Camellias, Magnolias and Rhododendrons at Abbotsbury

Spring colour across the Gardens

Camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons in bloom

Colour returns to Abbotsbury in generous waves throughout spring, with camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons among the star performers.

The camellia groves are a popular highlight, adding deep reds, pinks and soft blush tones to the leafy surroundings; spring growth brings a sense of theatre to the paths, with glossy evergreen leaves and vibrant, rose-like flowers creating beautiful pockets of colour throughout the Gardens.

Magnolia Walk is another favourite route at this time of year, with flowers adding height, structure and elegance as you make your way up towards the Jurassic Viewpoint. On a bright spring day, the route offers one of the finest combinations in the Gardens: seasonal planting close by, then wide coastal views once you reach the top.

Rhododendrons also bring their own display of spring colour, with bold flowers adding depth and richness to the landscape. 

A spring route through Abbotsbury

A simple way to make the most of your visit

With 30 acres to explore, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens offers plenty of space to wander and take in ever-changing views. A perfect spring route begins in the vibrant camellia groves for an immediate burst of colour, before winding along the paths toward Magnolia Walk.

From there, follow the route uphill towards the Jurassic Viewpoint. The walk is well worth it, with views stretching across Chesil Beach, Weymouth and Portland to the east, and West Bay, Charmouth and Lyme Regis to the west. It is one of the most memorable spots in the Gardens and a brilliant place to appreciate the coastal setting that helps make Abbotsbury so distinctive.

Past the viewpoint, explore the lower gardens to discover a completely different world filled with ponds, bridges, and lush, shaded planting. Towering tree ferns, tranquil lily ponds, and dramatic exotic foliage serve as a constant reminder that this is no ordinary garden visit!

The Gunnera growing season begins

Watch the Gardens change week by week

One of Abbotsbury’s most spectacular sights during spring is the return of the giant Gunnera; prehistoric-looking plants that grow at a breathtaking pace between now and June.

Their colossal leaves lend dramatic scale to the damp, sheltered hollows where they thrive – a dream for photographers. Close-ups capture the intricate, sandpapery texture of the leaves, while wider shots reveal how they transform the paths into a lush, prehistoric jungle.

Photography ideas for a spring visit

Capture colour, texture and coastal views

From the giant rope bridge to contemporary sculpture installations, Spring at Abbotsbury is full of photography opportunities. The gardens teeming with vibrant natural beauty: capture the rich, detailed colours of the camellias, which shine under soft morning light or when dotted with fresh rain. For a dramatic shot, look up along the viewpoint walk where elegant magnolia blossoms frame the sky, while bold, sweeping blocks of blooming rhododendrons add colour to your wide-angle garden landscapes.

For a completely different perspective, head to the Jurassic Viewpoint, where the garden canopy opens up to reveal breathtaking coastal vistas. On clear days, the sweeping panoramic view across Chesil Beach steals the show; a dramatic sense of place and scale that few other Dorset gardens can ever hope to match.