Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Amongst the best gardens of its type anywhere in the world.
Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Facilities
- Accessible loos
- Accessible parking
- Cafe / restaurant
- Free parking
- Garden only
- Mostly wheelchair accessible
- Pet friendly
- Picnic area
- Shop
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads throughout the Garden, as well as outside and inside the coffee shop.
Toilets
Disabled and baby change facilities available at the coffee shop.
Wheelchairs
Approximately 50% of the Garden is accessible to disabled visitors. The paths at the Gardens are gravel and some areas are very steep due to the natural topography. There is a recommended route with more even paths which showcases some of the key areas of the Gardens. These paths are accessible by wheelchair but due to the gravel surface may not be suitable for all types of mobility scooter.
There is ramp access to the coffee shop. Wheelchairs and scooters are not available for hire.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens overlooks the World Heritage Jurassic coast, and is situated between Bridport and Weymouth in Dorset.
The gardens have previously been winners of the Historic Houses/ Christie’s Garden of the Year Award, and were described by Alan Titchmarsh as “One of the finest gardens I have ever visited “.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
March to October: 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)
November to February: 10am to 4pm (last admission 3pm)
Closed over Christmas.
The Plant Centre opens from 11am every day (staff need the first hour of garden opening to re-stock and water the plant sales area).
Historic Houses members visit for free. Membership cards should be shown on arrival.
Adults: £12.50
Children: £9.50
Family (two adults and up to three children to the gardens, swannery and children’s farm): £45
Book tickets here.
Groups are welcome and group rates are available for 10 or more people.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads throughout the Garden, as well as outside and inside the coffee shop.
Toilets
Disabled and baby change facilities available at the coffee shop.
Wheelchairs
Approximately 50% of the Garden is accessible to disabled visitors. The paths at the Gardens are gravel and some areas are very steep due to the natural topography. There is a recommended route with more even paths which showcases some of the key areas of the Gardens. These paths are accessible by wheelchair but due to the gravel surface may not be suitable for all types of mobility scooter.
There is ramp access to the coffee shop. Wheelchairs and scooters are not available for hire.
Getting here
Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Between Weymouth and Bridport on the B3157 coast road in Dorset.
Parking
Ample FREE parking for cars and coaches, usual courtesies extended to coach drivers.
Designated parking is available in the first row of the main car park 50 metres from the Gardens entrance.
Train
It is possible to take the train to Weymouth Station and travel from there by taxi.
Bus
The regular X53 bus service runs through Abbotsbury.
Find the exact address on what3words:
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Thirty acres of joy
Established in 1765 by the 1st Countess of Ilchester, it has evolved since then into a thirty acre plantsman’s garden. Some of the exotic plants on show were first introductions to this country.
The garden is well known for its events including a food festival in March, and the very impressive “Enchanted Illuminations” in the Autumn half term each year .
More than your average gardens
The new wedding pavilion overlooking west lawn is a superb setting for brides and their guests to celebrate.
Catering is to a high standard, and a visit to the Colonial restaurant is highly recommended. The quality gift shop is next to the rather special plant centre which offers a wonderful selection of home grown plants unique to the gardens. The gardens are open every day except for a short period over Christmas and New Year.
Travel the World in Thirty Acres
Other houses members can visit nearby
Wolfeton House
Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9QN
Sherborne Castle & Gardens
Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Mapperton House and Gardens
Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
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