Photo: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens by Donarreiskoffer, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens occupy a sheltered coastal valley near the village of Abbotsbury in Dorset.
The gardens are known for an unusually mild microclimate, which allows plants from the Southern Hemisphere and other warm regions to grow at a latitude where they would not ordinarily survive.
The collection features species more commonly associated with gardens far further south.
The gardens are a member property of Historic Houses.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The gardens were established in 1765 by Elizabeth, the 1st Countess of Ilchester, of the Strangways family, Earls of Ilchester, who owned the surrounding Abbotsbury estate. They were originally laid out as a kitchen garden before the sheltered valley position and favourable conditions encouraged more ambitious planting. The Ilchester family connection to Abbotsbury extends back several centuries and the gardens remain part of that private estate today.
Gardens & grounds
The valley setting protects the gardens from salt winds off the nearby Chesil Beach, creating the conditions that make the subtropical planting possible.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Upwey Rail Station (6.8 miles)
Open year-round; check the official website for seasonal hours and special event dates.
Nearby properties
St Catherine's Chapel
View St Catherine's Chapel on heritage mapAbbotsbury Abbey
View Abbotsbury Abbey on heritage mapThe Kingston Russell stone circle 750m north east of Gorwell Farm
View The Kingston Russell stone circle 750m north east of Gorwell Farm on heritage mapWinterbourne Poor Lot Barrows
View Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows on heritage mapNine Stones
View Nine Stones on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens there are 5 historic properties, including 3 archaeological sites.
Within 10 miles of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens there are 11 historic properties, including 5 archaeological sites and 3 historic buildings, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens there are 22 historic properties, including 9 historic buildings, 5 archaeological sites and 5 historic houses, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Facts
A Dorset coastal valley where Southern Hemisphere plants grow under a genuinely rare British microclimate.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Dorset, England
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