Southern Hemisphere Garden

You won't find your usual English herbaceous borders here. The Southern Hemisphere Garden is exactly what it sounds like - a bold experiment in growing plants from Australia, New Zealand and southern Africa in the heart of Dorset. Walking through it feels properly exotic, especially on a grey afternoon when you're supposed to be queuing for a cream tea in Dorchester instead.

It's a place for keen gardeners and anyone fascinated by how plants adapt to different climates. The collection changes with the seasons, but you'll see specimens that really shouldn't survive on the English coast - yet somehow do. The garden itself isn't vast, so allow an hour unless you're genuinely absorbed in botanical detail.

You'll need to check opening arrangements before heading over from Dorchester, as details aren't straightforward. Admission status varies, so ring ahead to avoid a wasted journey. If you're touring the area and staying at one of the nearby spots like Litton Lakes or Bagwell Farm, it makes a decent half-day addition rather than a main event.

Honestly? It's worth the detour if you're already in the region and the weather's kind. It won't blow your mind, but it's genuinely different from the standard stately home gardens you'll find dotted around Dorset. Best suited to adults who actually care about plants rather than somewhere to tire out restless children.