Kingston Lacy

Important notice -

The Kitchen Garden will be closed on Wednesday 23 January for as we undertake essential maintenance to the pathways. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. The rest of the property will be open as normal.

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

More about this place

The saloon at Kingston Lacy in Dorset

Guided tours of the house at Kingston Lacy 

Throughout January and February book your timed entry ticket to enjoy a guided tour around the State and Ground floor rooms of the house. Get a glimpse of the conservation work that goes on in the winter months when the house is normally closed to the public and discover the stories of the women who have shaped Kingston Lacy throughout history.

This New Year

Snowdrops at Kingston Lacy in Dorset

Find inspiration this New Year at Kingston Lacy  

Start 2019 as you mean to go on. Whatever your goals, that list of things you’ve always wanted to do is possible and between the house, garden and wider estate at Kingston Lacy we will have something to keep you inspired the whole year through…

David McAlmont in girl.boy.child at Smallhythe Place

girl.boy.child at Kingston Lacy 

Following a sell-out performance in London, renowned singer songwriter David McAlmont brings his unique show to Kingston Lacy for an exclusive performance at the home William John Bankes, whose story inspired his work.

Snowdrop and cyclamen at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Snowdrops at Kingston Lacy 

Walk through the Kingston Lacy gardens at this time of year and you will find carpets of brilliant white. With over 40 varieties of snowdrop, the spectacular display at Kingston Lacy is a welcome sign that spring is on its way.

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. To enjoy the house book your timed entry ticket now via the What's on page.

Snowdrops at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

The garden at Kingston Lacy 

With crisp air and the crunch of frosty leaves underfoot, the garden at Kingston Lacy is as sure to delight in winter as much as any other season.

National Trust woodland with people

Activities on the estate 

Did you know we have 8,500 acres of unspoilt countryside at Kingston Lacy? Whether you fancy a walk, run or cycle ride, you'll find plenty of ways to explore the wider estate.

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Kingston Lacy

Our work

Summer bedding in the Parterre at Kingston Lacy

Restoration of the Parterre 

Throughout this year we have been restoring the Parterre at Kingston Lacy in order to return it back to its former glory and improve it for the future.

Kingston Lacy Vinery

Kitchen Garden Vinery project 

Since 2009 the National trust has been securing funding to bring Walter Bankes’ dream Victorian Kitchen Garden back to life.  As part of the ongoing restoration of the kitchen garden we have now turned our attention to the Vinery...  

Discover Holt Heath, an important lowland heath near Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Holt Heath Mire Restoration Project 

The National Trust manages Holt Heath National Nature Reserve (NNR), and this year we are carrying out a restoration project on the mire system. This work will improve the natural habitat for specialist wildlife and plants in the more such as the bogbean, curlew, marsh gentian and sphagnum mosses.

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Kingston Lacy

What's on

Upcoming events

See all events

January house tours

Wed 23 Jan 2019
11:00-12:15
Ever wondered what it takes to care for Kingston Lacy? Enjoy an exclusive guided tour around the State and Ground floor rooms of Kingston Lacy house during its winter closure.

Kingston Lacy Health Cycle Rides

Thu 24 Jan 2019
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 by 9.15am for a prompt start).

Guided walk: Shapwick and Tarrant Crawford

Fri 01 Feb 2019
10:00-13:00
A walk through fields and along the river Stour, including a visit to a beautiful rural church. Distance: 6 miles. Time: approx. 2 - 3 hours.

Snowdrops at Kingston Lacy

Fri 01 Feb 2019
10:00-16:00
Mark the beginnings of a new year by enjoying a walk amongst the snowdrops. Snowdrops flower at Kingston Lacy throughout January and February, though the best time to see them is normally in February. Normal property admission applies.

February house tours

Fri 01 Feb 2019
11:00-12:15
Ever wondered what it takes to care for Kingston Lacy? Enjoy an exclusive guided tour around the State and Ground floor rooms of Kingston Lacy house during its winter closure.

Out of hours guided walks

Mon 18 Feb 2019
09:30-10:30
Enjoy the opportunity to experience Kingston Lacy park and estate, including some areas not normally accessible, before the grounds open to the public.
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Kingston Lacy

Eating and shopping

omething to suit every taste in the shop at Kingston Lacy

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.

Delicious and divine scones

A warming cup or tasty bite 

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

Browse and enticing range of books in the Potting Shed bookshop

The Potting Shed bookshop 

Find your next good read at the Potting Shed bookshop, tucked away behind the Fernery in the garden at Kingston Lacy.

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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

School children visiting a National Trust property

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

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Kingston Lacy on the National Trust Collections website

Search the collections
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