Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
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Overview
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens was established in the mid-1700s by the 1st Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her castle. Developed over the years, it has become a 30-acre garden, home to rare and exotic plants from all over the world – many introduced by the countess’s descendants. Due to the damage caused by the hurricane in January 1990, major restoration was necessary and many new plants were acquired. It is now a mix of the formal and informal and is famous for camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas. There is also a Victorian Garden, a restaurant, gift shop and plant centre. In October the gardens are floodlit and Hallowe’en proves a major attraction.
Features
- Opening Times
- Opening Times: Open 10am-5pm (4pm in winter). Closed 19 Dec-1 Jan
About the area
Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Clayhanger Lodge
Clayhanger Lodge is a spacious detached barn conversion that sleeps six in three bedrooms: two with super king-sized beds and one with two single beds that can be made into a super king...
Furlongs
Furlongs is a stone-built farm steading that was completed in June 2019. It combines comfort with traditional features and modern style. The location is between the impressive coastal f...
Furlongs Cottage
Furlongs is a stone-built farm steading that was completed in June 2019. It combines comfort with traditional features and modern style. The location is between the impressive coastal f...
Portesham Dairy Farm Campsite
Located at the edge of the picturesque village of Portesham close to the Dorset coast, this family-run, level park is part of a small working farm in a quiet rural location. Fully servi...
Kings Arms
Situated on the coast road, approximately halfway between Weymouth and Dorchester, this long-established and popular village local is a great base from which to explore the area. Local ...
Home Farm Caravan and Campsite
This quiet site, hidden away on the edge of a little hamlet, has good facilities and is an excellent place to camp; hardstanding pitches are available. It offers sweeping views of the D...
Bagwell Farm Touring Park
Bagwell Farm Touring Park is set in a small valley with access to the South West Coast Path and is very convenient for visiting Weymouth and Portland. It has excellent facilities includ...
West Fleet Holiday Farm
A spacious farm site with both level and sloping pitches divided into paddocks and screened by hedges. This site has good views of the Dorset countryside, and is a relaxing place for a ...
