Kingston Lacy is an elegant country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland.
Explore Kingston Lacy, a lavish family home built to resemble an Italian Palace. Step inside the home of one of the most powerful families of Dorset. Inspired by the palaces of Italy, the house is brimming with intricate treasures from grand, beautifully detailed carvings, to intimate family souvenirs and even strange curiosities such as an ‘I owe you’ note from a king.
An art lover’s dream, take a look at rooms teeming with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel. In the Egyptian Room you will discover the largest private collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK.
Enjoy a summer picnic on the south lawn or let the children run wild in the nearby play areas. Go for a wander around the beautiful gardens featuring the recently restored Japanese Garden. Look out for the ancient Egyptian obelisk, transported all the way to Dorset with the help of the Duke of Wellington or learn how to grow you own food in the community allotments.
With 8,500 acres for you to explore, discover the 2,000 year-old Iron Age hill fort at Badbury Rings, perfect for kite flying or go for a wander past the vibrant heather and gorse at Holt Heath. From the water meadows at Eye Mead to the extravagant beech tree avenue, made up of 731 trees, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained!
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Pick up a memory of your visit at the gift shop. They sell local gifts including cards, postcards, food, wine, books, toys and lots of other National Trust treats.
Inspired by the plants in the garden? Pick up and nurture your own version.
And don’t forget to pop into the restaurant to try the home made cake and prize winning scones!
A regular programme of events brings the estate to life for everyone.
View their events calendar to see what’s on at Kingston Lacy when you visit.
Kingston Lacy estate is carefully looked after by The National Trust and still run today as a traditional lowland estate, just as the Bankes family would have done. Support them by visiting this diverse estate and see for yourself how much dedication goes into ensuring that these attractions are around forever, whilst enjoying a great day out.
