Kingston Lacy

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A lavish family home built to resemble an Italian Palace in the rural Dorset countryside.

More about this place

Discover the house at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

House tickets 

To help give you the space to see the extraordinary contents and art works at their best, entrance to the house runs on timed tickets. You can book yours in advance up until the day before your visit online or 0344 249 1895, limited tickets will be available on the day from the entrance hall of the house.

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Kingston Lacy

Things to see and do

All year round

Fireplace at Kingston Lacy, Dorset.

The Bankes family home 

The house at Kingston Lacy in Dorset is a treasure trove of art work and the exotic, all courtesy of the Bankes family and their colourful past. The whole house reopens on 1 March, book your house tickets now via the What's on page.

Summer flowers at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

The garden at Kingston Lacy 

The gardens at Kingston Lacy are a riot of colour over summer. From the herbaceous borders in the formal garden to the thriving vegetable beds in the kitchen garden.

William John Bankes Sanders Miniture

Prejudice and Pride at Kingston Lacy  

You can’t mention the history of Kingston Lacy without talking extensively about the influence of William John Bankes. A huge personality and visionary, William John created much of the house you see today. From the paintings to the door frames, his artistic flare is everywhere. But his story goes much deeper than a typical lord of the manor…

National Trust woodland with people

Activities on the estate 

There's so much to see and do on a day out at Kingston Lacy - you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy.

Blossom at Eye Bridge on the Kingston Lacy estate, Dorset

Time to see more?  

Whatever the weather nature is calling. Put on those walking boots and see the countryside in all its natural glory and witness the changing seasons.

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Kingston Lacy

What's on

Upcoming events

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Kingston Lacy house tickets

Tue 23 May 2017
11:00-11:30
A lavish family home built to resemble an Italian Palace. There's plenty to see, from grand, beautifully detailed carvings, to intimate family souvenirs. Book your timed ticket for the house.

Guided garden walks

Tue 23 May 2017
11:30-12:30
Join our volunteer garden guides who will bring the gardens to life.

Kingston Lacy Health Cycle Rides 2017

Thu 25 May 2017
09:30-11:00
Every Thursday, In partnership with Moors Valley Country Park, come and join our fun, friendly and active free cycle rides from 9.30am (please arrive 15 minutes early).

New for 2017 - talks and tours of the kitchen garden

Fri 26 May 2017
12:00-12:30
The 30 minute tour will start from the Old Head Gardener's office in the kitchen garden.

Music afternoon with the South London Concert Band

Sun 28 May 2017
14:00-14:45
Enjoy an afternoon on the south lawns whilst soaking up the tunes performed by the South London Concert Band. Sit back, relax, bring a picnic or enjoy a cream tea.
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Kingston Lacy

Eating and shopping

National Trust cafe

A warming cup or tasty bite 

The Stables café at Kingston Lacy always has something delicious and seasonal on the menu.

Herbs on sale at National Trust shop

A gift or two 

Choose from a great range of gifts or souvenirs, from therapeutic colouring books for the mindful soul to tasty jams for your favourite foodie.

Close up of bees in the hive, National Trust

Gooey sticky honey 

Honey is produced annually on the estate. The rangers and bee-keeping volunteers work hard to maintain the hives and look after the honeybees. Take a jar home from the shop today.

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Kingston Lacy

Groups

Group visits at Kingston Lacy in Dorset

Group visits  

Whether you’re looking for a whole day of things to see and do, or simply need somewhere to stop off for lunch or afternoon tea, Kingston Lacy has great ideas for every kind of group visit.

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Kingston Lacy

Get involved

Find your place

Visitors at Kingston Lacy

Volunteering 

Looking for a new challenge? Help bring the house to life by volunteering at Kingston Lacy. Take a look to find out more about becoming a room guide and other volunteering opportunities.

Gardening team at Kingston Lacy in Dorset

Working at Kingston Lacy 

Working at Kingston Lacy means doing something different everyday. You can find the latest job vacancies right here on our website.

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Kingston Lacy

Learning

Local school group at Kingston Lacy in Dorset

Learning at Kingston Lacy 

Discover more about learning opportunities at Kingston Lacy.

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Kingston Lacy

Places to stay

Kingston Lacy estae in Dorset

Enjoy a break in the rural beauty of Dorset  

We have a holiday cottage and campsite on the Kingston Lacy estate, so you can stay for longer and unwind in this beautiful spot.

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Kingston Lacy

Our work

Behind the scenes

The Hyde collection at Kingston Lacy

The Hyde collection 

Discover more about the unique Hyde collection of rhododendrons in the nursery wood.

Visitors at the Badbury Rings at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Making Badbury Rings fit for the future 

For over 30 years the National Trust has cared for Badbury Rings and welcomed many thousands of people to enjoy hilltop views and wildlife walks. Read on to find out more information about the recent changes to parking.

Tulips in the garden at Kingston Lacy

Planting the terrace borders  

We look back on how the formal garden changes at Kingston Lacy over the year. When you come to see your favourite flowers and blooms, you help us make Kingston Lacy a garden for every season

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