garden tours dorset

Gardens in Dorset

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to 110 of the best private gardens in Dorset.

Your visits raise important funds for charitable causes across the UK through admissions, teas and cake - and in the majority of gardens children go free!

Thanks to the generosity of garden owners who freely give their time and energy to open their beautiful gardens with the National Garden Scheme we were able to donate over £3.4 million to vital nursing and health charities last year. We hope to top this in 2024 with yet more beautiful gardens open in Dorset for you to visit this year.

• 110 Private Gardens to visit in Dorset
• 46 Historical Gardens in Dorset
• 50 Dog Friendly Gardens in Dorset
• 21 Child Friendly Gardens in Dorset

Browse our garden map to view all the gardens opening in Dorset in the next 28 days . You can change the date range or location to help you find what you are looking for.

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The gardens below are listed in alphabetical order and some may have completed their openings for the year. You can view gardens open in Dorset within a specific time range here .

1 Pine Walk

1 Pine Walk, DT7 3LA

1 Rose Cottage

1 Rose Cottage, DT2 0PR

18 Ford Close

18 Ford Close, BH22 8AA

1C Rectory Road

1C Rectory Road, BH15 3BH

20 Wicket Road

20 Wicket Road, BH10 5LT

22 Lancaster Drive

22 Lancaster Drive, BH18 9EL

24 Carlton Road North

24 Carlton Road North, DT4 7PY

27A Forest Road

27A Forest Road, BH13 6DQ

8 Tucks Close

8 Tucks Close, BH23 8ND

Abbotsbury Gardens

Abbotsbury Gardens, DT3 4LA

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, DT3 4LA

Annalal's Gallery

Annalal's Gallery, BH23 1DN

Many gardens offer plants for sale, please visit the individual listings for more information. Here are some suggestions: Sheepwash Barn , The Potting Shed , Glenholme Herbs .

Our database has at least 39 gardens in Dorset that showcase stunning autumn colours. Here are some suggestions to get you started: North Bowood Farmhouse , Sheepwash Barn , Pipsford Farm .

Some garden owners are happily accommodating group visits; North Bowood Farmhouse , Chantry Farm , Myrtle Cottage have recently been listed with National Garden Scheme. Please use the filters above to find more and make sure to check which gardens allow group visits by arrangement only.

Absolutely. National Garden Scheme currently lists 73 gardens in Dorset that strive to ensure that all visitors are able to enjoy a positive experience. Please try and keep to the paths, particularly in wet conditions, and make sure to read each garden's information to make the best of your visit.

Dorset boasts a wide variety of local and exotic plants, to suit most plant lovers in all seasons. We currently list 10 bluebell gardens, 21 gardens with naturalised daffodils, 38 gardens offering hundreds of eye-catching dahlias, 67 fragrant rose gardens, 22 tulip gardens, and 9 gardens with snowdrops, as well as 72 wildlife gardens.

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16 Enchanting Gardens To Visit in Dorset

• Last Updated 28 August, 2023

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Our pick of the best gardens to visit in Dorset – from sprawling manor house estates to surprising subtropical paradises.

Dorset is renowned for its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. With a wealth of gardens and parks, it offers a haven for nature enthusiasts, from tropical wonders to historic sites and artistic marvels.

Whether you seek peace and tranquillity or wish to explore a tapestry of colours and scents, these gardens provide an enchanting escape into nature’s embrace. Plan your visit to Dorset and indulge in the breathtaking beauty that awaits you in these captivating gardens.

1. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Weymouth

2. mapperton house and gardens, beaminster, 3. compton acres, poole, 4. kingston lacy gardens, wimborne minster, 5. thomas hardy cottage & garden, dorchester, 6. the blue pool, wareham, 7. cranborne manor and gardens, wimborne, 8. athelhampton house and garden, dorchester, 9. careys secret garden, wareham, 10. forde abbey and gardens, chard, 11. minterne garden, dorchester, 12. sherborne castle and gardens, sherborne, 13. corfe castle model village & gardens, wareham, 14. bennetts water gardens, weymouth, 15. the walled garden, moreton, 16. exbury gardens & steam railway, exbury, map of gardens in dorset, 16 gardens to visit in dorset.

Nestled in the heart of Abbotsbury village near Chesil Beach in Dorset, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a true gem. These stunning gardens date back to 1762, and boast a rare collection of exotic plants from all corners of the globe, from magnolias to camellias and more!

