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 an orchid- and ox-eye daisy-filled meadow. There's a show-stopping ivory-inlaid cabinet to admire, guided garden tours and outdoor theatre.
Making a day of it
We're moving into the summer and Kingston Lacy is the perfect place to while away a whole day. From glorious garden to amazing art to treats in the cafe, you can 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.
May half term (from 23 May)
There's going to be so much to do! Check out the nature walks designed to connect children with the living world around them. They're free (normal admission applies); just book your spot when you arrive (spaces are limited to 10 children per walk, and will be offered on a first come, first served basis). But also...
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail (from 23 May)
Calling Pokémon fans new and old! From 23 May, get active outdoors on our 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.
Are you ready for a mega adventure?
Rani Lacy: revealing an Indian treasure
One of the National Trust's treasures is coming back to Kingston Lacy after conservation. We'll be exploring the craftsmanship, culture and creativity surrounding the Viskhapatnam cabinet in an exhibtion that will explain the secrets discovered during conservation, display related items from other National Trust properties and include specially commissioned installations.
Discover more 1 June-23 October.
Creative workshops in 2026
We've got a whole line up of workshops and one-day courses for you to try.
Indian block printing workshop, 6 Jun, 20 Sep and 10 Oct
Discover the rhythmic craft of Indian block printing at this afternoon workshop that will teach you how to build pattern, layer colour, and create your own hand-printed textiles. Booking essential, tickets £45
Smartphone photography workshop, 11 Jul and 26 Sep
Learn how to get the most out of your smartphone camera. From lighting and depth of field to composition and editing, you'll pick up all kinds of tips and tricks with lots of fun along the way. Booking essential, tickets £25
Introduction to Reduction Linocut, 3 Oct
Missed out on the May workshop? You've got another chance to book in October. It's perfect for both beginners and those looking to enhance existing skills. Booking essential, tickets £85
Feast on colour in the garden
Camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons are among the show-stoppers, exploding in pinks, reds and orange. Find a spot to chill in the Fernery, admire the wild flowers in the Japanese Garden's meadows and watch the herbaceous borders fill out.
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 July and August.
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 (running on 6 June, 20 September and 10 October). Or you can join one of the popular linocut workshops (sold out for May, but tickets still available for 3 October), 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.
