Great Gardens of Dorset – 2027

En route to Dorset we will visit the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Sir Harold (1905-1985) was one of Britain’s most influential horticulturists. He joined the family business, Hillier Nurseries, in 1921 and later expanded it into a leading supplier of trees and shrubs. Passionate about plant conservation, he collected species from around the world and established the Hillier Arboretum at Ampfield, Hampshire, in 1953. He donated the gardens to Hampshire County Council in 1977 and was knighted in 1983 for his services to horticulture and charity.

We continue our journey to the 4-star Carlton Hotel in Bournemouth, our base for the next five nights.

After a lovely breakfast, we’ll strike out to Mapperton House and Gardens, a historic Jacobean manor near Beaminster, widely regarded as one of England’s finest manor houses. The estate is home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich and is famous for its award-winning Grade II* listed gardens. Visitors can enjoy Italianate terraces, topiary, ponds, an orangery and woodland walks set within a beautiful Dorset valley. In 2020, Mapperton’s gardens were named Historic Houses Garden of the Year, reflecting their national importance and outstanding beauty.

Moving along from Mapperton, we spend the afternoon at Forde Abbey, a historic former Cistercian monastery located on the Dorset and Somerset border. Founded in the 12th century, it became one of the wealthiest monasteries in England before being dissolved under Henry VIII in 1539. The abbey was later transformed into a private country house while retaining much of its medieval architecture. Today, Forde Abbey is renowned for its beautiful gardens, historic interiors and impressive collection of tapestries.

Athelhampton House and Gardens is one of England’s finest Tudor manor houses, located near Dorchester. The Great Hall was built in 1485 by Sir William Martyn and remains a remarkable example of late medieval architecture. Surrounded by five acres of award-winning formal gardens, the estate features topiary, herbaceous borders, fountains and garden rooms. Athelhampton combines over 500 years of history with outstanding horticultural design.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is one of Britain’s most unusual and beautiful gardens, located near the Jurassic Coast. Established in 1765 as a kitchen garden for the Earl of Ilchester’s estate, it has evolved into a spectacular collection of exotic and rare plants from around the world. The gardens benefit from a sheltered valley microclimate that allows subtropical species to thrive outdoors. Famous for its magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and woodland walks, it is recognised as a Grade I listed historic garden.

In the morning we visit Compton Acres, one of England’s most important ornamental gardens, located in Poole. Created in 1920 by entrepreneur Thomas Simpson, the ten-acre garden features a collection of beautifully designed themed landscapes inspired by gardens from around the world. Highlights include the Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, Rock and Water Garden, Heather Garden and Wooded Valley. Renowned for its horticultural excellence and spectacular views over Poole Harbour, Compton Acres is a Grade II* listed garden.

Following on, we go to Holme for Gardens, a family-run garden attraction near Wareham, set within the beautiful Isle of Purbeck. Developed from a former dairy and fruit farm, the 15-acre site combines formal and informal garden design with extensive plant collections and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore features such as the Lavender Avenue, Pear Tunnel, wildflower meadows and the distinctive “Holme Henge” stone circle.

In the morning we travel to Chideock Manor Garden, a beautiful 12-acre garden in the village of Chideock. Surrounding a Regency manor house built in 1811, the garden combines formal and informal planting with lakes, woodland walks and spectacular countryside views. Highlights include a parterre, rose arches, yew and lime walks, a water garden, orchard and vegetable garden. The gardens are particularly noted for their collections of magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas, creating year-round interest and colour.

In the afternoon we return to Bournemouth for some free time.

After checking out of the hotel, we travel to Sherborne Castle and Gardens, a historic country house built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594. Set within a beautiful estate, the castle has been home to the Digby and Wingfield Digby families since 1617. Visitors can explore its collections of art, furniture and porcelain, alongside Raleigh’s original rooms. The gardens are equally impressive, featuring a 50-acre lake and landscaped parkland designed by the famous 18th-century landscape gardener Capability Brown.

Following this final visit, we venture home.