Stroll along meandering pathways discovering enchanting features such as woodland glades, tranquil lakes, and the Victorian Fernery. The Subtropical Gardens also offer breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. This is one of my personal favourite gardens to visit in Dorset – every time I visit I always seem to discover something new!

Opening Times: 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm), every day. Address: Bullers Way, DT3 4LA, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom

Mapperton Gardens , located near Beaminster, transports visitors into a romantic setting and a realm of timeless beauty. This award-winning Italianate garden, set within the grounds of the famed Mapperton House, features manicured lawns, vibrant flower borders, and an exquisite Orangery.

With its perfectly symmetrical design and stunning topiary, Mapperton Gardens has a sense of serenity and elegance, making it a popular destination for garden lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Visit their website for up-to-date information on events and tickets.

Opening times: 1 Mar-31 Oct 2023, open 11:00 – 17:00 daily excluding Friday and Saturday. Times may vary, see website for details. Address : Mapperton Estate, Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3NR

For those seeking a unique and exciting day out in nature, Compton Acres in Poole is an absolute must-visit. Spanning over 10 acres, this award-winning garden showcases a series of themed areas, each with its own distinct character.

Explore the tranquil Japanese Garden, with its authentic teahouse and calming water features, or wander through the vibrant colours of the Italian Garden. From the enchanting Wooded Valley to the majestic Palm Court, Compton Acres promises an unforgettable journey through nature’s wonders. The site is also home to one of the largest rock gardens in the UK.

Summer Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm (last entry 4pm). Address : Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole Dorset, BH13 7ES

Situated near Wimborne Minster, the gardens at Kingston Lacy offer a glimpse into the past and showcase timeless elegance. This 17th-century Italianate country mansion, owned by the National Trust, boasts extensive gardens with a rich history, featuring magnificent specimen trees, colourful herbaceous borders, and a beautiful Japanese Garden.

Embark on a leisurely stroll through the parkland, discover hidden corners, and marvel at the meticulous attention to detail that has preserved the gardens’ splendor throughout the centuries.

Opening times: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm. See National Trust website for exact dates/times. Address : Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA

Immerse Yourself in Literary History in the gardens surrounding Thomas Hardy’s Cottage – just outside the county town of Dorchester . Tucked away amidst woodland in the Dorset countryside, Thomas Hardy’s Cottage Garden is a hidden treasure, offering a delightful escape into the author’s early years and the inspiration that fueled his renowned works.

Spread across approximately 1/3 acre, this charming garden is meticulously designed, featuring winding paths, vibrant cottage flowers, and even a thriving vegetable patch.  A visit to the Thomas Hardy Cottage Garden is best combined with a tour of the cottage, where you can further immerse yourself in the author’s life and works. 

Opening times: 10:00 – 16:00 daily, including Bank Holidays (see website for details as date/time may vary) Address : Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QJ

The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms , part of the historic Furzebrook Estate, has a rich history dating back nearly 400 years. The Tearooms, established in 1935, have been welcoming visitors for almost a century.

The renowned colour-changing phenomenon of the Blue Pool’s waters adds to its historical and scientific significance, now designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Whilst it’s not a garden in a traditional sense, it is surrounded by heaps of British fauna, as well as rhododendrons and azaleas.

Opening times: open daily 9:30 – 5:30 pm.  Address : Furzebrook Rd, Nr Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR

Nestled in the scenic Dorset countryside, Cranborne Manor Gardens offers a delightful oasis surrounding the ancient Cranborne Manor House.

The courtyard features a stunning steel water-lily sculpture by Angela Connor, while the walled garden delights with vibrant flowers and a charming orchard. The garden also features a picturesque rose garden and a flourishing vegetable garden, evoking a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Opening times: open every Wednesday from 10:00 am between Spring and Autumn, see website as dates/times may vary. Address : 1 Church St, Cranborne, Wimborne BH21 5PY

Designed by Alfred Cart de Lafontaine in 1891, the formal gardens at Athelhampton House boast four Elizabethan-style Ham stone courts, complete with ponds and a charming canal.

Throughout the seasons, the gardens showcase a stunning array of natural beauty, from snowdrops and narcissi in spring to roses and subtropical plants in summer. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the historic house, renowned for its Tudor architecture, including the magnificent Great Hall. 

