Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

This place is not usually open now.

Travel along the stunning coast road between Bridport and Weymouth and you’ll come across the fabulous Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Established in 1765 the ancient gardens here have a wealth of floral history waiting to be explored.

The large expansive gardens contain a mixture of formal and informal flowers. The gardens are beautifully kept with easy walkways and a trail for wheelchairs. It is famous for the Camellia groves and magnolia trees which are dotted around the grounds. The location is also noted for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections as well as the enchanting Victorian Garden. The sign posting coupled with the paper map provide on entry is very useful so you cannot get lost. There are a variety of walks which are mapped out. They do require reasonable fitness as the area is anything but flat.

It’s certainly an attraction that can be visited at different times of the year as the colours and foliage change so frequently with the seasons. There is also always a range of events, workshops and fairs which take place at the gardens each year. For younger visitors there are features such as a Burma rope bridge, sculpture trail, jungle glade and children’s play area to keep them entertained.

Once you have enjoyed a tour around the grounds the Colonial Restaurant located back at the entrance offer a superb place to relax. On a warm day the outside seating area is a lovely place to enjoy a pot of tea or even a spot of lunch. Much of the food is homemade or locally sourced and cooked to a high standard. Their lunch menu and specials changes daily, they also serve Sunday roasts.

There is also a great little gift shop and a fantastic plant centre. Here you have the opportunity to purchase many of the flowers and planes which are grown in the Gardens. Nearby are other great attractions and places to visit, like Abbotsbury Swannery and St Catherine’s Chapel.