Poole Harbour.
The Bakehouse
A charming, rustic conversion, this holiday cottage has wonky beams and countryside views.
North Cottage
A cosy cottage attached to the larger farmhouse, with views of open heath and woodland.
Weston Farm Motorhome Site
Five sea-view pitches in the grounds of an old dairy farm, with walks inland to the Purbeck hills or to Chapman’s Pool on the Jurassic Coast.
Upcoming events
Event
Conservation in Action: Winter house tours
Ever wondered what it takes to care for Kingston Lacy? Learn more about the conservation work that goes into looking after this beautiful place on a special guided tour.
Event
Kingston Lacy Health Cycle Rides: every Thursday at 10am
Would you like to take up cycling again, have lost confidence, or would just like to ride with other people using traffic-free trails or quiet country lanes? These rides are led by trained volunteers from Dorset Council's Health and Activity...
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Kingston Lacy social walks
Discover the ever changing Kingston Lacy woodlands and countryside and have the opportunity to meet new people on these gentle strolls, ranging from 3-4 miles (around 1.5 hours). Please note: new start time of 10am for 2024.
Event
Nordic wellness walk: every Tuesday at 10am
Would you like to try a gentle Nordic walk in the beautiful surroundings of Kingston Lacy? Dorset Council run weekly walks every Tuesday at 10am that last an hour. A Nordic Wellness Walk may incorporate mobility exercises to help with...
Event
Get into Nordic Walking Courses
Learn the techniques of Nordic walking and how it can benefit you physically. The session is an hour and a half. Please bring clothes suitable for the conditions. It is £12 per person and poles are provided. Once you have completed your Get into...
Event
Storytelling with Santa
This festive season, join us on an adventure to find Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a chance to take a photo with the man himself! Pre-book your tickets here. Normal property entry charges apply.
Event
Join the search for Christmas wishes
There's been a problem at the wish sorting office, and the Kingston Lacy Wish Makers are going to need help from the whole family to find all the escaped wishes before Christmas.
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A house full of wishes at Christmas
What do you wish for at Christmas? Kingston Lacy house has been transformed with beautiful decorations to fulfil every Christmas wish ready for the whole family to discover.
About Kingston Lacy
Discover Kingston Lacy, an opulent family home built to resemble a Venetian Palace.
There’s plenty to see, from spectacular artworks to beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a summer picnic on the south lawn, or let little visitors run wild in nearby play areas. Wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, which is being restored to Victorian splendour. Or explore the vast 8,500 acres of estate, featuring Iron Age hill forts, colourful heathland, water meadows and the world’s oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle.
Kingston Lacy has a dynamic history. Over centuries the Bankes family built, altered, embellished and rebuilt their house. Their wealth came from extensive estates and profitable marriages, including inherited wealth from Caribbean plantations supported by the Atlantic slave trade.
William John Bankes created the house we know today between 1834 and his death in 1855. Forced into exile for homosexuality, at that time punishable by death, he lived in Venice and remotely remodelled the house, creating lavishly decorated interiors such as the spectacular Spanish Room. Displaying remarkable paintings by renowned artists like Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, the house is a miniature ‘national gallery’ for the South West, and includes Bankes' collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, the largest private collection in the UK.
History
Discover Kingston Lacy, an opulent family home built to resemble a Venetian Palace. There’s plenty to see, from spectacular art to beautiful gardens and landscapes. Enjoy a summer picnic on the south lawn, or let little visitors run wild in the two play areas. Wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, now supplying produce to the cafe. Or explore the vast 8,500 acres of estate, featuring Iron Age hill forts, colourful heathland, water meadows and the world’s oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle. Kingston Lacy has a dynamic history. Over centuries the Bankes family built, altered, embellished and rebuilt their house. Their wealth came from extensive estates and profitable marriages, including inherited wealth from Caribbean plantations supported by the Atlantic slave trade. William John Bankes created the house we know today. Forced into exile for homosexuality, he lived in Venice and remotely remodelled the house, as well as creating lavishly decorated interiors such as the spectacular Spanish Room. Displaying remarkable paintings by artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, the house is a miniature ‘national gallery’ for the South West, and includes Bankes' collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, the largest private collection in the UK.
Article
The history of Kingston Lacy
A vision from Venice nestled in a pocket of Dorset. Read about Kingston Lacy’s most influential owner who made it the important place you see today.
Art and collections
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The treasures at Kingston Lacy
Learn about some of the prized items that are housed at Kingston Lacy, several of which feature in the National Trust's book 125 Treasures.
Our work
Project
Project
Access for all at Kingston Lacy
In 2024 we are carrying out a major programme of works to upgrade car park, toilets and welcome building at Kingston Lacy. Read on to find out what we'll be doing, and how we will minimise the inevitable disruption.
Project
Project
Our work on the estate at Kingston Lacy
Discover how Kingston Lacy is encouraging biodiverse, resilient habitats for nature, yet with opportunities for people to explore the landscape.
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Our conservation work at Kingston Lacy
Conservation work is a vital part of what the National Trust does at Kingston Lacy. Discover more about our latest initiatives.
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How Home Farm helps our conservation work at Kingston Lacy
Home Farm on the wider estate is home to the special Red Ruby Devon cows and rare breed Portland sheep. Find out why you’ll see them out on the Kingston Lacy estate.
Support us
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Volunteering at Kingston Lacy
There are numerous ways that you can volunteer with the National Trust at Kingston Lacy. Find out how to join our team.