Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

On the outskirts of Abbotsbury village (one of the prettiest villages in Dorset) you will find Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens – magnificent Victorian walled gardens set in 20 acres of woodland valley.

The gardens were established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle and have since been the site of many plant introductions to this country. The first camellias introduced to Britain in 1792 are now magnificent tree groves! The unique micro climate enables rare and exotic species from all over the world to thrive here. At the heart of the gardens is the Colonial Teahouse with its splendid veranda which overlooks the sunken garden. There is also a very well stocked plant centre, a gift shop, a children’s play area and free car parking. A viewing point in the Garden, at the top of the Magnolia Walk, offers stunning views of West Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

From 14^th October through to 1^st November you can enjoy the gardens at night – you can stroll along the garden pathways and through enchanted glades, illuminated by candle light. Lights go on at dusk until 8:30pm. The full walk takes about 40 minutes but there is a shorter route for the less fit and wheelchair users, if required.