The Summer Holidays have arrived and we’re sure there are parents all over the county trying find ways to keep the children occupied over the next six weeks!

We’re here to help, so here are our FIVE reasons why you should make The Walled Garden one of your ‘Things to Do’ here in Dorset this summer.

1. The Animal Acre!

The Animal Acre section of our site is where visitors can say hello to our family of Pygmy Goats, Kunekune Pigs, Rabbits, Chickens, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets and more.

All the pens have facts about our animals so you can learn as you explore, making it an educational trip too that will keep curious minds engaged! Goat Feed is often available for purchase too if you want to make our family of pygmy goats love you even more! (Please use hand-washing stations afterwards)

Also, during the holidays Chrissy, our Animal Care Technician will be hosting Bug and Exotic Animal Experiences! Children aged 5 and upwards and a responsible adult will be invited into the Bug Shed for an up-close meet-and-greet with some of our insects and reptiles we have in our animal family. Tickets are available now.

2. Dinosaurs in Space Trail!

Our signature garden trail is back for the summer, with a returning theme of – Dinosaurs in Space! Running every day through to back to school! Maps cost just £3 and the trail includes so many activities for little explorers to complete.

• Find the space-dino characters and tick them off your map
• 12 intergalactic quiz questions – can you answer them all?
• Find the planets hidden around the gardens
• Track down the Compies that have escaped too!
• Every map comes with guaranteed a prize, so no need to worry if you’re unable to answer everything.
• Free colouring competition included (on request, just entry hut staff when purchasing your map)

Also, you won’t want to miss our Space Dinosaur photo stand! Up and ready for some fun pics with family and friends, situated next to the guinea pig pens. Don’t forget to tag us on facebook or instagram in your photos.

3. The Dovecote Café

After all that exploring, head over to The Dovecote Café, for a perfect family refuel. Our new summer menu which has been created by Dave, our talented French chef, features delicious lunches such as fish and chips, the Mr French Burger, and Dovecote Seafood Platter, tasty summer salads, sandwiches, and an updated kid’s menu. Plus of course our usual selection of homemade scones, cakes, and sausage rolls – along with teas, coffees, cold drinks and refreshing Purbeck Cider.

Children can read from our kid’s book collection while adults enjoy a peaceful coffee, and there’s even a jar of treats for the dog – so there’s something for the whole family here. Highchairs are available, and there’s space to sit inside or enjoy the sunshine outdoors with our outside patio, and a few benches in the gardens (food available in takeaway containers too).

The Dovecote Café is a lovely place to take a break between activities or round off your visit with a treat. Friendly staff and a calm atmosphere make it a highlight for many visitors. Please note, if you’re just visiting for the café, you do not need to pay an entry free 🙂 – the café is free to access.

4. The Gardens

Of course, the gardens are a key reason to visit, especially during the summer! Each area of The Walled Garden has been carefully cared for by Head Gardener Martin Mellersh, his team and the students of EMA

Each area has its own theme and selection of blooms to catch the eye, and not to mention the 2025 refresh of the Kitchen Garden, full of vegetables and herbs. It’s a great opportunity to show children where food comes from and how it grows.

There’s something blooming throughout all four seasons but make sure you pay a visit to the Square Garden during the summer months for a pollinator friendly view as the striking centrepiece of our five acres is sure to stop you in your tracks, along with our grass border near the small pavilion – another current highlight!

5. Tractors and Play Park

A new and popular addition for 2025 is our Ride-On Tractor Park. Children aged 3-10 are invited to let off some steam and take a ride on our peddle-powered tractors! They’re free to use, we just ask the grown-ups to keep an eye on the kids for their safety.

It’s just across the bridge from our Play Park containing swings, a climbing house and slide for all kids to enjoy and burn off some energy, along with our beautiful willow walk tunnels.

If that wasn’t enough, the whole site is Dog Friendly. Dogs on leads are very welcome here at The Walled Garden, so we really mean it when we say we are a fun day out for the whole family! Plus parking is free! We’ll look forward to seeing you over the summer break. Find us just outside Dorchester.

Entry is £3 for adults (Under 18s are Free) and we also have season tickets available.

We hope to see you this summer! 🙂

****BONUS REASON – Just Announced!****

Animal Keeper Clubs, for juniors and early teens. Click the image to read more!