“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in--what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.”
― Victor Hugo

Dorset really is a garden lovers paradise and here we have picked out four of our favourites.  Why not combine a visit to the Sitting Spiritually Garden and make a weekend of it, visiting one, or all, of these much loved gardens whilst enjoying all that our beautiful West Country has to offer .....

Forde Abbey

6.83 miles away (TA20 4LU)

One of our very favourite gardens, every visit is a treat, in all seasons. Home to the highest powered fountain in the country. For an in depth view of Forde Abbey, read world renowned garden designer Isabel Bannerman’s feature on her favourite garden:  Read more here  

Dogs welcome on leads.  Forde Abbey have three of our swing seats in the garden. Absolutely gorgeous Instagram, well worth a follow

Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens

16.06 miles away (DT3 4LA)

An 18th-century garden with rare plants and notable magnolia and camellia blooms, plus a restaurant. The Garden is a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world famous for its Camellia groves and magnolias. Noted in Dorset for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian Garden. Don’t miss stunning views of the Dorset Jurassic Coast from the viewpoint at the top of the Magnolia Walk.
Abbotsbury was described by Alan Titchmarsh as "one of the finest Gardens I have ever visited."

Dogs welcome on leads. Find two of our swing seats there.

Mapperton

18.1 miles away (DT8 3NR)

Home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, Mapperton is a glorious sandstone manor house and romantic valley garden deep in a lost Dorset valley among tumbling hills and unspoiled countryside. Fifteen acres of gardens descend from the croquet lawn, through the formal topiary down to the wild garden.  There is a stunning orangery and the house itself has been used in many famous films.  In 2020 Mapperton was voted Historic Houses Garden of the Year and Country Life Magazine called it “The Nation’s Finest Manor House”.

Minterne

31.6 miiles away (DT2 7AU)

Minterne is a stunning country House & Himalayan Garden landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown and trailing around a mile in length, Minterne boasts a world renowned and completely unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with Spring bulbs, Cherries, Maples and many fine and rare trees. Wander the trail and enjoy the chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams. With an abundance to see from the snowdrops in winter, to spring bluebells through to summer azaleas and hydrangeas, the garden is full of interest throughout the year.  The gardens feature in The Telegraph’s top 25 gardens to visit.

Click here to book your visit to The Sitting Spiritually Garden,  with our links to recommended places to stay

If you would like to contribute a guest blog, please contact Siobhan at siobhan@sittingspiritually.co.uk