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Sun shining on the house at Kingston Lacy, leaves on a tree in the foreground are starting to change colour and drop on the lawn
Autumn sunshine at Kingston Lacy, Dorset | © National Trust Images/Jon Bish

Gardens and parks in Dorset

The gardens we care for in Dorset are looking glorious over the autumn months. They are the perfect place to stretch your legs, marvel at the autumnal colours and take in the fresh air.

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 trees in autumn colours of orange, purple, yellow and green

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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