A statue of a child surrounded by loose planting of grasses and wild flowers — The sunken garden in summer is filled with wild flowers | © National Trust/Clare Gascoigne

Gardens and parks in Dorset

The gardens we care for in Dorset are looking glorious over the summer months. They are the perfect place to stretch your legs, breathe in the floral scents, and take in the fresh air.

A sea of ox-eye daisies in front of a mansion house

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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.

Sunny view of the lawn, shrubs and red brick house at Max Gate. There is a white bench on the lawn.

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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.