Formal garden tours
Come along to one of our free volunteer-led Formal Garden tours to discover the history, horticulture and highlights of the season.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Meet a volunteer guide for a free 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.
Formal Garden tours run on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 11 May to the 30 October 2026.
Meet the Garden Guide at 11.30am and 2pm in the Rotunda – between the shop and café. Look out for the Garden Tour sign showing you where to meet.
These tours are free and there is no pre-booking required. Normal admissions charges apply. National Trust members will need to show their membership cards at Visitor Reception and non-members will need to pay the admission price (from £23 per adult, £11.50 per child) or join the National Trust.
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 pricesThe basics
- 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
- Meeting point
Meet in the Rotunda (area between the shop and café) by the Garden Tour sign. Follow the path from Visitor Reception turning right and you will be in the Rotunda.
- What to bring and wear
Please wear suitable clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.
- Other
Sorry no dogs as this tour takes you through the Formal Garden. Garden tours are volunteer led and are subject to volunteer availability.
Upcoming events
The Pikachu Art Adventure at Kingston Lacy
Think you know art at the National Trust? Think again. Discover a unique art adventure at Kingston Lacy this autumn – with Pikachu as the star.
Stepping into Parkinson’s and nature: walking programme
Developed alongside our Parkinson’s running programme this walking group will help those living with Parkinson's become more active or maintain an active lifestyle and get out in nature at Kingston Lacy.
Nordic Walking for Parkinson’s
To complement our Parkinson’s running and walking groups, Dorset Council are offering Nordic Walking sessions to help those living with Parkinson's to become more active or maintain an active lifestyle and get out in nature at Kingston Lacy.
Japanese Garden Tours
Come along to one of our free volunteer-led tours in the Japanese Garden to discover an English interpretation of Japanese horticulture. These free tours run on the last Wednesday of the month in September and October.