What's coming up at Kingston Lacy

A Japanese lantern with red and yellow leaved trees behind — The Acer Glade can colour your autumn | © National Trust / Jayne Szekely

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 (and big children).

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.

The Pikachu Art Adventure: 1 October-8 November

Think you know art at the National Trust? Think again. Discover a unique art adventure at Kingston Lacy this autumn – with Pikachu as the star.

Calling all Pokémon fans – old and young! Join us to celebrate the Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration with The Pikachu Art Adventure. Discover 30 Pikachu cards, each brought to life by a different illustrator, find out fun facts about the iconic character, and design your own Pikachu trading card.

There's no need to book and nothing extra to pay (normal admission applies).

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 a 21st century artist's response to this 18th century masterpiece, with an original artwork in the house and an avenue of textiles in the Japanese Garden.

Runs until 23 October.

Rani Lacy revealed

A vibrant woodland scene in autumnal colours of red and orange, with a traditional Japanese tea house in the foreground — Autumnal colours in the Japanese tea garden | © National Trust/Clare Gascoigne

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.

Living with Parkinson's? Get moving at Kingston Lacy!

We've got new exercise sessions 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.

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.

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.

Thinking ahead to (whisper it...) Christmas

We agree, it may be 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!

Upcoming events