Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens Houses

Voted "Our Favouite Garden" by the readers of The Daily Telegraph in 2006. Runner-up in the peoples' vote for the best major display garden at The Chelsea Flower Show, May 2006.

Established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle. Developed since then into a magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country, discovered by the plant hunting descendants of the Countess.

Since the restoration after the great storm of 1990 many new exotic and unusual plants have been introduced. The Garden is now a mixture of formal and informal, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views. World famous for its Camellia Groves and Magnolias, noted for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections. In summer it is awash with subtropical colour.