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.
Minterne House and its Himalayan Gardens offer a variety of attractions and events throughout the year. Below is a detailed summary of their opening times and events:
Gardens
The gardens are open from 1st February to 8th November 2026, daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). During February, the gardens feature a special snowdrop display, with a 2-for-1 entry offer (£10 for two people).
Entry fees 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 (28th March – 10th April 2026) and Halloween Trails (17th October – 6th November 2026) require additional tickets.
Café
The café will be open from 14th to 20th February 2026, serving light refreshments from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
House Tours
Exclusive guided tours of Minterne House are available on the following dates in 2026:
- Tuesday, 12th May
- Wednesday, 13th May
- Tuesday, 6th October
- Wednesday, 7th October
The itinerary includes tea/coffee, a house tour, a garden tour, and a two-course lunch. Tickets are non-refundable.
Events
- Wedding Showcase: 24th January 2026
- Music at Minterne: 17th February 2026
Additional events such as ballet performances, artistic retreats, and seasonal trails are hosted throughout the year.
Visitor Information
Dogs are welcome in the gardens but must be kept on leads. The gardens are not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces. Free parking is available opposite St. Andrews Church, Minterne Magna.
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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