One of Britain's best-known & best-loved gardens. A botanical treasure-trove, on the Jurassic coast. Many new exotic and unusual flowers have been introduced.
Established in 1765 by Elizabeth, the first Countess of Ilchester, as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle. Developed since then into a magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country, discovered by the plant hunting descendants of the Countess. For example, the false olive (Piccona excelsa), an
20/06/2026
Amongst the giant Gunnera 🌿
Seeing these magnificent plants from above gives a completely different perspective and really shows their extraordinary scale.
It was wonderful to see these photographs featured in The Times and The Guardian yesterday, 19 June.
Many thanks to Zach and the BNPS for capturing and sharing these stunning images. 🌿📸
The rope bridge is open daily! A favourite with visitors of all ages… although judging by the amount of time people spend staring at this season’s candelabra primulas, part of our new planting scheme, we’re surprised more phones haven’t ended up in the pond! 🤣📱💦🌸
12/06/2026
🌸 Blooming June in Dorset 🌿June has been a mixed bag of weather so far, but the sunshine is making a welcome return this weekend in Dorset! ☀️
With so many beautiful Great Dorset Gardens this month, now’s the perfect time to plan a relaxing day out with family or friends. Stroll through colourful borders, enjoy peaceful countryside views, and stop for tea and cake along the way.
Sherborne Castle and Gardens Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands Athelhampton House Forde Abbey and Gardens Minterne House and Gardens
🌿 Coming to the Plant Fair this weekend? 🌿
Don’t forget to visit our Plant Centre, which is bursting with beautiful plants and ready to welcome visitors.
In association with
📅 Sunday 7 June
🎟️ Adults £7.50 | Children £5.00 | Under 5s FREE
🚗 FREE car parking
Join us for a wonderful day of plants, gardening inspiration, expert advice, and great family fun.
Glorious Gunnera in all their Jurassic proportions on the Jurassic Coast! 🌿🦕
These amazing plants are a firm favourite with visitors at this time of year, reaching their peak growth around June. David Pearce explains a little more about these dinosaur-era favourites and why they make such an impressive sight in the subtropical gardens.
30/05/2026
🌿 Lancaster The Explorer Trail is already proving a hit with families this half term! 🌿
Follow the trail through the gardens and discover fascinating plants from around the world. Along the way, stamp your Activity Passport, uncover fun facts about the gardens, and enjoy exciting highlights including the Rope Bridge and Lancaster’s Hut.
🎟️ The trail is included with garden entry, and a Passport Ticket combines entry to the Abbotsbury Swannery for even greater value with a discounted price.
Come and explore, learn, and enjoy an adventure for all ages this half term!
28/05/2026
🌿 Sunday 7th June – Plant Fair at the Subtropical Gardens 🌿
In association with , enjoy a wonderful day surrounded by plants, music, and beautiful gardens.
🪴 Over 30 specialist plant stalls featuring popular, unusual, and rare plants
🌴 Entry to the Plant Fair also includes entry to the stunning Subtropical Gardens — two experiences for one reduced price
🚗 Free car parking
🎶 Live music in the Café Courtyard by
A perfect day out for plant lovers, gardeners, and families alike!
Tickets online 🎫 www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk/events or on the gate.
26/05/2026
🌿 May Half Term at the Subtropical Gardens!
Something for everyone this half term! Explore shady paths and sunny spots, discover the new Lancaster The Explorer trail, brave the rope bridge and enjoy a relaxing family day out surrounded by beautiful gardens. 🌸🌴
Make the most of your visit with a Passport Ticket, combining entry with discounts to both the gardens and the Abbotsbury Swannery 🦢
Perfect for one great day out — or two, as you don’t have to visit both attractions on the same day!
Plan your visit and enjoy a wonderful half term adventure with us. 🌞
Echiums — just how tall is ours? 😆🙈
These towering pollinator favourites are reaching incredible new heights in the subtropical gardens! 🌿
Echium are putting on quite the show this season, and visitors (and the bees!) can’t get enough.
David Pearce, Gardens Curator, investigates….
| Monday | 9am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 4pm |
| Friday | 9am - 4pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 4pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 4pm |