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A sea of ox-eye daisies in front of a mansion house
The house is surrounded by flowering meadows in summer | © National Trust/Mark Wratten

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, marvel at the autumnal colours and take in the fresh air.

Top summer gardens in Dorset

A white painted bench in front of a long border of flowers in blue and white
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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.

Dorchester, Dorset

Fully open today
The garden path leading to the Hardy's Cottage, near Dorchester in Dorset
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Hardy's Cottage garden 

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

near Dorchester, Dorset

Fully open today
The Bookroom at Clouds Hill, Dorset
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The garden at Clouds Hill 

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

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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