Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a place of beauty which can be enjoyed with all the family.
With its stunning natural surroundings and great cafe, it has a mix of enjoying the outside but with all the amenities you want and need close by.
Walking along the winding paths through the wide variety of colours, different textures and areas of interest will satisfy anyone, and you’ll leave with the relaxing and dream-like feeling of being outside in mother nature.
With ample free parking and cheap ticket prices, the gardens are a great day out.
There are also discounts available if visitors want to visit Abbotsbury Swannery close by. Giving lots of choices and activities for all the family.
The Subtropical Gardens started out as a kitchen garden for the nearby castle built by Elizabeth, the first countess of Ilchester, in 1765.
What started as a small garden has turned into a wonderful 20-acre garden filled with exotic plants from all over the world.
Today, visitors can wander around the different gardens, each with their own variety of plants and flowers. Take a walk through the Jungle Glade, Victorian Garden, Chilean Border and more.
The gardens are world famous for their Camellia Groves, Magnolias, Hydrangeas and Rhododendrons, adding bursts of colour and beautiful flowers to admire, also offering perfect photo opportunities.
When walking in from the ticket office, you’ll notice the stunning bronze sculptor made by leading contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon.
There are two of Gudgeon’s sculptors in Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens for everyone to admire while walking through.
As you make your way through the gardens you’ll be delighted at the interesting things you can see.
There are lots of spots for you to sit, giving you the opportunity to take everything in and listen to nothing but birdsong and breathe in the fresh air.
Everywhere you walk, you can find something interesting nestled in the trees; this carved log (above) blows you away with the detail.
Or this wolf-like figure (below) hiding behind a tree, ready to pounce.
Beautiful spots such as the picturesque red bridges give a tranquil vibe with the sound of the running water.
With all the different plants, trees and foliage, it can make you feel like you’re in a forest down one path, a pretty garden or a tropical jungle down another.
You’ll feel tiny with some of the huge plants around, it’ll give you the feeling that you’ve shrunk and you’re in Jurrasic Park.
Children’s imaginations will run wild at the thought of a dinosaur being close by.
💡 Point of interest: There is a wheelchair route to key garden areas, so be sure to ask one of the helpful staff members about where you can access the route. Dogs are also welcome on small leads.
Visit the large Colonial Cafe with lots on offer such as hot drinks, lunches such as soup, mac and cheese, sausage rolls and more.
There is plenty of seating both in and outside, and the beautiful setting and happy atmosphere offer the perfect backdrop to enjoy some lunch or a sweet treat while visiting.
The restaurant is free entry so you can visit without going into the gardens or paying for a ticket.
There is also a gift shop selling lots of local treats, homewares, plants and more.
The gardens host lots of events, a particularly popular one in the plant fair, offering lots of plants, flowers and garden accessories. These are hosted regularly.
To find out more information and upcoming events, visit The Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens website.
📍Bullers Wy, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4LA, United Kingdom
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a fantastic way to spend the day with lots to see and do.
Perfect for large groups, families or solo trips, you’ll find peace and natural beauty everywhere you go. It’s a haven from busy lives and reminds us to take a moment and relax in nature.
Have fun, and thank you for reading.
