Exploring stately homes can be an enjoyable experience for all the family. Admiring grand paintings, well-dressed rooms and beautiful architecture is a day well spent.
Discover the best manor houses, delve into history and enjoy picturesque gardens.
From the famous Kingston Lacy to the historic Athelhampton Hall, each location holds stories waiting to be uncovered.
Here are the best stately homes in Dorset, where to find them and what to expect.
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Athelhampton House and Gardens
Said to be one of the most haunted places in Dorset, this Grade I listed Tudor manor boasts over 500 years of rich history and is a must-visit.
Athelhampton House and Gardens, originally named after Æthelhelme, a Saxon Duke, the estate has seen many noble inhabitants.
The heart of Athelhampton is the Tudor Great Hall, built by Sir William Martyn in the late 15th century. The manor later went through significant extensions during the Elizabethan era.
Today, visitors can explore the fascinating rooms, enjoy the award-winning gardens or enjoy food at the Coach House restaurant.
🏡 Good to Know:
- Some parts wheelchair accessible
- Dogs are welcome in some areas
- Restaurant
- Gift shop
- Events held here, such as Tudor History Week and food and wine fairs
📍 Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 7LG
Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy is an extravagant 17th-century mansion managed by the National Trust.
This estate is inspired by Venetian Palaces and is surrounded by breathtaking gardens and landscapes.
You can explore the lush Japanese Garden and the Victorian-era Kitchen Garden and walk through the extensive 8,500-acre estate that features Iron Age hill forts, water meadows, and colourful heathlands.
With lots of activities and a playground for children, Kingston Lacy is an excellent spot for a family day out.
You can read more about Kingston Lacy here.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Play areas for children
- Shop and second-hand bookshop
- National Trust
- Events such as Storytelling with Santa and photography workshops
- Mostly wheelchair accessible
- Dogs welcome with some restrictions
📍 Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster BH21 4EA
Mapperton House and Gardens
Mapperton House and Gardens, located in Beaminster, is a unique Elizabethan manor house.
The manor boasts intricate plaster panelling and fireplaces from the 16th century, along with 17th-century stable blocks and dovecotes.
The gardens, spreading over 15 acres, are beautiful and feature formal topiary gardens, an Orangery, and an arboretum.
This earned Mapperton the 2020 Historic Houses Garden of the Year award.
Not only is Mapperton an amazing family home, but it also provides lots of interesting history, children’s play areas and beautiful countryside to explore.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Onsite cafe
- Shop
- Wild play areas
- Events held, such as yoga and Christmas markets
- Dogs not allowed in house and gardens (assistance dogs welcome)
- Disabled access
📍 Mapperton, Beaminster DT8 3NR
Sherborne Castle and Gardens
Sir Walter Raleigh built Sherborne Castle in 1594, and the Digby family has lived there since 1617. The castle is a grand, stately home with over 400 years of history.
Visitors can explore magnificent staterooms and unique collections of art, furniture, and porcelain.
The 42-acre gardens, designed by Capability Brown, feature a 50-acre lake and a variety of seasonal flowers.
The gardens are a haven for wildlife and offer excellent photo opportunities.
Families can enjoy interactive exhibits, trails for children, and picnics by the lake.
Dogs are welcome on short leads, making it a great destination for the whole family.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Dogs on leads are welcome
- Events held throughout the year, such as pumpkin and easter trails
- Some wheelchair access
- Onsite shop
📍 New Road, Sherborne DT9 5NR
Russell-Cotes House
Russell-Cotes House, located in Bournemouth, is a stunning example of a 19th-century historic house.
Merton Russell-Cotes built it in 1901 as a grand birthday gift for his wife, Annie. This cliff-top villa offers panoramic views of the sea.
The house serves as an art gallery and museum, filled with objects and artworks collected from around the world.
Designed by John Frederick Fogerty, the house has an exotic and lavish atmosphere that reflects the couple’s eclectic tastes.
Take a wander around the tropical garden and admire fish ponds and bronze sculptures whilst listening to the sound of Bournemouth Beach close by.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Onsite cafe
- Exhibitions and events held here
- Manual wheelchair for visitors to use (must be booked)
- Assistance dogs are welcome
📍 East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA
Lulworth Castle
Lulworth Castle is a stunning 17th-century hunting lodge. Initially built for entertaining royalty and aristocrats, it now stands as a testament to centuries of history.
The castle was the family seat of the Weld family and has been partly restored after a devastating fire in 1929. Visitors can explore its extensive grounds, which include parklands, woodland walks, and a children’s playground.
Inside, the castle’s history comes to life. Guests can discover collections and rooms filled with memorabilia. The tower offers spectacular panoramic views over the Purbeck countryside and towards the Jurassic Coast.
For those visiting with families, children can have fun searching for hidden bats within the castle.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Children’s playground
- Dog’s on a lead welcome
- Wheelchair access
- Events held here, such as Halloween fun and Camp Bestival
📍 East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS
Kingston Maurward House
Kingston Maurward House is a splendid Georgian mansion set in a 750-acre estate in the Frome Valley, two miles east of Dorchester.
