Minterne House and Gardens

Top-rated.online cuts through the clutter, highlighting only the reviews that are most helpful, earn the most likes, or come from the most active contributors. Went with my mate to do the Halloween Trail. There are lots of different Halloween bits and pieces throughout the and a few games that can be played along the way. We had a good laugh. Although £10 a head and no carer discount made it a bit expensive. Especially as I genuinely couldn't have done this on my own... The are accessible to a point on a mobility scooter. There was one path (at the end) where I needed a push. It's not for the faint-hearted here (and I'm not just talking about the skeletons and witches that you'll encounter)! The paths are rough in places and steep too plus the camber on the path at the beginning and end is not to be tackled lightly. But, as long as you have good balance and can cope with the odd steep path, you will have a lovely few hours. The toilets are not ideal. There are some posh portaloos behind some bushes but I wasn't able to access them due to the steep steps up into them. On asking if there were accessible toilets available, I was asked to wait while one of the cafe staff ran to the office to find out. She then came back saying there were some inside but she'd have to get the ramps out. She also said they were very narrow aswell. After a bit of discussion, I decided I would have to give them a try, so she asked me to wait at the front door and she would get the ramps. They obviously weren't nearby due to the very long wait we had. In the end, she brought 3 wooden ramps and arranged them on the steps. After a bit of a run up, I managed to get in the house and use the loo (which was fine by the way, but no hand holds). Leaving the house however, was not as easy! My scooter got caught on the 2nd ramp which moved away from the step and left me in mid air. I had to get off it mid way to get it removed from the ramp. Anyway, I survived the incident but I think I aged the staff somewhat 🫣. After going round the we thought we'd get a toastie at the cafe but we missed their 2pm deadline for hot food by 13mins! Luckily they have a Churro's Shack doing fresh churros and doughnuts till 4pm so we had some fresh, hot churro's with a coffee from them instead. Very tasty. Only issue here was trying to find a non mouldy stirrer due to the outdoor nature of the milk and sugar station. All in all though, it was a fun few hours and a place I will try to visit again - although they dropped some stars due to a few issues, I'll give them another chance. Not sure if I'll ever dare to use the loo again though. Eeek 🤣 We enjoyed strolling through the garden, which has a Himalayan theme. Big trees and landscaping with some exotic plants, but no large floral displays. It was an enjoyable visit but I think the £10 admission is a bit expensive. You can't normally go in the house. The cafe offers a good range of homemade cakes and drinks. Love this place, been a few time in past but not a while. Still lovely to wander around I can not understand people walking round looking at there feet the views are up and all around you. Yes paths are uneven so take your time and enjoy the wonderful colours, different flowers from the ground to the tree top. Wish we could get here more. This is the most beautiful garden we've ever had the pleasure of visiting. Walking through it with all the rhododendrons in bloom was amazing, we thought this was what the Garden Of Eden must look like 😍. A wonderland of beauty indeed, we didn't want to leave! Will definitely be back! Grateful that the are kept public so we could experience this. Thank you. The little cafe also have a lovely view and tasty scones! Awesome walk thru the forested gardens. The hydrangeas are magnificent! Beautiful fairies and woodland creatures dancing between the trees! Nestled in the heart of Dorset’s rolling hills, Minterne House and is a true hidden gem that effortlessly weaves together centuries of rich history with the natural splendour of its breathtaking gardens. Home to the Digby and Churchill families for generations, Minterne House is steeped in stories of the past — from its connections to Sir Winston Churchill’s ancestry to its place within the tapestry of England’s stately homes. The house itself exudes timeless elegance, and stepping onto its grounds feels like stepping into a living piece of history. But it’s the that truly steal the show. Inspired by Himalayan planting, the at Minterne are a feast for the senses — a meandering paradise of rare rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, and towering trees that frame peaceful lakes and cascading waterfalls. Each turn along the mile-long trail reveals another stunning vista, with surprises of stone bridges, tranquil streams, and charming benches inviting you to pause and soak in the serenity. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Minterne House and offers an experience that lingers long after you leave. It’s a place where history and horticultural beauty come together in perfect harmony — and one I can’t recommend highly enough. Absolutely stunning garden. There's an entrance fee of £10, but in my opinion it's more than worth it. I am happy to contribute to the upkeep of this feast for the senses. A beautiful and mysterious path along abundant rhododendrons and azaleas, by a stream with waterfalls. There's also a tibetan hut along the way, and other decorations that give the garden a himalayan feel. And then there's a nice cafe in the manor, with a lovely terrace where you can finish off your day with a cream tea. The best time to visit is April/ May when everything is in bloom. There are also some very fragrant rhododendrons, so the air will be heavy with scent. Definitely a recommend. A very well organised fairy and dragon trail, had to look out for all the fairies, there is a little colour booklet to purchase for kids whoch has a map and pictures and puzzels, also a colour ribbon of your choice to hang on the wishing tree, well sign posted with a river walk, himalayan hut, wild flowers and a few pheasants popping out at times, a real treat, had a lovely coffee and cake before we left looking forward to our next visit Website change monitoring Monitor any webpage for changes – get instant email alerts when prices drop, new jobs are posted, products come back in stock, or competitors update their sites.