Opening times: seven days a week, 10am to 5pm during high season, 10am to 4pm in low season (November to February). Address : Athelhampton Road, Athelhampton, Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 7LG

This idyllic walled Victorian garden had been left wild and untouched for over four decades until its rediscovery in 2019. Since then, Careys Secret Garden has undergone extensive restoration with a strong emphasis on regeneration, rewilding, permaculture, and sustainability.

Visitors are invited to explore the various sections of the garden, including the Arid Garden, Rose Garden, Food Forest, Veggie Patches and more. The garden also collaborates with the local restaurant, the Salt Pig, which serves refreshments and vegetarian dishes from the Victorian potato store on-site.

Opening times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10:00 – 4:00 pm (last entry 3:00 pm).  Address : Garden Wood, Wareham BH20 7PG

Surrounding a historic 12th-century Abbey, this garden is hailed as one of Britain’s finest and offers a breathtaking experience throughout the seasons. With a rich history dating back almost 900 years, Forde Abbey Gardens has evolved over time and showcases a captivating array of flora.

From enchanting displays of snowdrops and crocuses in February to vibrant daffodils and tulips in spring, the garden transforms with each passing season. Don’t miss the impressive canal pond, home to diverse wildlife, and the highest-powered fountain in England!

Opening times: Open Daily from 1st of March – 31st of October, from 10:30AM – 5:00PM (last entry at 4:00PM). Address : Forde Abbey House and Gardens, Chard, TA20 4LU.

Minterne Garden , nestled in the serene Dorset countryside, is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Spanning 20 acres, these gardens offer a tranquil escape in nature. Many of the plants found here were collected by adventurous plant hunters who explored the world between 1850 and 1950. There is plenty to see with each season, from magnolias to charming ducks on the small lakes and cascades. 

Opening times: February 1st– 5th November 2023, Daily, 10.00am – 6.00pm (last entry at 5.00pm). Address : Minterne Magna, Dorchester DT2 7AU

The historic estate at Sherborne Castle boasts 42 acres of picturesque English Landscape Gardens, offering a serene environment to wander and enjoy the breathtaking views. Embark on walks around the serene lake, where you’ll encounter notable garden features such as Raleigh’s Seat, The Cascade, and the newly constructed Fossil House.

No matter the season, the gardens delight with vibrant displays, from spring’s carpet of colourful bulbs to the dazzling hues of autumn reflected in the tranquil lake. 

Opening times: April – October, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm). Address : Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NR  

Nestled in an acre of meticulously landscaped gardens, enjoy an array of attractions for the whole family at Corfe Castle Model Village . From Giant Games, a Croquet lawn, an enchanting Enchanted fairy garden, and a Wildlife garden. Exploring these magnificent grounds makes for the perfect day out in Dorset.

Opening times: Feb – Nov, daily between 10:00 am – 15:30 pm  Address : The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

This exceptional garden located on the renowned Jurassic Coast is managed by the third generation of a dedicated family. Bennetts Water Gardens occupies an expansive eight-acre expanse featuring serene lakes and an internationally acclaimed collection of lilies.

Central to the gardens is a picturesque Monet-inspired bridge. Prepare to be amazed as you witness a mesmerizing display of thousands of water lilies of 300 distinct varieties.

Opening times: Daily (except for Saturdays) between 10:00 – 16:00 pm. Address : Putton Lane, Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4AF

One of my personal favourite gardens to visit in Dorset is Moreton Walled Gardens in the tiny village of Moreton, near Dorchester. This beautiful five-acre landscaped formal garden has a sculpture trail, a picnic area, and a small play park. There are also some farm animals to discover such as pigs, ferrets, and free-roaming chickens. Plus there’s a small plant shop where you can buy some really lovely garden decor and locally-grown plants.

The on-site Dovecote Cafe is absolutely lovely and does amazing cakes – don’t miss it! They’re an   Employ My Ability employer, giving students with learning disabilities and Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) work experience to help them develop vital skills, expertise and confidence. 

Opening times: Daily  9am-4:30pm Address : The Walled Garden, Moreton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8RG

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a magnificent combination of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, and formal gardens. Although Exbury is actually just over the border in Hampshire, these stunning gardens are well worth the short trip from Dorset.

Nestled in a distinctive riverside setting, this enchanting site has exquisite gardens adorned with vibrant flowers. Theres also a steam railway that weaves through the grounds. The gardens also feature a restaurant, play area and much more for all the family to enjoy.

