Cranborne Manor is one of Dorset’s oldest country houses and the family home of the Viscount Cranborne, eldest son of the Marquess of Salisbury. Although the manor itself is not open to the public, visitors can explore its historic gardens, which surround the house and open on selected Wednesdays from spring until autumn.
The gardens combine formal planting with mature trees, lawns, herbaceous borders and seasonal displays, providing a peaceful setting in the heart of the historic village of Cranborne. Admission is through the neighbouring Cranborne Garden Centre, where visitors will also find a café, gift shop and plant nursery.
Location: Cranborne, BH21 5PP (Google map)
Website: https://www.cranborne.co.uk/visit-us/
Cranborne Manor House
The original manor was built as a royal hunting lodge for King John in the early 13th century, although parts of the estate date back even earlier. Cranborne Chase was one of England’s most important royal hunting forests, used by successive monarchs from at least the time of William the Conqueror until the 17th century.
In 1604 the estate was purchased by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, chief minister to both Elizabeth I and James I. During the 17th century the house was remodelled, giving the house much of the elegant appearance it retains today. The gardens were laid out by Mounten Jennings and the renowned gardener John Tradescant the Elder, one of the most influential plantsmen of the period.
Today the house remains a private family home occupied by the Viscount Cranborne and his family.
Cranborne Manor Gardens
The gardens provide a rare opportunity to explore the grounds of one of Dorset’s most important historic estates. Visitors can wander through mature trees, colourful herbaceous borders, formal planting and peaceful lawns surrounding the ancient manor house.
Because the gardens are only open on selected days, they are generally quieter than many of Dorset’s larger attractions and provide a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying the historic setting.
The surrounding Cranborne Estate also offers a number of waymarked countryside walks through the former royal hunting grounds.
Cranborne Garden Centre
Access to the Manor Gardens is through Cranborne Garden Centre, which occupies the former walled kitchen garden of the estate. The garden centre specialises in roses and stocks a wide range of shrubs, trees, climbers, herbaceous plants and seasonal bedding plants, together with pots and garden accessories.
The gift shop offers homewares, gifts, candles, soaps and locally produced food items, while the café serves breakfasts, lunches, cream teas and homemade cakes prepared using locally sourced ingredients.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the Garden Centre, Gift Shop and Manor Gardens. Dogs are not permitted inside the café but are welcome on the veranda and in the café garden.
Cranborne Manor Gardens Opening Times (2026)
The gardens are generally open every Wednesday from spring until mid-October.
Opening hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Last admission: 4:00pm
Tickets are purchased at Cranborne Garden Centre.
Please note: Cranborne Manor Garden will be closed on Wednesday 5 August and Wednesday 12 August 2026.
The gardens may occasionally close for special events or open on additional dates. Please check the official website before travelling.
Cranborne Manor Garden Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type (Gardens only) | Ticket Price |
| Adult | £6.50 |
| Concessions | £5.50 |
| Children (under 12) | £1 |
Related Pages: Wimborne / Kingston Lacy House / Blandford Forum / Badbury Rings / Moors Valley Country Park