What's coming up at Kingston Lacy
There's always plenty to do at Kingston Lacy. As the year turns, the acers in the Japanese Garden fire up and the Lime Avenue and woodland turn golden. There's a show-stopping ivory-inlaid cabinet to admire and a very special trail coming for families.
Colour your autumn
The temperature might be cooler but the garden's as hot as ever. You'll find spectacular colour in the Japanese Garden, where the Acer Glade is worth a special trip, and don't forget the Lime Avenue, where the leaves turn brightest yellow. Look out for a final burst of colour in the herbaceous borders as well.
Rani Lacy: revealing an Indian treasure
One of the National Trust's treasures has come back to Kingston Lacy after conservation. We're exploring the craftsmanship and creativity surrounding the Viskhapatnam cabinet in an exhibition that explains the secrets discovered during conservation, displays related items from other National Trust properties and includes specially commissioned installations.
Discover more until 23 October.
Japanese Tea Garden tour
Autumn is the perfect time for a nice cuppa – but there's so much more to tea than English breakfast. Join local tea experts Comins, who will be sharing their decade of experience at a special tasting of Japanese teas from the Fukuoka prefecture, after an exclusive tour of the Japanese Tea Garden with one of Kingston Lacy's gardeners. With the wonderful autumn colour, it's a very special visual and sensory feast that will leave you thirsty for more.
Book now for 12 September at 11am or 1pm. Tickets £25.
Living with Parkinson's? Get moving at Kingston Lacy!
We've got new exercise sessions starting 7 September for those living with Parkinson's.
Developed alongside the charity Parkinson's UK, these sociable sessions have been specially tailored to keep you active and out in nature. You'll receive ideas and guidance to help you stay active between sessions so your only decision is whether to choose running, walking or Nordic walking.
You need to book, but the sessions are free and carers are welcome too. You'll be supported by trained run and walk leaders, who have all the experience to get you moving whatever your mobility.
Heritage Open Days: free entry to White Mill and Kingston Lacy
We're celebrating England’s largest free festival of history and culture with free entry at White Mill (12 and 13 September) and Kingston Lacy (17, 18 and 19 September). Discover these wonderful places or share them anew with family and friends.
There are three special guided tours in the house as well. Join us on a safari through the artworks, and discover everything from finches to bulls, tortoises to lions. There's also a tour that explores the journeys taken by collection items from the other side of the world, and a third tour that uncovers hidden stories woven into tapestry and carved into stone.
There's no charge for the tours. Spaces are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis on the day; check Upcoming events for details.
Make your walks sociable
Join one of the monthly social walks to explore the woodland and droves around Kingston Lacy (running every month till December); you need to book, but the event is free. Meanwhile, the last estate walk of the season is on 22 September, around Pamphill; book your place now, tickets cost just £3.
What does home mean to you?
Is it a place or is it a feeling? And what does it mean to belong?
Join Wimborne Community Theatre at Kingston Lacy this September, on a magical, immersive journey inspired by Wimborne’s past and present. Belonging: Our Search for Home is a powerful new play, made by and for the local community; see Kingston Lacy through fresh eyes, with the people who once called this place home.
Shows will be every evening 22-27 September, with pre-show activities from 6.30pm and a promenade performance starting at 7pm. Tickets from £7.50.
Belonging is created and produced by Wimborne Community Theatre as part of Wimborne Town of Culture 2026. It is supported using public funding by Arts Council England, Wimborne Minster Town Council, Dorset Council, The Arts Development Company, Talbot Village Trust and sponsors Wimborne BID and Canford School.
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.
A family adventure for half term
We've got a special art adventure coming this autumn, but the details are still under wraps! Pop back soon and we'll reveal all.
Thinking ahead to (whisper it...) Christmas
We agree, it maybe too soon. But if you are, bookings for Storytelling with Santa are open and you can get a hint of the frosty fun that will be waiting come the end of the year!
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.