Opening times: March – October, daily between 10:00 – 17:00 pm. Address : Summer Lane, Exbury, Hampshire SO45 1AZ

Use the map below to find your nearest gardens to visit in Dorset – or plan your next floral-themed day out!

If you know of any more gardens in Dorset we should add to this list, please scroll down to leave a comment!

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visit the top 6 must see gardens in dorset, showcasing the very best in english gardens design, planting & History.

Forde Abbey

The monastic, rhs (monday), dogs welcome, coffee shop, picnic area, athelhampton, rhs (saturday), open all year, ev charging, the italianate, rhs (tuesday), hh (gardens only), the subtropical, rhs (oct to feb), plant centre, sherborne castle, the landscape, rhs (wednesday), cafe (next door), lakeside walk, the himalayan, rhs (daily), tea terrace.

Dorset Walled Garden

Garden gallery.

Dorset Walled Garden is set in a large chalk downland valley, within an AONB, between  Sherborne and Dorchester, in Dorset. Located in  the  centre of our organic farm, the  garden's   plans were  first laid out by Simon Johnson soon after we arrived in Dorset in 2002.  Simon  redesigned the area close to the the house that contained large lambing barns, a food processing yard and an  indoor  swimming  pool.  From this, the framework of the walled garden, the swimming  pool  courtyard, the orchard and what is now the rose garden behind the house were created.  The gardens were further developed by  Isabel  and Julian Bannerman in 2011. The Bannermans' brief  was  to  romanticise  and soften the  garden  with their  romantic, blousy,  characteristic style of planting, with a focus on scent, whilst taking on the large open landscape surrounding  the  house and garden.  The rose and the  rill gardens  were newly created by them, incorporating soft oak ballustrading and raised oak beds, with  imposing beehive  yew  topiaries standing tall throughout.

Please email us if you would like to organise a private group garden tour (depending on availability) , or view our Events page for courses held here throughout the seasons.

@dorsetwalledgarden

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The great garden trail of dorset.

Take up the challenge and explore Dorset, visiting the six must-see gardens showcasing the very best in English Garden design, planting, and history. All the gardens are free to visit for Historic Houses members and on designated dates to RHS Members. Visit the official website for more info.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens - The Landscape Garden

A ‘Capability Brown’ English Landscape Garden awaits in the home of Sir Walter Raleigh and the Digby Family. See 42 acres of magnificent gardens surrounding a 50-acre lake. Two walks are suggested, one short and one long taking you past garden features such as the Cascade, Folly, Fossil House & Raleigh’ Seat. See beautiful herbaceous borders, champion trees & an abundance of wildlife on the lake.

Minterne Gardens – The Himalayan Garden

Landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown and trailing around a mile in length, Minterne boasts a world-renowned collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with Spring Bulbs, Cherries, Maples and rare trees. Wander the trail and enjoy a chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams.

Mapperton House & Gardens – The Italianate Garden

One of the most distinctive gardens in Dorset, tucked into a steep north-south combe, the gardens descend from the very formal topiary gardens and Orangery to the north to an arboretum, beyond which the land unfolds in small, steep valleys, and headlands down the sea five miles away.

Athelhampton House & Gardens – The Formal Garden

Explore four walled formal gardens recreated in 1891, each featuring a pond and a fountain. The Great Court with its great 12 dominating yew pyramids are one of Athelhampton’s iconic views. Beyond the formal gardens you will find the rose garden and the south walk with cottage style herbaceous borders inspired by Gertrude Jekyll.

Forde Abbey & Gardens – The Monastic Garden

Home to the highest-powered fountain in the country, the gardens include topiary-lined vistas, colourful herbaceous borders, an arboretum, and a bog garden, which together with swathes of early Spring bulbs and camellias provide all year-round interest.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

The Garden is a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world famous for it’s Camellia groves and magnolias. Noted in Dorset for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collection and the charming Victorian Garden.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens

Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR

Athelhampton House & Gardens

Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG

Forde Abbey

Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU

Buller's Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Minterne House & Gardens

Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU

Mapperton House and Gardens

Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR

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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Voted hha/christie’s garden of the year 2012..

