Sculpture by the Lakes: A Guide to Dorset’s Beautiful Botanic Garden

A hidden oasis in Dorset

Situated just outside of Dorchester in Dorset, Sculpture by the Lakes is a true hidden oasis. Set in 26 acres with over 120 sculptures, it’s the perfect day out for anyone looking to escape the tourist crowds.

Even better, children under 14 aren’t permitted (due to the open water), which meant on a hot Saturday in the middle of the school summer holidays, we were actually able to avoid the chaos that consumes most of Dorset… It was bliss!

We began our day wandering through the peaceful grounds of the retreat. It can be privately hired and looks like a wonderful place to get married. There’s even a yoga studio, hosting sound healing sessions and they host biodiversity workshops throughout the summer months.

I loved just taking some time to wander the grounds, even taking a seat on the gigantic swing overlooking one of the lakes. It’s the perfect place to sit with your own thoughts and reflect. I quickly realised that despite having never visited before, I will be making a trip back here every summer from now on.

Some of my favourite sculptures had to be those portraying animals; Kodiak Bear Head by Nick Bibby, right at the start is my number one. I also found the quirky halo seat really beautiful. You’re given a paper guide at the entrance, but each sculpture also has a QR code which I thought is a really nice touch.

The Maker's Yard & Kitchen Garden

Sculpture by the Lakes also have a cafe and a lovely shop in the Maker’s Yard. The shop sells some beautiful locally made produce, as well as a collection of books and homeware. The cafe has some incredible cakes – I had the caramel pecan brownie, however… The coffee was a real let down.

They only had a self-serve machine which gave me flashbacks of a Premier Inn breakfast. I’m a coffee snob though, and not being able to order an oat flat white does make me want to knock a point off.

But, my disappointment soon subsided when we found the Kitchen Garden. It quickly became my favourite spot in the entire grounds.

The fruit and vegetables grown there supply their own Maker’s Yard, which I though was really cool. There were some massive squash dangling, and an impressive number of tomato varieties growing.

Dotted all throughout the Kitchen Garden you’ll be able to spot so many flowers in bloom, from red sunflowers to marigolds, which all help to encourage pollinators to the wider landscape. It was such a welcome change to the drought conditions in the rest of the county and I loved walking amongst all the different colours and sweet smells.

Conservation Significance

There’s much more going on here than art. The park is also an important haven for wildlife, plants and the wider landscape.

Sculpture by the Lakes is Dorset’s only BGCI-accredited botanic garden, and the 26-acre site encompasses woodland, water meadows, ponds and the River Frome. Together, these different habitats support an impressive variety of wildlife and plant life, including more than 1,000 species of trees, dragonflies and greylag geese.

There’s even a dedicated butterfly walk winding through the grounds, although somehow we managed to miss it on our visit!

This focus on conservation also comes through in the Kitchen Garden. Their no-dig approach helps protect the microorganisms and soil structure, while the flowers planted throughout the garden provide an important source of food for pollinators. So while you’re wandering around admiring the sculptures and gardens, there’s a whole ecosystem quietly thriving around you.

Location, parking & costs:

what3words: vented.interviewer.endings OR Postcode: DT2 8QU

Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm
Cost: £15 for a full day, £12 for the afternoon (from 2pm) – August 2026
Size of Car Park: Large field, though they do say no vehicles larger than a VW T5
Blue badge parking available

When to visit:

I thoroughly recommend going for opening to enjoy the morning. As they don’t allow children under 14, the summer holidays make this the perfect oasis to escape to.

Book online, though they don’t offer refunds.

Well behaved dogs on leads are allowed in most areas, check their website for exemptions.