George Pitt built it between 1717 and 1720, and it showcases Portland limestone cladding, added after King George III criticised its red brick exterior.
This Grade I listed country house has a north facade with a 20th-century porch and faces south. While much of the house is part of Kingston Maurward College and is not open to the public, visitors can enjoy the 35 acres of gardens, lake, and animal park.
Stroll through the lovely formal gardens, home to two National Plant collections. Kingston Maurward also offers sweeping lawns, lakeside walks, and a charming collection of livestock and poultry. A fun day out for all the family.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Onsite cafe
- Childrens play areas
- Animal park
- Dogs welcome in park and gardens
- Mostly wheelchair accessible
📍 Kingston Maurward, Dorchester DT2 8PY
Minterne House and Gardens
Minterne House is a beautiful country estate and has been associated with the Churchill and Digby families since 1620.
The current house, built in 1905, features original Churchill tapestries and furniture.
While the house is not open for general tours, it holds private events and weddings, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
The Himalayan gardens are a standout attraction. You can explore small streams and waterfalls whilst enjoying the stress free environment.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Dogs on a lead are welcome
- Tea terrace
📍 Minterne Magna, Dorchester DT2 7AU
Cranborne Manor
Cranborne Manor is a historical gem dating back to the 12th century. Originally built as a royal hunting lodge for King John, it has evolved over centuries into a splendid Grade I-listed country house.
The Manor became part of the Salisbury family estates in 1604 when Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, acquired it. The west wing was remodelled in 1647 under the 2nd Earl, with the help of Captain Ryder.
The gardens of Cranborne Manor are a highlight, designed in the early 17th century by Mounten Jennings and John Tradescant.
These gardens are open to the public on specific days, providing a glimpse into the lush landscape that has been preserved for centuries.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Onsite cafe
- Dogs are welcome
- Mostly wheelchair accessible
📍 Cranborne, Wimborne BH21 5PS
Deans Court and Gardens
Nestled in Wimborne Minster, Deans Court is an elegant house surrounded by ancient gardens that has been in William Hanham’s family for nearly 500 years.
Today, it is a vibrant venue for weddings and events and even has a vintage lifestyle shop, a home-cooked café, and holiday lets.
The estate offers a plethora of activities. Visitors can enjoy pop-up markets, open-air theatres, tours, and fly-fishing. There’s even a walled kitchen garden dedicated to growing organic vegetables.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Onsite cafe
- Homeware shop
- No wheelchair access
- Dogs on a lead welcome
📍 Deans Court, Wimborne BH21 1EE
St Giles House
St Giles House is a splendid example of English heritage located in Wimborne St Giles, East Dorset.
The ancestral home of the Ashley-Cooper family has stood since 1651. The 17th-century house showcases Renaissance architecture with north and east fronts inspired by Inigo Jones’s Classical designs.
The estate spans over 5,500 acres, with the River Allen adding charm as it feeds a seven-acre lake. The extensive parkland is Grade II* listed, featuring a serpentine lake, garden ornaments, and a notable grotto.
Originally a quadrangular building, St Giles House has evolved over the years but maintains much of its historical essence, especially the east front with its seven bays.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Events held throughout the year
- Fishing spots
- Wheelchair accessible
- Dogs welcome
📍 Wimborne St. Giles, Wimborne BH21 5ND
Edmondsham House and Gardens
Edmondsham House and Gardens is a picturesque estate located in the heart of East Dorset.
Built in 1589, this historic home has been in the same family for generations.
Visitors can explore the house through guided tours. These tours show a glimpse into the estate’s history and fascinating architectural details.
The six-acre garden includes an organic walled garden, unusual trees, and vibrant spring bulbs, making it a delight to explore.
Nearby, you’ll find a 12th-century church, adding even more historical charm to your visit.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Open April – October
- No dogs allowed
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Edmondsham, Wimborne BH21 5RE
Smedmore House
Smedmore House in Kimmeridge is an elegant Georgian manor available for various events.
Built-in 1610 and enhanced over centuries, it offers both history and beauty. The house is surrounded by well-manicured gardens, a Mediterranean garden, and wildflower meadows leading to Kimmeridge Bay.
Today, the house offers accommodation, hosts weddings and has open days.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Dogs on a lead welcome (not in the house)
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Smedmore House, Kimmeridge BH20 5PG
Stock Gaylard House
Stock Gaylard House is an exquisite Georgian country house in Sturminster Newton. This Grade II* listed building boasts a symmetrical design with three floors.
Built around 1714, it features rendered rubble stone and a mainly hipped stone roof with some slate. Significant changes were made in the 1790s and 19th century.
The gardens extend to Deer Park with a mix of lawn areas, decorative iron gates, and trees.
🏠 Good to Know:
- Picnic areas
- House tours available
- House open days available
- Dogs are welcome in some areas
📍 Stock Gaylard, Sturminster Newton DT10 2BG
