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Dorchester
Minterne Gardens
About: Minterne’s secluded gardens, described by Simon Jenkins as a "corner of paradise," feature seasonal displays of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Japanese cherries, and Magnolias. In late May and June, Davidia Involucrata (Pocket Handkerchief Tree) stands out. A mile-long horseshoe-shaped path winds through wooded valleys, past lakes, streams, and cascades, revealing ever-changing vistas. Summer brings primulas, astilbes, and water lilies, while autumn is ablaze with color from over 200 acers.
Perfect for: Picnics, dog walks.
Parking: Free.
TGT Rating: 5/5
Poole
Poole Park
About: Poole Park is the jewel crown of Poole, offering plenty of greenery and open space on the border of Poole's historic harbour. Whether it's a quick stroll around the lake with the dog or a day out with a picnic, Poole Park is the main central park in the area and is an accessible location for all.
Perfect for: Picnics, watersports, tennis, walking, feeding the ducks and playground fun.
Parking: Free. There are three car parks at Poole Park. Use postcode BH15 2SF.
TGT Rating: 5/5
Hamworthy Park
About: Hamworthy Park is situated on the edge of Poole Harbour in the suburb of Hamworthy. This harbour-beach front park proves popular with locals and visitors, especially in the summer months, because of the huge green open space. The tremendous views are worth the visit alone, but they also have lots of great activities available for families and watersport lovers.
Perfect for: Watersports, playground fun, picnics, paddling, beach and admiring views towards Brownsea Island.
Parking: Car Parking available in Lulworth Avenue, BH15 4DJ. Gets very busy in the summer.
TGT Rating: 4/5
Harbourside Park
About: Harbourside Park is made up of Baiter Park and Whitecliff Park, both of which sit on the edge of Parkstone Bay. If it's green space you're after then you certainly won't be short of it here. This park is ideal if you just want to sit on a bench and relax, whilst overlooking the breathtaking Parkstone Bay or enjoy a picnic with a view!
Perfect for: Walking, kite flying, picnics, playground fun, ball games, skating
Parking: There are two pay and display car parks at Baiter Recreation Ground. Use postcode BH15 1TQ.
TGT Rating: 5/5
Bournemouth
Bournemouth Gardens
About: Bournemouth’s Lower, Central, and Upper Gardens stretch 3 km from the pier to Poole’s boundary, offering scenic beauty, events, and activities.
The Lower Gardens, near the town center, feature mini golf, a bandstand, an aviary, street food, and the annual Christmas Tree Wonderland and Ice Rink. The Central Gardens include formal planting, a pergola, a war memorial, tennis courts, and a playpark. The Upper Gardens offer a natural retreat with red bridges, a historic folly, and a scenic path leading to rockeries and Coy Pond. A cycle path runs through the Bourne Valley Greenway to Branksome.
Perfect for: People watching, picnics, small games of frisbee or football
Parking: Limited parking on roads near the gardens.
TGT Rating: 4/5
Poole
Upton Country Park
About: Upton Country Park in Poole spans over 140 acres of breathtaking, award-winning gardens, open parkland, woodland, and scenic shoreline. At its heart stands the stunning Georgian Grade II listed Upton House. No matter the season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—visit and discover why Upton Country Park is one of Poole’s top attractions!
Perfect for: Picnics, dog walks, photography, family days out
Parking: Charges apply, see here.
TGT Rating: 4/5
Bournemouth
Coy Pond Gardens
About: Steer away from the busy coastal parks and enjoy spending some time in Coy Pond Gardens, a beautiful 9-acre park with pretty riverside walks and a big pond to explore. Coy Pond Gardens is a very tranquil park leading from Poole to Bournemouth, so it offers the perfect space to take a relaxing stroll or a book to get stuck into,
Perfect for: Walks, picnics, sitting beside the tranquil pond.
Parking: Limited parking on roads near the gardens. Use postcode BH12 1HX.
TGT Rating: 4/5