What's coming up at Kingston Lacy
There's always plenty to do at Kingston Lacy. With the days getting longer the garden is filled with blossom; our Easter field of fun is open till 12 April; and don't forget to check out the conservation events in the house.
Easter at Kingston Lacy (21 March-12 April)
It's early this year, but we're so ready for it. Easter's a joyous adventure, with games, challenges and, of course, bunny ears (compulsory for adults, surely, if not children?).
We've set up a whole field of fun, where you can be a whisk-taker and complete the rope maze, become an eggs-pert at carrot throwing and complete an eggs-treme rabbit racecourse. There's no limit to the number of times you can try each challenge!
So plan a date in your diary to hit the trail, try out all the amusements and collect your chocolate prize at the end.
And don't forget, there are light lunches, traditional scones and drinks from coffee to juice in the Stables cafe.
Trails cost £3.50pp. There's no need to book and no time limit.
Spring energy
The days are getting longer and we're open till 5pm every day. You can refresh your spirits with a stroll round the garden and pop into the house for a look at the awe-inspiring art collection, but why not combine it with one of our events?
Spring clean conservation talks, from 13 April
Ever wondered what it takes to care for Kingston Lacy's amazing collection? It's a lot more than a quick flick with a duster. Book now to find out how our expert House and Collections team care for Kingston Lacy.
Meet the lambs, 18 and 19 April
Kingston Lacy's rare breed Portland lambs are an annual joy. Drop in at 11am to meet the Farm Manager and meet these adorable lambs close up.
Stepping into Parkinson's and nature, 20 April taster session
Living with Parkinson's? We've partnered with Parkinson's UK and Forestry England to develop a 12-week run or walk programme, based on the popular NHS Couch to 5k, specially for those with Parkinson's. You'll be fully supported by qualified run leaders, and groups normally end up in the cafe! If you're wondering whether this could be for you, come along to a taster session at 12.30pm.
Japanese Tea Garden: tour and tea tasting, 25 April
The traditional tea garden is the heart of Kingston Lacy's Japanese-inspired planting. Take a guided tour with one of the gardeners to discover its history, creation and maintenance, before a tasting session with Comins Tea. Booking essential, tickets £25
Stencil printing workshop, 16 May
Join us for a relaxed workshop discovering the art of stencil printing. You'll learn how to create beautiful cow parsley designs on both fabric and paper, with the day’s main activity decorating a cushion cover. Booking essential, tickets £85
Get out and about
We've got a variety of walks planned this year. Every month sees a sociable group meet for a stroll of around 3-4 miles that normally ends in the cafe – you'll discover a different bit of the parkland every time. There are also guided walks going further afield, taking you around some of the most interesting areas of the estate from Badbury Rings to Holt Heath to discover the history and nature on this beautiful bit of Dorset.
Feast on colour in the garden
Camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons are among the earliest show-stoppers, exploding in pinks, reds and orange. Take a walk down daffodil-filled Lime Avenue, through Nursery Wood and back along Camellia Walk for a bit of eye-popping colour. And with the cherry trees now blossoming in the Japanese Garden, we're feeling properly spring-like whatever the weather.
Take a guided garden tour
Interested in finding out more about the history, maintenance and development of this little slice of heaven? There are a variety of guided walk-and-talks on different aspects of the garden – you don't need to book and there's no charge, so have a look and see which one takes your fancy.
Looking ahead to an inspiring summer
For the planners among you, check out what's coming up in June, July and August. First up, get a date in your diary to come and see the astonishing Visakhpatnam cabinet, which returns to Kingston Lacy after conservation. There'll be an exhibition exploring the culture, craftsmanship and creativity surrounding this 18th century treasure, as well as related items from other National Trust properties on display.
There are two workshops for the creatives: one will teach you the magic of Indian block printing, how to build pattern, layer colour, and create your own hand-printed textiles. Or you can join one of the popular wood engraving workshops, taking home a block for printing again and again.
Down in the Kitchen Garden from mid July to September there'll be a field full of play equipment, activities and adventures ready and waiting every day. With the permanent play area and a kiosk selling hot and cold drinks and light refreshments as well as space to spread out a rug for your own picnic, it's a great day out.
Finally, we've got three outdoor theatre performances on South Lawn. Prepare to engage all your emotions for Shakespeare's tragedies of Romeo & Juliet and Othello, or bring all the family for Illyria's retelling of the classic Pinocchio.
Make this a summer to remember for all the family – check out Upcoming events for more information.
You may also be interested in
Discover the garden at Kingston Lacy
Relax and wander the gardens to enjoy seasonal interest at any time of year, with plenty of space for children to run, skip and play, and spaces to stop along the way.
Family-friendly things to do at Kingston Lacy
Discover all the things to do on a family day out at Kingston Lacy.
Eating and shopping at Kingston Lacy
Sample the delicious menu at the Stables Café or visit the National Trust shop to browse a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and local produce. There's also a second-hand book store stocking a huge selection of titles, old and new.
