Dorset Historic or Architectural Properties and Gardens
Castles, Abbeys, Churches, Houses, Estates and Gardens
(English Heritage / National Trust / others)
Along with the attractions listed on this page you may also find places of interest on the Dorset Attractions and Nature pages. We suggest that you also visit the pages for the neighbouring counties to see what else there is in the area.
We support ‘Accessible Countryside for Everyone’ in providing a brief guide as to the access / facilities for the sites listed, where we have them.
Abbotsbury Abbey (EH) - Part of a monastic building, perhaps the abbot’s lodging, of Benedictine Abbotsbury Abbey, Henry VIII ordered it’s destruction during the Dissolution in 1538 - we have no disabled access info for this site
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - Abbotsbury, Nr Weymouth - Approximately 50% of the Garden is accessible to disabled visitors, disabled and baby change facilities available at the Colonial Restaurant.
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens
Athelhampton House and Gardens - Cooke family - Dorchester - Gardens & ground floor accessible to wheelchair/scooter users - see website
www.athelhampton.co.uk
Bennetts Water Gardens - 8 acres of gardens here are home to National & International Collections of Water Lilies - Weymouth - Partial wheelchair access is available around the gardens, Baby Changing - please see the website
bennettswatergardens.com
Christchurch Castle and Norman House (EH) - The castle remains include parts of the keep and the 12th century riverside chamber block or 'Constable's House'. A very early example of domestic architecture including a rare Norman chimney - "A dirt path runs around the base of the keep, suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. There is a steep climb up to the remains for those who wish to explore further" Unfortunately we have no accessibility information for this site
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Clouds Hill (NT) - Wareham - The rural retreat of T. E. Lawrence - "Because the cottage is much as Lawrence left it, we keep light levels low to protect the original contents" Unfortunately we have no other accessibility information for this site
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill
Corfe Castle (NT) - Wareham - "Thousand-year-old royal castle shaped by warfare...One of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians", Licensed tea-room with garden - "Grounds - partly accessible, steep slopes, some steps, uneven paths, undulating terrain", accessible toilets, baby changing facilities
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
Edmondsham House and Garden - Wimborne - "Tudor and Georgian architecture with interesting contents. Organic walled garden, 6 acre garden" - Unfortunately we have no accessibility information for this site
www.hha.org.uk/Property/1044
Highcliffe Castle - Christchurch Borough Council - Highcliffe - "has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture, which flourished at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century" - "The Gift Shop provides level access into the Castle. Once inside, the ground floor is fully accessible. A wheelchair is available for use by visitors on request and subject to availability" Unfortunately we have no other accessibility information for this site
www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Kingston Lacy - Elegant country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland - National Trust - Wimborne Minster - Disabled friendly & baby changing, "4 wheelchairs and 2 self-drive mobility buggies available for loan...Level access to ground floor of house only (2 rooms accessible)...Level access to shop and restaurant...Easy access to Eye Bridge, Pamphill, Badbury Rings, Holt Heath and forest", Induction loop, Braille guide, has Push off-road wheelchairs
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy
Lulworth Castle and Park - The Weld family - East Lulworth - famous for its Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove,a natural horseshoe-shaped harbour, village and estate - Not full access to all areas of the site - Unfortunately we have no other accessibility information for this site
www.lulworth.com
