Littlebredy Walled Gardens

You'll find these walled gardens tucked away near Dorchester, and they're worth hunting out if you've got an afternoon spare during a Dorset caravan holiday. The whole point here is that they're properly enclosed - high brick walls shelter everything inside, which means the plants absolutely thrive even when the coastal winds are doing their worst outside.

The gardens themselves are split into different sections, each with its own character. There's formal planting, working kitchen gardens, and enough space to actually wander without feeling cramped. It's the sort of place where you can spend two hours quite easily, or whip round in forty minutes if you're short on time. Families with younger kids might find it a bit quiet - there's no playground or entertainment, just lovely plants and paths - but anyone who enjoys getting lost among flowerbeds and vegetable plots will be genuinely absorbed.

It's close enough to Litton Lakes and the other caravan parks roundabout to make a morning visit practical. Bring a camera if you're that way inclined. The walls create proper little pockets of interest, and the planting changes seasonally so it's different every visit. Check ahead for opening times and admission fees before you go - details are a bit thin on the ground - but don't let that stop you ringing them up. Real gardens like this are rare enough that they deserve the effort.