Houses & Gardens

Bennetts Water Gardens

Set in the disused clay pits of Chickerell Brickworks just a few minutes drive from our B&B on the outskirts of Weymouth, this eight acre site has been landscaped to create a tranquil walk around numerous lakes with scenic places to sit and relax. Blooming at their best throughout the summer is one of the most outstanding displays of water lilies in Britain (150 varieties) surrounded by huge ponds and moisture loving plants, palms, native trees and wild flowers. Designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest, the gardens, ponds and reedbeds are home to abundant wildlife.

There is also a museum, tropical house, aquatic centre, family nature trail and tearooms.

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Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens

Established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden to her nearby castle, it is now a magnificent 20-acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. There is a mixture of formal and informal, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views. The garden's Camellia Groves and Magnolias are world famous and the rhododendron, azalea and hydrangea collections ensure summer is awash with sub-tropical colour.

Visit the website for Abbotsbury Gardens

Weymouth's Formal Gardens

Weymouth town centre boasts three formal gardens, each with their own unique character and all within easy walking distance of our B&B. Greenhill Gardens on the Esplanade are spectacularly laid out using colourful bedding displays. By contrast, the Victorian, tree-lined Princess Diana Memorial Gardens next to Radipole Park Drive are a haven of tranquillity where visitors can sit and watch the world go by. The Nothe Gardens, up by the fort, are a mixture of well-established trees and lawns, with several paths leading down to the newly built coastal path where you can sit and watch the dolphins playing in the secluded Newton's Cove, away from the bustle of the town.

Athelhampton House & Gardens

Described as one of the finest 15th century country houses in England, Athelhampton near Dorchester almost became derelict in the 1800s before it was restored by Alfred Cart de Lafontaine. It was acquired by the Cooke family in 1957 and is still a family house. Thomas Hardy often visited Athelhampton (or "Athelhall" as he called it) and painted a watercolour of the house when he was 19. The formal gardens are dominated by twelve giant topiary pyramids which stand over 30 feet high and are complemented by a labyrinth of smaller gardens each with their own theme and character.

Visit the website for Athelhampton House

Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park

Set in a classical 18th century Capability Brown style parkland just outside Dorchester with majestic lawns sweeping down from the Grade 1 listed Georgian house to a beautiful ornamental lake. Kingston Maurward has formal Edwardian gardens, a Japanese style garden and houses the National Collection of Penstemons and Salvias. The Animal Park contains a wide and interesting collection of small, medium and large animals which will be of interest to all ages. These include donkeys, miniature Shetland ponies, rabbits, sheep, pigs and calves.

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Thomas Hardy's Homes

At Higher Bockhampton just outside Dorchester is a small thatch cottage where Thomas Hardy was born in 1840. The house has changed little over the years and has a beautiful cottage garden and orchard. In Dorchester itself is Max Gate, the home Thomas Hardy designed for himself and lived in from 1885 until his death in 1928.

Also Worth a Visit...

Corfe Castle

Near Wareham - an impressive castle set high on the hill above the village of Corfe, which was besieged and ruined in 1646 during the English Civil War.

Forde Abbey & Gardens

Near Chard - founded 800 years ago by Cistercian monks, the Abbey was transformed in the 17th century into a grand family house which is set in 30 acres of award-winning gardens.

Visit the website for Forde Abbey

Clouds Hill

Near Bovington Camp - former home of TE Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, which is now run by the National Trust.

Mapperton Gardens

Near Beaminster - voted one of the top 10 gardens in Britain, it surrounds the Jacobean manor house, stable blocks, dovecote and All Saints' Church.

Visit webite

Sherborne Castle

In Sherborne - fully furnished castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 with gardens designed by Capability Brown.

Visit website

Stapehill

Near Ferndown - glorious award-winning gardens, beautiful 19th century abbey, craft studios, farmyard and countryside museum set in 30 acres.

Tudor House

By Brewers Quay in Weymouth - an authentically furnished 17th century merchant's house owned by Weymouth Civic Society.

Blue Pool & Tea House

Near Wareham - set in 25 acres of ground, the former claypit has been naturally filled by rainwater which changes in colour between turquoise and emerald green depending on the light.