“One of the finest Gardens I have ever visited” Alan Titchmarsh

General Information

• DOGS are welcome on SHORT LEADS ONLY and must stay on the designated pathes. Extendable leads are NOT ALLOWED.
• Group rates available for parties of 10 or more.
• Ample FREE parking for cars and coaches, usual courtesies extended to coach drivers.
• Toilets: disabled and baby change facilities available at the coffee shop.
• The paths at the Gardens are gravel and some areas are very steep due to the natural topography. There is a Wheelchair Route which showcases some of the key areas of the Gardens.  Due to the gravel surfaces and some steep paths, only all terrain mobility scooters are permitted.

Visiting Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens?

Why not visit abbotsbury swannery at the same time.

We have a fantastic 25% dual ticket discount when you order tickets to both attractions at the same time. Bookings don’t have to be made for the same day either.

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Gardens in Dorset, England

England is the most garden-loving country in the world, with more gardens open to the public than anywhere else. London is the Garden Capital of the world, in the sense of having a higher proportion of garden-loving residents than any other capital city in the world. But there are disappointingly few great English gardens in London: one therefore has to travel by car or train to other English regions to find great gardens to visit. The most famous period in English garden history is the eighteenth century, when the original English landscape gardens were made. In addition to these English Garden Finder entries, please see (1) Garden Tours in England (2) our 10 musical histories of garden and landscape design in the British Isles (3) our page on Prehistoric Landscapes and Gardens in the British Isles .

Recently updated Gardens

• Hinton Admiral Gardens updated at 24 Apr 09:35
• Shute House Garden updated at 22 Feb 20:09
• The Old Rectory, Pulham updated at 22 Feb 20:04
• Sherborne Castle Garden updated at 22 Feb 19:47
• Sandford Orcas Manor House Garden updated at 22 Feb 19:19

Dorset Walled Garden

Mapperton house, south wood farm, the newt somerset, highbridge house, ‘wonders of the west’ – exclusive gardens of somerset and dorset in partnership with the english garden magazine, sorry this tour is now fully booked.  if you would like to go on a waiting list in case we receive a cancellation please email us on [email protected].

Monday 12th – Thursday 15th June 2023 (3 nights)

• Additional Information

Join us for an exciting four-day holiday opening the gates of some of Somerset and Dorset’s most exclusive gardens with Sisley Garden Tours and The English Garden magazine. With spaces limited to 20, and accompanied by an expert local guide and Colette Walker, Director of Sisley Garden Tours, we’ll explore historic garden gems, gardens of innovative contemporary design and private, personal gardens of exceptional beauty.

Never hurried and with the comfortable, award-winning hotel, The Eastbury in Sherborne as our base we will spend four days travelling in our comfortable executive coach around the beautiful Dorset and Somerset countryside. You can expect good food, the company of fascinating garden owners and head gardeners and first class service.

Monday 12th June

After independent journeys to Sherborne, we’ll meet, in the early afternoon at The Eastbury Hotel in Sherborne, our four-star base for the tour. This family-run boutique hotel was originally designed as an 18th-century Georgian gentleman’s residence and exudes warmth and character. The 2 AA Rosette restaurant offers food made from homegrown produce and boasts views of the hotel’s charming walled garden. Car parking is available at the hotel or Sherborne is a 2-hour direct train ride from London (see our tour joining & tour end arrangements for more information here).

We then travel to the privately owned, Dorset Walled Garden in Upper Sydling for a tour of the delightful gardens with owner, Susanne Cooper. The garden was created in 2002, with more recent help from designers Julian and Isabel Bannerman. Expect roses, scented planting, imposing yew beehives, a rill and gravel garden. After we enjoy refreshments and an expert floristry demonstration using flowers from the garden.

We return to Sherborne, where there’ll be time to taste local wine from Sherborne Castle Vineyard before dinner at the hotel (included).

Tuesday 13th June

In the morning, Bella Hoare will take us on a tour of her own garden at Gasper Cottage on the Stourhead estate – where Bella’s ancestors lived before the family seat was taken on by the National Trust. Bella, an artist, loves colourful perennials and Oudolf-style planting. The garden is constantly in development: lawn often gives way to flowers and part of the orchard is currently being converted into a pollinator-attracting forest garden.

After lunch at a garden in nearby Bruton (included), we’ll head to Batcombe House in Shepton Mallet, the home of landscape designer Libby Russell. Enjoy a riot of colour in her kitchen terraces and borders and, on the other side, a grass amphitheatre offering a calmer, more contemporary space with wide herbaceous borders. After our tour of the gardens, we enjoy tea and homemade cake.

In the evening, you are free to explore Sherborne and dine at leisure.

