Houses / Gardens in Dorset
Dorset has a long and proud tradition of large estates and grand country houses and gardens. Local families have carefully preserved these over the centuries. In the modern era these families have had to find new means of survival and many of these houses are now open to the public.
The Yellow Book (National Gardens Scheme) is an excellent reference for gardens that are open and the quality and variety are outstanding. The National Trust has a good range of interesting historic houses, including Thomas Hardy's (Woolbridge Manor is also a point of interest as it was included in his famous novel 'Tess of the Durbervilles') and Lawrence of Arabia's original homes, as well as spectacular landscapes including a number on the fossil filled Jurassic Coast.
Iron Age hill forts also abound and various tumuli/standing stones can form the basis for a most enjoyable outing, generally accompanied by wonderful views.
Our Dorset Coastal Cottages are in delightful rural/village locations along the Jurassic coastal area; the age of many will give you a day-to-day environment on your holiday sympathetic to the great houses, Athelhampton House and the sub tropical gardens at Abbotsbury being two wonderful examples.
Please note: Dorset Coastal Cottages cannot be responsible for the content of external websites
Sherborne Castle
Sherborne Castle stands a short distance from the town centre and has ample free parking for cars or coaches. It has a Tea Room with both indoor and garden seating, plus a friendly Gift Shop. Open daily, except Mondays and Fridays (but open on Bank Holiday Mondays) from 11.00am with last admission at 4.30pm (Castle interior opens later on Saturdays from 2.30pm with last admission at 4.30pm).
www.sherbornecastle.com
Lulworth Castle
For details of all events being held at Lulworth Castle and Park, please visit their web site at:
Athelhampton House, Dorchester
www.athelhampton.co.uk
Abbotsbury Gardens
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk
Mapperton Gardens, Beaminster
www.mapperton.com
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Kingston Maurward, Dorchester
http://www.kmc.ac.uk/attractions/gardens
Bennetts Water Gardens, Weymouth
www.waterlily.co.uk
Minterne Gardens, Dorchester
http://www.minterne.co.uk/
Cranborne Manor
http://www.cranborne.co.uk
Maiden Castle, Dorchester
http://www.maidencastle.com/
Portland Castle
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk
Old Sherborne Castle
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk
Cerne Abbas Giant
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Thomas Hardy
Hardys Cottage, Dorchester
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Max Gate, Dorchester
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Thomas Hardy Trail
http://www.westdorset.com/site/about-the-area/thomas-hardy
Lawrence of Arabia
Clouds Hill, Wareham
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Corfe Castle
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle/
Nothe Fort
http://www.nothefort.org.uk/
List of most major houses in Dorset - http://www.dorsetshire.com/old/greathouses.html
