Trip: Kingston Lacy, Wimbourne Minster

24th March 2026

Trip Now Full

See below for pricing and how to join the waiting list

Its extensive gardens and parkland come alive in spring, and you can enjoy the fantastic display of snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells. The Fernery boasts around 40 species of fern, including several stately Dicksonia antarctica tree ferns.

Through the Lime Walk are dwarf narcissi; carpets of blooms under the huge and ancient trees.

The Nursery Walk, which was originally created to bring colour to even the gloomiest months of the year, is nothing short of spectacular when in full swing with a huge variety of azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and flowering cherry trees. Huge bushes are covered in the reds and pinks of these glamorous flowers. The camellia japonica ‘Blaze of Glory’ is simply spectacular and carries a profusion of bright red blooms against the glossy green foliage. The display lasts from Christmas to well after Easter.

In the Japanese garden (which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year) peonies and magnolia should be getting ready to burst forth, as will the new blossom orchard.

Visit the opulent family home built to resemble a Venetian Palace and displaying remarkable paintings by renowned artists like Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, the house is a miniature ‘national gallery’ for the South West, and includes Bankes’ collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, the largest private collection in the UK.

When you are tired you can relax in the café or browse the shop and second-hand book shop.

Price including coach, tips and entrance fee

£18.25 if you have a National Trust Membership
£40.10 without National Trust membership.

An additional garden tour can also be booked
£5 with a Gardener
£2.50 with a volunteer
If you are interested in a garden tour with a gardener or a volunteer please indicate on your booking and add the relevant amount to your payment.

To join the waiting list

1. Contact Jane Kidd by email: events@emshs.org.uk to check availability.
• Please state the name(s) of each member you would like to book for
• Include your membership number(s) with your enquiry.
• Please also indicate if you are interested in the garden tour and if so whether with a gardener or a volunteer.

1. The trip organiser will email you to confirm availability and let you know how to pay and what further information they need.

If you have any questions please call
Jane Kidd on 01243 374839.

Terms & Conditions

• Our insurance policy covers EHS members only. If you wish to bring friends they will need to become EHS members.
• If you have to cancel a coach trip we can only make a full refund if we are able to resell your ticket to another member.
• In the event we are unable to resell your ticket, a refund can only be made if the costs incurred by the EHS for the trip can still be covered. As a result you may receive a partial rathe than full refund depending on the costs associated with each individual trip. Any refund will be issued no later than two weeks after the trip has taken place and once all costs have been reconciled by the Treasurer.
• All coach trip tickets include a £1 tip for the coach driver.
• You will asked to supply an ‘In Case of Emergency’ telephone number for the person we should contact in the event you become ill or there is an issue during the trip.