Wednesday 14th June

The day starts with an exclusive tour of Mapperton House with Julie, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke, before the garden opens. After morning coffee we take a private tour of the house. Mapperton is known for its romantic gardens. Tucked into a steep sided combe, they descend from formal topiary gardens and an orangery in the north to an arboretum in the south, beyond which the land unfolds down to the sea. Lunch at Mapperton House (independent).

In the afternoon we’ll head to South Wood Farm , where head gardener Lewis O’Brien takes us on an exclusive tour of the Arne Maynard-designed country garden. The beautiful 17th-century thatched house is surrounded by roses, herbaceous borders, yew topiary, wildflower meadows and a kitchen garden. It is an absolute delight.

We return to the hotel for dinner (included).

Thursday 15th June

On our final morning we visit Highbridge House , the private home of racehorse trainer Paul Nicholls OBE, whose rose collection will be hitting its stride.

After we continue on to The Newt in Somerset . Formerly the home of Penelope Hobhouse’s family and then Nori and Sandra Pope, the garden has been reimagined by Patrice Taravella. It is undoubtedly one of the most extensive garden developments in the country for many years. After lunch (included) and a Somerset cyder tasting, we’ll have a tour of the gardens and some time to explore, before returning to The Eastbury Hotel to say our goodbyes.

TOUR PRICES: Prices are per person, based on twin/double room share, with single supplement (solo occupancy of a double room) shown separately. Tours are priced in £GBP.

PRICES INCLUDE:

• 3 nights’ accommodation at The Eastbury Hotel, Sherborne with en-suite facilities.
• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners with wine.
• All garden visits including tours with garden owners and head gardeners.
• All tour gratuities (driver, tour director and hotels).
• Deluxe coach travel with professional driver.
• Gift information pack with detailed information about the gardens we will be visiting.
• Services of your Sisley tour director throughout

PRICES EXCLUDE:

• Travel to and from Sherborne at the start and end of the tour.
• Passport and/or visa fees if applicable.
• Meals & drinks not included in the tour, laundry, and telephone calls.

TOUR PAYMENT:  A 10% non-refundable deposit is requested at the time of booking to secure your place on the tour.  Your tour balance payment is due by Monday 13th March 2023.

Please read our Tour Joining and Departure Arrangements information sheet here.

Image credits: Dorset Walled Garden, Jason Ingram; South Wood Farm, Lewis O’Brien; Mapperton House; The Newt Somerset; Gasper Cottage, Bella Hoare.

The Eastbury Hotel, Sherborne (3 nights)

The Eastbury is a family run, boutique hotel located in the historic town of Sherborne with its beautiful abbey and castle. Originally designed as an 18th century Georgian gentleman’s residence, the rooms are imbued with warmth and character and offer a real home-from-home feel. The public areas offer a choice of two lounges to relax in, a library and snooker room. The 2 AA Rosette restaurant boasts home grown produce with views of the charming walled garden. Don’t miss the newly built ‘bijou’ spa in the gardens.

TOUR PRICES: Prices are per person, based on twin/double room share, with single supplement (solo occupancy of a double room) shown separately.

TOUR PAYMENT:  A 10% non-refundable deposit is requested at the time of booking to secure your place on the tour.  Your tour balance payment is due on Monday 13th March 2023.

If you would like to complete our online booking form, please click the Book Now button. Book now Please contact us if you have any queries about the tour or would like to arrange for us to call you back. Contact us Read through our Frequently Asked Question section to find out more about our tours, dress code, average day, tips etc. FAQs To assist you in pre and post tour planning, you might wish to read our tour Joining and Departure Arrangements. Click opposite for further details. Tour joining info

Michael Marriott

Tod garden tours.

We have now concluded another successful year of garden tours and are well advanced in planning the 2025 tours!

If you’d like to be one of the first people to receive advance notice of the wonderful tours we’re organising for 2025 before we publicise them on our instagram accounts then please email us on [email protected]

Contact: [email protected] to book a place or for any enquiries

Instagram: @todgardentours

13th June 2024

14th June 2024

£130 per person

A trio of Dorset delights with completely differing styles and content awaits you on this mid-summer tour.

Dorset Walled Garden  

This beautifully designed and maintained garden, enhanced by the wonderfully creative Isabel and Julian Bannerman, is set within the valley of an organic farm in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

At the time of our visit the main herbaceous border should be full and overflowing with floriferous beauty interspersed with the tasteful trademark Bannerman oak obelisks.  There is also a rill and gravel garden to discover along with a beautiful walled kitchen and cutting garden.  Oh, and did we mention there are around 400 roses!

