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Formal Garden Tours

Come along to one of our volunteer-led Formal Garden tours to discover the history, horticulture and highlights of the season.

  • Booking essential
  • Free event (admission applies)

Meet a volunteer guide for a guided tour of Kingston Lacy's Formal Garden. Experience the carefully planned, cut and planted areas of the Formal Garden from the beautiful displays on the South Terrace to the historic planting of Lime Avenue and Nursery wood.

Garden Tours run on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 1 May to the 24 October. Meet the Garden Guide at 11.30am and 2.pm in the Formal Garden, by the front of the house.

We recommend pre-booking your ticket to avoid disappointment. Some tickets may be available on the day from Visitor Reception.

Normal admissions apply, please scan membership card or pay for entry at Visitor Reception. This is a walking tour lasting for approximately 60 minutes.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Meeting point

Meet at the Formal Garden by the Garden Tour sign. Follow the gravel path from Visitor Reception, straight on through the Baffle border to the Formal Garden.

What to bring and wear

Please wear suitable clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.

Accessibility

This is approximately an hour's walking tour. This event includes grass and gravel paths, some of which may not be suitable for all mobility aids. If you would like to attend and would like to discuss your access requirements, please call 01202 883402

Other

Sorry no dogs as this tour takes you through the formal gardens. Garden tours are volunteer led and are subject to volunteer availability

Upcoming events

Event

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.

Event summary

on
2 Aug to 27 Sep 2025
at
09:30 to 16:00
+ 56 other dates or times
Event

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.

Event summary

on
2 Aug to 7 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 36 other dates or times
Event

Summer of Play: Plant a seed 

Green fingers at the ready! Join us in the Kitchen Garden potting shed on Saturdays in the summer holidays for planting sessions.

Event summary

on
2 Aug to 30 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 14:00
+ 4 other dates or times
Event

Summer of Play: Bubble play with Squidge and Pop 

Chase and dance through rainbow swirling bubbles with Squidge and Pop! Watch tricks and giant bubble spectacles as well as having a go at making your own bubbles too.

Event summary

on
3 Aug to 26 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 12:30
+ 4 other dates or times