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A family walk through waist-high summer flowers and greenery in front of the thatched Hardy’s Cottage
Summer in the garden at Hardy’s Cottage | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Gardens and parks in Dorset

With longer days and borders in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to explore the gardens we care for across Dorset and the surrounding area.

Top gardens in and around Dorset

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 colourful garden in early spring

The garden at Max Gate 

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
Smiling child standing on a rock held by his mother in the garden at Max Gate, Dorset

Hardy's Cottage garden 

Explore a cottage garden surrounding the former home of the writer Thomas Hardy.

near Dorchester, Dorset

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

The garden at Clouds Hill 

Climb up to the top of the small hill overlooking the cottage and look down on this peaceful retreat.

The Bookroom at Clouds Hill, Dorset

Things to see in the garden at Stourhead 

Just over the border in Wiltshire, Stourhead is home to one of the world's most famous gardens, with myriad temples, grottos, trees and water features to explore. Read more about what you'll see during your visit.

A flowering rhododendron with the Pantheon overlooking the lake in the background at Stourhead, Wiltshire
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.

Explore Dorset

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