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View of the house through the park at Kingston Lacy, Dorset
View of the house through the park in winter at Kingston Lacy, Dorset | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Gardens and parks in Dorset

The gardens we care for in Dorset are enchanting during the winter months. Wrap up warm and enjoy a peaceful stroll among frosted landscapes and crisp air as nature rests.

Top gardens in 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 garden with red-stemmed trees, a little black and white hut and a path winding through the garden

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
Kitchen Garden green and leafy with red brick Victorian building in the background

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
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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