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Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park

Stepping into the grounds you will be greeted with 35 impressive acres of formal gardens. During the late spring and summer months, our National Collection of penstemons and salvias display a lustrous rainbow of purples, pinks, blues and whites, leading you on through the ample hedges and stonework balustrades. An added treat is the Elizabethan walled garden, offering a new vision of enchantment.

Owner Info

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park

About Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park

Set within the heart of Dorset’s idyllic countryside and only a stone’s throw away from Hardy’s Cottage, Kingston Maurward’s tranquil gardens promote the beauty of nature and wildlife. The lake and formal gardens invite you to capture an array of colour, serenity and light, whether it is by camera or mind. With a large lake fashioned to incorporate a central island, one can stop and admire the grand Georgian house from the opposite side whilst wandering amongst the reeds and willows.
Originally constructed during the early 18th century for George Pitt, the now stone-clad house once stood stark red with its brick-built walls. The grounds surrounding the house offer a web of seven very distinct gardens, many of which portray the classic ‘Jardin Anglais’ style made popular by Capability Brown. The sectors include the Terrace, Crown and Japanese gardens – the latter of which offers the opportunity of stepping into a secluded, magical world.
Once you have explored the striking grounds, you may find time to meet the variety of species waiting for you in the Animal Park; rare breed goats, sheep and pigs, as well as rabbits, ducks and birds of prey. A play area offers the children an opportunity to let off some steam, whilst there is plenty of space for picnics besides.
You will be warmly welcomed at the Visitors Centre and Park Café for lunch, hot drinks, gifts and snacks, as well as information on local sights and accommodation.
We will look forward to seeing you – please contact us on 01305 215003 for all enquiries and bookings, and keep your eye out for special events taking place throughout the year! Special offers or discounts are posted on website.

Location details

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park,
Dorchester,
Dorset,
DT2 8PY

Directions to Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Follow brown Tourist Information signs.

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park openings

No opening times available.

Accessibility

  • Partial wheelchair access only, gravel paths, steps and steep slopes. Map provided at entry, highlighting the most suitable routes.
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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Yes, coaches are accepted at Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Yes, one or more routes at Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park are accessible to wheelchair users.

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.