Minterne Gardens

About the garden

Owned by

Henry Digby

A hidden gem, Minterne Gardens is in the village of Minterne Magna in the Cerne Valley. A 'Capability' Brown-inspired landscape within the grounds of Minterne House and the great historic woodland garden holds a wonderful collection of the rhododendrons and numerous mature specimen trees such as Davidia, Acer, Magnolia and a whole host of conifers, underplanted with shrubs, perennials and inspiring groundcover. 

The 27-acre garden benefits from a valley topography and this gives a true feel of the Himalaya with giant rhododendrons, streams and cascades appear at every turn around the horseshoe-shaped wild woodland garden. Historic planting that dates back to the early 1800s from ground-breaking plant hunting expeditions by J D Hooker, Reginald Farrer and Joseph Rock among others, along with newly introduced planting to upkeep the heritage and home rare and unique plants.

Minterne Gardens provides a peaceful oasis to watch the world go by, surrounded by vistas stretching into the Dorset landscape. The authentic Himalayan Hut provides a restful place for explorers with views over the Dorset landscape and the newly constructed 'Pagolion' – surrounded with unique plants, this unique hybrid structure, a cross between a pagoda and a pavilion, is a sight to behold.

Finish your visit at the new Himalayan café serving delicious light lunches, teas, Purbeck ice cream and cake on the terrace overlooking the majestic lake.

Please note: this garden is partially accessible.