Arboretum Gardens in Dorset

Description:

Mapperton Gardens is a romantic valley garden deep in the Dorset unspoilt countryside. The gardens descend from the great lawn, through the formal topiary down to the woodland garden.

Dorset's arboretum gardens at Mapperton are well worth a visit at this time of year. Another fine example is the famous Forde Abbey gardens South of Chard in Somerset.

The Gardens can be enjoyed all year round and each season has it's merits, but there is something magical about these gardens at this time of year. Autumn marks the end of their colourful season turning them into an Autumn hue with a splash of fiery colours of amber, gold and rust tinged with green.

The gardens contain many secret paths and walks. The surrounding countryside is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with many bridle paths and public rights of way. Further up the hill, looking east, there are views of Eggardon Hill and Hooke Park, and to the west and south, Beaminster, Lewesden Hill, Pilsdon Pen, Bridport and the cliffs along Lyme Bay.