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
- 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.
- 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 Garden. Garden tours are volunteer led and are subject to volunteer availability.
Upcoming events
Meet Rembrandt: a slow looking experience
Slow down, get comfortable and come face-to-face with Rembrandt at Kingston Lacy.
Meet Rembrandt: a slow looking experience (pre-booked tickets)
Slow down, get comfortable and come face-to-face with Rembrandt at Kingston Lacy.
Introduction to Wood Engraving
Design a unique print, a perfect gift for yourself or someone special. Robin Mackenzie will lead this workshop, perfect for beginners or those looking to build on their existing skills.
Talk: Rembrandt and the science of art
Join Rebecca Hellen, National Conservator for Visual Arts, for a talk which will take you behind the scenes to look at what is means to understand paintings through science and conservation.