John and Jenni Makepeace’s Garden

The Old Parsonage

Step back in time when entering the peaceful, historic village that contains probably one of the best-known small gardens in England, created by Charlie McCormick, husband of renowned architect Ben Pentreath. 

This is essentially a cottage garden populated with old English cottage flowers that should have reached their peak at the time of our visit.  We’ll also discover Charlie’s latest project, the ‘Show Bed’, where flowers and vegetables form the basis of his triumphs and near-misses on the show bench!  The garden has tremendous personality, as does its creator, who is also a dab hand at baking the most divine looking and tasting cakes, which we will all be treated to at the end of the tour of this gorgeous garden.

WEST SUSSEX

26 th July 2024

£150 per person

An exciting, special opportunity to visit two beautiful, ground-breaking gardens; one created by a Victorian pioneer of naturalistic planting; the other a 21st century take on applying rewilding principles into a 1.5 acre garden space.

Gravetye Manor

The garden at Gravetye is considered one of the most important historic gardens in England.  

It was created by William Robinson, (the visionary godfather of naturalistic planting), in the 1880’s when he bought the 1598 Manor house and surrounding land.  He then spent the rest of his life turning 35 acres of the estate into a naturalistic mixture of wildflower meadows and flower borders, where nature, not man, predominated.

Affectionately remembered as ‘the Irishman who taught the English how to garden’ this is a wonderful opportunity to compare historic naturalistic gardening with the modern day equivalent at nearby Knepp Estate.

Kew trained head gardener, Tom Coward, will lead the tour round some of the iconic parts of the estate, including the unique elliptical sandstone walled garden, (where cut flowers, fruit and vegetables are grown), the wild flower meadows and garden terraces

© Claire Takacs

© Gravetye Manor

Second stop

Knepp Estate

Knepp Estate is probably the most famous rewilding project in Britain.  

In April 2022 the rewilding process was extended into the Estate’s 1.5 acre Victorian walled garden and adjoining orchard.  

Professor James Hitchmough and Tom Stuart-Smith were engaged to naturalistically redesign the areas.

The walled garden’s highly manicured croquet lawn was replaced with over 800 different types of plants, and varying soil types, creating a treasure trove of micro-habitats for a wide variety of insects and birds.

TV presenter, Arit Anderson, filmed in the Walled Garden for BBC Gardeners’ World, looking at how rewilding can be successfully applied to smaller, garden spaces without sacrificing beauty.

As a result of the highly successful return of nightingales to Knepp’s regenerated land, Sir David Attenborough filmed part of his narration for the BBC programme, ‘Wonder of Song’ in the walled garden. 

Our bespoke, 2 1/2 hour tour with the Head Gardener Charlie Harpur, will be an exciting, informative and memorable visit.

12 th /13 th August 2024

14 th /15 th August 2024

£235 per person

The price includes lunch at Patthana Garden as well as afternoon tea on both days and all entry fees

June Blake’s Garden

Kilmacurragh

This National Botanic Garden was created in the 1800’s during a time of great horticultural excitement when adventurous plant hunters were bringing back exciting new plants from around the world, many of which were planted in this garden.   Expect to see magnificently tall flowering rhododendrons, rare and unusual spring flowering perennials and shrubs and, hopefully, flowering meadows.

Patthana Garden

Jimi Blake’s Garden at Hunting Brook

TOD GARDEN TOURS TOD Garden Tours is the brainchild of Rosie Irving and her partner Michael Marriott, dreamt up on a gloomy, grey December morning. Our small, friendly group tours, (usually no more than 16) provide access to, and guide you around, a lovely selection of superb private and public gardens in the U.K. and Ireland, carefully selected for their striking, structural, colourful garden design and/or super abundance of gorgeous roses.

EACH TOUR IS PRICED SEPARATELY AND, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, INCLUDES GARDEN ENTRY FEES & AFTERNOON TEA AND CAKE

The joy of these tours is that you get the benefit of not one but two experienced horticulturists; one a world-renowned rose expert and life-long gardener; the other a colour loving, garden design trained horticulturist and Horticultural Producer for many UK TV garden programmes. There’s a glorious, bantering interaction between the two which not only makes the tours unique but also rather special and lots of fun!

