National Garden Scheme Dorset

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The Dorset National Garden Scheme opens gardens to raise money for nursing and healthcare related charities, giving visitors unique access to exceptional private gardens whilst raising much needed funds for charity. Thanks to the generosity of our garden owners, volunteers and visitors we have donated over £60 million to nursing and health related charities
Our core beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and the Queen’s Nursing Institute

17/08/2026

Staddlestones in Witchampton opens this Sunday (23rd) on behalf of the National Garden Scheme. A beautiful cottage garden with colour themed borders. A bridge leads you over the sparkling chalk stream to a shady area with unusual plants. Plenty of seating areas to enjoy the wildlife and a cup of tea..
For full details of this and other openings please see our website:
https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ See less

10/08/2026

Garden openings by Arrangement

The National Garden Scheme opens over 3,300 private gardens to the public each year. Most visitors are familiar with the gardens that open their gates to everyone on set days, but in 2026, 590 of them also open By Arrangement.

These wonderful, often hidden gems are really worth exploring especially if you are keen to return to a garden you love, perhaps missed a public open day or simply want to explore somewhere completely unchartered. By Arrangement gardens cater for different group sizes from as few as one to 20+, it all depends on the size and accessibility of the garden, some have fixed prices for entry others are agreed in discussion with the garden owner.

What is a By Arrangement garden?

A garden open By Arrangement accepts visitors to their garden for a more personalised visit, on a pre-agreed date. Usually, the garden will advertise a range of dates available that they are willing to open so that visitors can decide on the most suitable option for them. This can often be a wide date range, for example March-October, so there are plenty of opportunities to find a date to suit you and your group or family and friends.

What are the benefits of booking a visit in advance?

Booking a By Arrangement garden gives you direct contact with the garden owner, allowing you to liaise on everything from convenient times and dates, to what you’ll see and do once you’re there.

Why choose By Arrangement?

Did you miss an open day or perhaps you would like to bring your family back for a special occasion? Contact any garden offering By Arrangement visits to discuss options.

Booking your By Arrangement visit

Our Dorset gardens opening are available to view here.

https://ngs.org.uk/dorset-by-arrangement/

This currently shows the gardens by arrangement in 2026 but as its updated to show the new 2027 season you can get planning for the year ahead

From the garden information page you will find the garden owner’s contact details. They are waiting to hear from you and will be delighted to help you create the perfect visit.

The garden owner will confirm all the details and whether they require a deposit/full payment ahead of the visit.

Pictured Bembury farm, Sherborne, open May to Sept by arrangement

06/08/2026

We are delighted that Charles Chesshire is kindly opening his garden and nursery in Symondsbury on behalf of the National Garden Scheme this Sunday, 9th August from 1 pm until 5pm. A half acre garden with its intricate web of gravel paths weaving between deep borders of unusual plants. Charles will be on hand for expert advice, and of course their will be tea and cake. Please see the website for full details of this and other gardens opening this week:
https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/

03/08/2026

This Thursday 6th August sees the opening of the beautiful gardens of the Old Rectory at Pulham. Surrounding the 18th century Rectory are 4 acres of formal and informal gardens shaped by topiary allees and hedges with exuberantly planted herbaceous borders. Extend your visit into the 10 acres of woodland walks and glorious churchyard. For full details of this and other gardens open this week please see the website:
https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/

20/07/2026

Glenholme Herbs, a family run nursery near Sherborne opens its gates this weekend (Sat and Sun) on behalf of the National Garden Scheme.
Featuring a wide selection of herbs and salvias along with grasses, verbena and echinacea where paths meander through large, colourful beds inspired by Piet Oudolf. Planted with wildlife in mind and alive with pollinators. The garden also features a beautiful natural swimming pond.
At 11am on Saturday and Sunday Kim will be doing a guided walk around the garden highlighting the medicinal herbs used in the borders and their uses. Her talks last year were a real hit with visitors so not to be missed!
For full details of this opening and other gardens opening this week please see the website:
https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/

14/07/2026

Plenty of opportunity to visit this delightful garden in Stour Provost as it opens every Sunday from 19th July until 16th August.
Hilltop, an old thatched cottage is barely visible this time of year through the riot of colour and scent. Enjoy tea and cake under the shade of the majestic oak and take in the distant rural views.
Full details of this and other gardens open this weekend can be found on the website
https://ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden

10/07/2026

Hogchester Farm Opening Sunday 12th - Cancelled

Regretfully, due to the forecasted heat at the weekend, the scheduled opening of Hogchester Farm has been cancelled. This decision has been taken in the interest of the safety of both the owners and the visitors and to minimise the risk of fire in the meadows. Thankyou for your understanding.

08/07/2026

Hogchester Farm, Charmouth is one of the gardens opening this weekend (Sunday 12th) on behalf of the National Garden Scheme. Working closely with the Dorset Wildlife Trust, this 75 acre old dairy farm has largely been gifted to nature preserving the abundance of both flora and fauna. At 2pm there will be a talk on the history of the wildflower meadows and meadow conservation. For full details of this and other openings please see the website:
https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/

03/07/2026

On Thursday 9th July a limited number of tickets have been made available for this special one day event, the opportunity to visit the beautiful gardens at Lulworth Castle.
This large coastal garden next to Lulworth Castle has views to the sea, pleasure grounds surround a walled garden filled with roses and perennials, behind which sits a working kitchen garden. In front of the house the scented walk leads to a wildflower meadow, lavender labyrinth and Islamic garden with rills and fountains. A new wild white garden has been created over the past winter.
Online pre booking is essential before meeting at the front of the house on the main drive at 10.30am. After tea and coffee, with biscuits or pastries, there will be an introductory talk on the gardens followed by a guided tour. After visiting the garden a set menu lunch will be made available at the nearby Weld Arms from 1pm (not included in the admission price).
Please see the website for full information:
https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/43677/lulworth-castle-house

02/07/2026

The National Garden Scheme were lucky enough to get a slot at the recent Chalke History Festival to promote our Centenary in 2027. George Plumptre was in conversation with Alan Titchmarsh (President), designer Arit Anderson (Trustee) & Emma Bridgewater (Ambassador). 200 people were able to hear, not only about our history, but also about the huge amounts we raise to distribute amongst our beneficiaries, raised through the good value of a yellow book garden visit.
Alex Graham, County Organiser for Wiltshire and Pip Davidson, County Organiser for Dorset represented the amazing team of volunteers.

Address

Guildford
GU47RT

Telephone

+441483211535

Website

http://www.ngs.org.uk/

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