Overview: One of only 8 accredited Botanic Gardens in the UK. Over 1000 trees and shrubs set around lakes beside the river Stour. Numerous large sculptures are set in the landscape and lakes.

Notable plant collections: The gardens hold a significant collection of firs and are a home for the UK Forsythia collection. There is a also large kitchen garden.

Accessibility: The Pathways are level and suitable for wheelchairs. Wheelchair rental is £15/day

Time required: Round trip can take from 45 minutes (fast walking) to several hours for a leisurely stroll.

Shelter: There are various shelter buildings and seating areas throughout the gardens where you can eat picnics.

Eating: There is a cafe selling a range of food, hot and cold drinks. Picnics are available if ordered 24 hours in advance. Afternoon teas in the gardens must be booked 48 hours in advance.

Facilities: There is a shop selling local crafts and produce.

Entry cost: April till October £15 per person (Day) or £12 per person (Afternoon) when booked online. November to March £10

Opening: All year 10am till 5pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays

Restrictions: Children under 14 and babies not permitted. Dogs not allowed in kitchen garden area.

How to get there from Broadstone

Hortimate suggestions

Book a picnic from the Makers Yard at £30 for two. (24 hours notice required). The sausage rolls and the Dorset Apple cake with clotted cream are particularly good! You can eat it in any of the picnic locations around the lake. The kitchen gardens are well worth a visit. When we visited there was an impressive display of huge squash growing, and 18 different tomato varieties ripening in the greenhouse. The picnic areas around the lake have shelters and are a great place to relax.