The tours are mainly single day events, visiting two, sometimes three gardens, each starting with an introductory talk from the garden owner or head gardener.  Numbers are limited to a maximum of 16 to enable you to obtain the maximum benefit from Rosie and Michael’s bantering expertise.

The tours are designed for you to travel to each of the locations, (and in between each garden), independently.  For those of you wishing to travel the night before, or extend your visit, lists of a range of accommodation local to the tour gardens can be supplied, as suggested by the various garden owners.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what TOD stands for, it’s Two Old Duffers!

Rosie and Michael both have degrees related to horticulture.  Rosie is extremely proud of her *1st (don’t ask her what that means!). Michael can hardly remember anything about his!

© Arit Anderson

Rosie trained in Garden and Planting Design at Capel Manor College and, after gaining her degree in horticulture, taught Plants and Planting Design at Kingston Maurward College.  Her co-designed Hepworth exhibit was proudly displayed on Tate Britain’s front lawn during the summer of 2015.  She loves nothing better than to put together great colour combinations in the garden and has a delightful approach to the subject.  For the past 14 years she has worked in the TV industry on numerous gardening programmes and has gained a reputation as the ‘go to’ person for consultancy within the industry.

Instagram @rosieposieirving

Email [email protected]

Michael brings to the party 35 years as head rosarian at David Austin Roses & is now widely recognised as a world expert on the subject.  He has designed thousands of rose gardens of varying sizes worldwide including some of the gardens we’ll be visiting on these tours.  He has also leads garden tours and lectures extensively around the world.  He has a refreshing approach to the subject and is always happy to answer questions. Author of RHS Roses. In 2022 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Garden Media Guild and in 2023 the Dean Hole medal for services to the rose. He is chairman of the Historic Roses Group ( www.historicroses.org @historic_roses_group) and a vice president of Plant Heritage ( https://www.plantheritage.org.uk/  @plantheritage). This year he is helping to organise Roses by the Lake, a symposium on the role of the rose in our culture https://www.rosesbythelake.com/ @rosesbythelake_2024

Instagram @michaelrosarian

email [email protected]

Both love to garden and their combined knowledge and legendary light hearted differences of opinion mean that these tours should be full of fun as well as gardening & garden design related advice.

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"without question the most picturesque   house in the county"    Sir Frederick Tre ves 

Athelhampton open everyday.

We will open at 10am

We look forward to welcoming you!

Tesla Model Y Self-Service Test Drive available at Athelhampton, book online at www.tesla.com

Dorset museum & art gallery offer, from april 1st you can enjoy 25% off entry at dorset museum & art gallery when you show your athelhampton entry ticket on arrival. www.dorsetmuseum.org, athelhampton  ,  composed of three saxon words, athel , signifying noble, ham , a home or habitation,  and  ton , denoting the superlative degree ;  the home of æthelhelme, the saxon duke who was killed while commanding the dorset men in an engagement to resist the invading danes at portland in ad 837. 500 years later the manor was owned by the noble martyn family. richard iii was killed in battle at bosworth field in 1485, where thomas martyn was also slain after switching allegiance to henry tudor. h is son sir william martyn inherited  athelhampton and built the tudor gr eat hall that is at the heart of this dorset house today. the house was extended in elizabethan times and the catholic martyn family died out in 1595. the ancient manor became a humble farmhouse for almost 3 centuries until 1891, when it was purchased by the enigmatic young victorian gentleman mr alfred cart de lafontaine who restored the manor house and with his architect, francis inigo thomas created the fabulous gardens.  today you can visit this exquisite example  of tudor architecture, with over 20 rooms open to explore, and fine furnishings and antiques. you can walk around the 12 acres of award-winning gardens that surround the manor, find out why thomas hardy loved the place, and learn about the ghostly goings on . athelhampton is an amazing day out in dorset for individuals or groups.  .

EV Charging

As part of our Zero emissions project , Athelhampton now offers 10 Electric Vehicle Charging points.

Located in the visitor carpark, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week., charging costs £0.65 per kwh, we use the popular monta system for management, reservation and payment., card payment coming later in 2024, events & tours.

Every year at Athelhampton we plan an exciting range of events for you to enjoy.

Our friends at Chapterhouse Theatre have worked with Athelhampton for over 20 years, and each year deliver a fabulous performance.

We have extended our offering to add more for you to enjoy each year.

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