Visitors exploring the garden in May at Kingston Lacy, Dorset | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Gardens and parks in Dorset

With brighter days and spring blooms returning, it’s a great time to discover the gardens we look after 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.

The garden at Max Gate

Reopening on 24 March. 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.

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

Hardy's Cottage garden

Reopening on 24 March. Explore a cottage garden surrounding the former home of the writer Thomas Hardy.

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

The garden at Clouds Hill

Reopening on 1 April. Climb up to the top of the small hill overlooking the cottage and look down on this peaceful retreat.

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.