It seems that no matter what time of year you visit West Dorset and the area nearby there is always a wonderful garden to visit.

Our criteria is great flower and vegetable beds with a tea shop for the traditional afternoon tea and cake stop and even better if the local WI are involved in the cake making.

Here are a few of our favourites with a plan of when to visit:

Spring

Late Spring/Early Summer

  • Mapperton Plant Fair – pick up a bargain as well as wonder around the unusual Italian sunken garden.
  • Netherbury Gardens Open Weekend – local event where selected gardens in the local village open up their gardens for charity.  Walkable from Binghams

Summer

  • Burrow Farm – if you like wildflowers you will love Burrow Farm – family run with amazing displays especially in the summer – a good plant stall too. (Dogs welcome).
  • Rosemoor RHS gardens – if you don’t mind a full day and abet of a drive out then Rosemoor is well worth a visit.
  • Barrington Court – A National Trust treasure where if roses are your love then you must visit here.
  • Montecute House – Another National Trust with an amazing elizabethan house which is great for the kids.
  • Tintinhull Gardens – formal summer beds – great tea shop too.
  • Hestcombe Gardens – parkland and formal gardens.  A real hide and seek adventure for the kids but great walks for your dogs with the most amazing Stables Cafe.

Autumn

  • Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens - The Halloween Enchanted gardens are a definate highlight in the gardening Calendar.
  • Lewesdon Hill – wonderful walks through an ancient woodland that is just stunning when the leaves change colour.

The National Gardens Scheme opens local gardens throughout the year – check out what’s on when here.

Alternatively come to Binghamd Farm and enjoy our own gardens with a wonderful bluebell woodland walk, wild flower meadow and orchards.