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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 prices

The 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.

Event summary

on
13 Mar to 22 Mar 2026
at 10:30 to 15:00+ 9 other dates or times

Meet Rembrandt: a slow looking experience (pre-booked tickets) 

Slow down, get comfortable and come face-to-face with Rembrandt at Kingston Lacy.

Event summary

on
14 Mar to 22 Mar 2026
at 11:35 to 11:55+ 17 other dates or times

Smartphone photography workshop 

Learn how to get the most out of your smartphone camera, fall in love with taking pictures, and capture the highlights of gardens on this smartphone photography workshop. Normal admission charges apply.

Event summary

on
14 Mar to 26 Sep 2026
at 13:00 to 15:00+ 3 other dates or times

Easter Adventures at Kingston Lacy 

Join in the Easter fun this spring. Put on your bunny ears, complete the ten amazing activities around the the Easter adventure field before claiming your tasty prize. Normal admission applies.

Event summary

on
21 Mar to 12 Apr 2026
at 10:00 to 15:00+ 22 other dates or times