Secret Gardens in Dorset

Do you know about these secret gardens in Dorset?

A staggering 3,500 private gardens have opened under the National Garden Scheme, and we've found that some are right here in Dorset.

Edmonsham House, Wimborne, BH12 5RE

Edmonsham House in Wimborne has six acres of exquisite features. These include an authentic Victorian walled garden and wide herbaceous borders bursting with seasonal colour. The gardens are opened on the 23rd and 30th April 2025 as well as the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd October 2025 and costs £5 for adults and only £1 for children

Canford School Arboretum, Canford Magna, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AD

Canford School's Arboretum is one of a kind as it holds host to several unusual and rare tree species as well as two National Collections. You can also experience a guided tour and talk by Andrew Powell, the master of trees at the school. However, the Arboretum is only open for one day only on 3rd May 2025 between 10am and 12pm. This costs £25.

Japanese Garden at 22 Avon Avenue, St Ives, Ringwood, BH24 2BH

22 Avon Avenue is a back garden like no other. For only £5, you will be transported from Dorset to this stunning slice of Japanese culture. This Japanese water garden took Dawn and Terry Heaver 20 years to put together and will stun visitors with its granite sculptures, bubbling waterfalls, cloud topiary and rhododendrons, amongst other enchanting features. The garden will be open between 12pm-5pm on 4th May, 8th June, 13th July, 10th August and 7th September 2025. Due to the deep pond, it is recommended that children remain under parental supervision.

Annalal's Gallery, 25 Millhams Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1DN

Annalal's Gallery has three patio levels of garden alongside an 180-year-old cottage. In the Victorian walled garden, you will find sculptures and paintings hidden amongst delicate flowers and shrubs. The garden is open between 2pm and 4pm on 4th May, 25th May, 22nd June, 27th July, 24th August, 14th September, 23rd November, and 7th December 2025. Entry is free for children and only £3.50 for adults.

Western Gardens, 24A Western Avenue, Branksome Park, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7AN

Hidden in Branksome Park is Western Gardens, with a courtyard that acts as a gateway to the Mediterranean. Western Gardens boasts an enormous variety of plants, herbaceous borders, cherry trees and more. Adults only pay £7 to enter, while children can go for free. The garden is open on 4th May and 22nd June 2025 between 2pm and 5pm. 

Museum of East Dorset Garden, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR.

Look behind the Museum of East Dorset and you will discover a picturesque walled garden with heritage orchard trees lining the path down to the mill stream alongside colourful herbaceous borders. This year, the garden will host three evening lectures with speakers including David Pearce, Tim Miles and Neil Lucas. The garden will be open on 9th May, 13th June and 11th July 2025 however visits will need to be pre booked on the following website: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/34654/museum-of-east-dorset

Admission is free for children but will cost £15 for adults. The garden is open between 6pm and 8:30pm. 

Oakdale Library Gardens, Wimborne Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 3EF

The Oakdale Library Gardens is the perfect relaxing outdoor space for your children. Kids are encouraged to engage with wildlife in the 'Bookerie' Reading and Rhyme Time Garden which features bee-friendly plants, an insect mansion and a pond. Furthermore, there is also a Commemorative Garden with a nautical theme where children can follow an adventure trail and see the herb garden. The Oakdale Library Gardens is open from 2pm to 5pm on 14th May and 11th June 2025. Adults only need to donate to enter. 

For more information and to discover more secret gardens in Dorset, visit: https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/near/dorset/?_sft_garden-features=newly-opened-this-year