Minterne House & Gardens
Secluded gardens, famed for their seasonal profusion of rhododendron, azalea, Japanese cherries and magnolia.
Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
Regrettably we do not have disabled look facilities in the house.
A historic house in an unequalled setting, Minterne House is a unique family home.
You can visit the unique Himalayan gardens and wander ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ through Minterne’s wild woodland gardens and let the tranquility provide that perfect antidote to life’s stresses.
We offer private pre-booked tours of Minterne House and Garden with a variety of options:
Garden only, lead by our Head Gardener
House and Garden only lead by a member of the family
House and Garden with the option to either, coffee on arrival, sandwich lunch or 2 course lunch with wine, cream tea or a combination of all.
Finally we offer a House and Garden Tour with Lord Digby, who will then host a lunch and Garden Tour.
We request you email us for prices and dates: [email protected]
Minterne is dog-friendly.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times and Events at Minterne House and Gardens
Minterne Gardens will close for the winter on Sunday, 9th November 2025 and will reopen for the snowdrops on 1st February 2026. During the open season, the gardens are accessible daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. The Himalayan Tea Terrace operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the same period.
Admission prices for the gardens are as follows:
- Adults: £10
- Children: £5
- Season Ticket Holders: Free
- RHS Members: Free from February to March and June to November
- Historic Houses Members: Free
Special events such as the Easter Trails (5th–25th April 2025) and Halloween Trails (17th–31st October 2025) require additional tickets, which can be purchased on arrival.
House Tours
Exclusive guided tours of Minterne House are available on select dates in 2026:
- Tuesday, 12th May
- Wednesday, 13th May
- Tuesday, 6th October
- Wednesday, 7th October
The itinerary includes tea/coffee and cream tea upon arrival, a house tour, a garden tour, and a two-course lunch in the Tapestry Dining Room. Tours begin at 10:00 AM and conclude at 2:00 PM. Tickets are non-refundable.
Special Events
- Wedding Showcase: Saturday, 24th January 2026
- Ballet at Minterne: Returning in the near future (dates to be announced)
- Music at Minterne: A series of classical music concerts throughout the year
For more information or to book tickets, please contact Minterne House directly.
Historic Houses members visit for free.
Adults: £10
Under 12: Free
Family Season Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) – £45.00
Single Adult Season Ticket – £35.00
Groups are welcome to visit the house and garden, refreshments can be provided as well as lunch and dinner.
Please contact us on 01300 341370 or email [email protected]
We welcome visits from primary and secondary schools.
Tours will be given by the owner if available, or the Head Gardener in his absence.
Contact Maureen Panchen on 01300 341370, or email [email protected]
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
Regrettably we do not have disabled look facilities in the house.
Getting here
Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU
On A352 Dorchester to Sherborne road. 2 miles north of Cerne Abbas Giant.
Minterne Gardens: In Pictures
“A corner of paradise”
There are 27 acres of wild woodland garden, noted for the historic collection of Rhododendrons, Azaleas & Magnolias. As seen on BBC Gardeners’ World and described as “a corner of paradise” by Simon Jenkins.
Birthplace of a Winston Churchill
The 1st Sir Winston Churchill was born here.
His brother the Duke of Marlborough "just had to make do with Blenheim".
Everard Digby was hung drawn & quartered for his part in the Gunpowder plot.
Choose Minterne as the venue for your special event, seminar, wedding or wedding reception. We offer boundless opportunities for entertaining and private dining for you and your guests.
The perfect wedding venue
Licenced for Civil Ceremonies and Wedding Receptions Minterne House is the ideal location for your big day.
Henry is the current Lord Digby. The house, estate and gardens originally belonged to the Churchill family and were bought by the Digbys 250 years ago.
Sleeping at Minterne House
Find leaded windows, flagstone floors and big old fireplaces, a library stuffed with books, a very comfortable sitting room and a family kitchen.
Getting here
Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU
On A352 Dorchester to Sherborne road. 2 miles north of Cerne Abbas Giant.
Other house that members can visit nearby
Sherborne Castle & Gardens
Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Stock Gaylard House
Kings Stag, Nr Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 2BG
Wolfeton House
Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9QN
Become a Historic Houses member
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