What's coming up at Kingston Lacy
There's always plenty to do at Kingston Lacy. With spring filling the garden with colour and the woodland with bluebells and wild garlic, a stroll through the parkland is a joy. There are guided tours, social walking groups and an exercise programme specially designed for those with Parkinson's.
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, 11 May programme begins
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. Both walk and run programmes start on 11 May and you'll be fully supported by qualified run leaders. If you're wondering whether either could be for you, come along to a taster session at 12.30pm on 20 April.
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
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.
Creative workshops in 2026
We've got a whole line up of workshops and one-day courses for you to try.
Stencil printing one-day course, 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 to take home. Booking essential, tickets £85
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 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.
May half term (from 23 May)
We've got exciting plans but can't reveal everything yet! How intriguing is that?
There'll be a range of family activities, and you can already check out the nature walks designed to connect children with the living world around them. These are free (normal admission applies) and there's no need to book.
Come back in early April to discover what else we have planned.
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 Visakhapatnam cabinet, which returns to Kingston Lacy after conservation. There'll be an exhibition (1 June-23 October) 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 (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 availble 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.
