Heritage Open Days: Free entry to Kingston Lacy
We are celebrating Heritage Open Days by offering free entry to Kingston Lacy on 18 - 20 September. Discover Kingston Lacy, an opulent family home built to resemble a Venetian Palace. This year free bus transport from Wimborne and Blandford.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
There's plenty to see, from spectacular artworks to beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a summer picnic on the south lawn, or let little visitors run wild in nearby play areas. Wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, which is being restored to Victorian splendour.
We are partnering with Dorset Community Transport to provide free bus transport from Wimborne (18-20 Sep) and Blandford (19-20 Sep).
Bus times departing Wimborne (Thur 18 / Fri 19 Sept) - 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 12:00.
Bus times departing Wimborne (Sat 20 Sept) - 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00
Buses depart Wimborne Square, Stop C, High Street.
Bus times from Kingston Lacy back to Wimborne (Thur 18 / Fri 19 Sept) - 10:45, 11:45, 12:15, 12:45 and 13:15.
Bus times from Kingston Lacy back to Wimborne (Sat 20 Sept) - 10:45, 11:45, 12:15, 12:45, 13:15, 14:15, 14:45, 15:45, 16:15 and 16:45.
Bus times from Blandford (Fri 19 Sept) - 09:30, 10:15, 11:00 and 11:45.
Bus times from Blandford (Sat 20 Sept) - 09:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45, 13:15, 14:00 and 14:45.
Buses depart Blandford Market Place, Bay B (East St/St Peter's Church).
Buses back to Blandford from Kingston Lacy (Fri 19 Sept) - 10:40, 11:25, 12:55 and 13:40.
Buses back to Blandford from Kingston Lacy (Sat 20 Sept) - 10:40, 11:25, 12:55, 13:40, 14:25, 15:55 and 16:40.
Operated with a non-wheelchair-accessible minibus which is not a low floor bus. Very limited space for folded pushchairs.
Times
The basics
- Accessibility
The ground floor of the house (three rooms) is accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. A virtual tour is on offer giving 360-degree views of all rooms. Most paths around the garden are gravel and flat. There is a 5km route around the woodland suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be booked in advance by calling 01202 883402.
Upcoming events
Henrietta's Garden
Join us this year in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Henrietta Bankes’ vision of the Japanese Garden, filled with cherry blossom, bamboo and acers.
Summer of Play
Discover a summer jam-packed with fun for all ages in Kitchen Garden. Play with giant building blocks, visit the story garden, race on bouncy strawberries or join one of our pop-up events.
Summer of Play: Dorset Scrapstore craft and make
Are you ready to get crafty? Join the Dorset Scrapstore every Friday for a brand new creative activity.
Formal Garden Tours
Come along to one of our volunteer-led Formal Garden tours to discover the history, horticulture and highlights of the season.