Kingston Maurward House was built in 1590 and replaced an earlier Manor House built 200 years before. The large Grade I listed Georgian country house is now used by Kingston Maurward College and off-limits to visitors but much of the lovely 35 acres of gardens, lake and farm areas are open to the public.
SAT NAV postcode DT2 8PY (Google map)
Telephone: 01305 215003
Website: https://www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens/
Entrance to the Animal Park and Gardens is FREE ! On-site parking is also free. There is no pre-booking system. Please visit their website before visiting to check that this info is still correct. When I visited before lock-down there was an entry fee but since then it has been free although donations are welcome.
Kingston Maurward Opening Times
The Animal Park and Gardens are open daily from 10am – 4pm
The Estate shop is open daily 10am – 4pm
The Barn Cafe and indoor play area are open 10am – 3pm weekdays and 10am – 4pm at weekends and during school holidays
The Animal Park is particularly popular with young kids and makes for a great family day out. Local residents include rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, sheep, goats, alpacas and Shetland ponies. There is also an indoor Play Barn and cafe.
Related Pages: Hardy’s Cottage / Dorchester / Maiden Castle / Mapperton House / Athelhampton House