Compton Acres is a picturesque and breathtaking set of gardens spread across 10 acres of Dorset Heathland.
If spending time in a calm, beautiful garden with sounds of running water and birdsong sounds like your idea of fun, then this is not a place to miss.
There are five main gardens for you to wander around, each one offering something different and attractive for you to look at and feel at peace in nature.
The Italian Garden
The Italian Garden is truly a garden of beauty.
The first garden you come across instantly takes your breath away.
The pond stretches into the distance hosting a range of fish, adding interest and magic to the area.
The Italian Villa overlooks the garden making it the perfect venue to host a wedding, giving you a picture-perfect backdrop for your big day.
Everywhere you look is a photo opportunity, giving you the feeling of being in a real Italian garden.
The Wooded Valley
Walking past the Italian garden you will come across The Wooded Valley.
An abundance of greenery and trees as far as the eye can see.
When you visit in springtime, you’ll see all the flowers starting to blossom and the leaves returning, making it a beautiful feast for the eyes.
You’ll come across bridges with cascading waterfalls making it a relaxing and tranquil area to walk through or to sit, listen and take it all in.
There is also a woodland children’s play area.
Complete with obstacle course-like activities and a tent to play ‘house’ inside.
A perfect place for little ones to use their imaginations and enjoy nature.
Rock and Water Garden
The Rock and Water Gardens is thought to be the largest privately owned rock gardens in the country.
Red sandstone and grey limestone are used to create a look of contrast throughout the garden.
Walking through, you will come across lots of unique and interesting rock ponds.
Hosting an array of different sculptures giving them an interesting view.
You can cross many picturesque bridges and stepping stones or simply use one of the benches to sit in the sun, watching the ducks and the giant Koi carp swimming in the ponds.
Pictured above, you can see the bunches of spring flowers bringing life into the garden, ready for the summer months.
The Heather Garden
Coming across The Heather Garden, you’ll instantly notice how pretty it is.
Home to thousands of heather plants with winter and spring flowering, ensuring the garden is stunning at all times of the year.
Different statues made of lead are dotted around the gardens, adding to the beauty of the heather plants.
The garden almost looks like a home for fairies with the delicate pink and purples and the dreamy look of the heather.
The Japanese Garden
One of the best Japanese gardens in the country is at Compton Acres, which is a true work of art.
You can see the Japanese wisteria and works of art that were imported in the 1920’s to enhance the Japanese feel.
Giant Koi carp can be seen swimming in the pond, which you can spot whilst walking across the stepping stones, taking you from one side of the pond to the next.
A large waterfall in the distance gives picture-perfect opportunities and instantly relaxes you with the flow of the water.
There are a number of shops that you can visit during your time at Compton Acres such as Gifted Moments and another gift shop in the ticket office offering items such as toys, kitchenware, ornaments, cards and prints and local produce such as pickle and chutneys.
There is also The Italian Pantry, an Italian delicatessen that sells wine, olive oils, pasta, sweet treats, and more.
You can also purchase lots of beautiful pots and plants from the plant centre that are on display outside the shops.
Fancy some food on your visit?
There is no shortage of delicious food on offer.
There is a cafe and tea room selling breakfasts and classics such as fish and chips, which are available to eat in or outside.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, you can visit the bakery, which sells homemade cakes and scones.
You can also enjoy an afternoon tea in the restaurant or a takeaway picnic to enjoy in one of the gardens.
Compton Acres is truly an elegant, gorgeous and tranquil place to spend time.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning on celebrating your wedding there, the area is full of natural beauty and picturesque scenes everywhere you turn.
The gardens are wheelchair and pushchair-friendly, so there is no need to worry; everyone can enjoy the beauty.
There is also The Summer House, a unique sanctuary in the ground for short-term stays. It is a hidden gem and a secluded spot to spend time in luxury and hide away for a few days.
Whatever you decide to do on your visit, you’ll never forget the beauty of Compton Acres. Enjoy!
For more information and to plan your unforgettable visit, check out the official Compton Acres website.
