What's coming up at Kingston Lacy
There's always plenty to do at Kingston Lacy. As we come into summer the garden's borders fill with colour and the parkland turns into a wildflower-filled meadow. There's a show-stopping ivory-inlaid cabinet to admire, late openings to enjoy and a whole summer of play available free every day.
Making a day of it
Now summer's here, Kingston Lacy is the perfect place to while away a whole day. From glorious garden to amazing art to treats in the cafe, you'll find plenty to fill your time.
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.
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.
Summer of Play supported by Pokémon
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. Build your own fort with the giant blue blocks, invent a drama and perform it at the puppet theatre or pick out a bouncy strawberry and challenge your friends to a race.
Calling Pokémon fans new and old! This summer of Play, Pokémon are jumping into the great outdoors near you. Are you ready to share the magic with a new generation? On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zones. Get stuck into the Pokémon Trading Card Game activities, flex your skills, and collect Mega Evolution stickers!
Plus, join the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges.
There are also lots of pop up events from circus skills to bubble play and craft activities to dance parties. Grab a hat and book a play date with your favourite people. 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 so make this a summer to remember for all the family.
Summer late opening
Enjoy summer's golden hours and balmy temperatures with a couple of late openings of the garden.
On Tuesday 28 July and Tuesday 25 August you'll have until 8pm to relax on South Lawn or explore the gardens. Dorset Pizza Kitchen will be serving hand-crafted pizzas in the Formal Garden, you are welcome to bring picnics and there will be hot / cold drinks and ice creams available.
It's the perfect place to bring all the family together – there's reduced entry after 5pm, so spread out a rug, enjoy the setting sun and take time to relax.
Visiting as a family? Feel free to bring some lawn games to play or take a stroll to the Woodland Walk play area. If you fancy stretching your legs there is plenty to explore, including the Japanese Garden, Nursery Wood and woodlands. The only areas closed will be the house and Kitchen Garden. No booking needed.
Book now for summer theatre
Pack a picnic and a rug, and prepare to be moved and enthralled as we welcome back outstanding theatrical companies, each bringing a new show to Kingston Lacy.
Join The Lord Chamberlain's Men on 16 and 17 July for one of the most captivating and thrilling plays ever written, Shakespeare's Othello, or bring all the family on 7 August, when Illyria is back with a retelling of the classic story of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet hoping to become a real boy.
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...
Discover flower-filled meadows
...or just head out for a stroll to drink in the colour and beauty all around. There's plenty of shade under Kingston Lacy's magnificent trees or in the Fernery, while the Japanese Garden and parkland are filled with wild flowers. Take home a little bit of inspiration from the herbaceous borders in the Kitchen Garden.
Thinking ahead to (whisper it...) Christmas
We agree, it's much 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.
