Explore Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

A garden full of spring colour

Camellias, magnolias and fresh seasonal highlights

Spring colour arrives in layers at Abbotsbury. Early in the season, camellias bring richness and depth to the garden, followed by the elegant display of magnolias along Magnolia Walk. Rhododendrons add even more intensity, creating pockets of vivid colour among the winding paths and subtropical planting. The result is a garden that feels ever-changing from one visit to the next.

The evolving natural display is part of what makes Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens such a memorable place to visit. Around every turn, new combinations of textures, shapes and colours, from glossy evergreen foliage to bright spring flowers and architectural plants beginning their new season of growth.

See the giant gunnera transform through spring

One of the season’s most impressive sights

Among the most striking spectacles at Abbotsbury during spring and summer is the growth of the giant gunnera; dramatic, prehistoric-looking plants that begin their growing season in earnest during spring and put on an extraordinary display between now and June. 

If you have never seen gunnera unfurl and expand over time, it is well worth making the trip for that alone.

The natural transformation gives visitors reason to return more than once during the season. A spring visit in April offers one view of the gardens, while a later visit reveals how quickly the landscape changes as the gunnera grows and the surrounding planting becomes fuller and more lush.

Walk, wander and take in the views

Peaceful paths and a Jurassic Coast panorama

Abbotsbury rewards exploration. Spread across 30 acres, the gardens invite you to roam at your leisure – from exotic woodland paths and bridges to peaceful waterside locations. In spring, the gardens truly come alive; the mild weather and vibrant new growth offer the perfect excuse to spend a whole afternoon exploring every corner.

Be sure to head up to the viewpoint for a fresh perspective on the landscape. The climb rewards you with a stunning look at Chesil Beach, with views stretching from Weymouth all the way to West Bay; the perfect spot to see how the exotic gardens sit within the wild beauty of the Dorset shore.

Meanwhile, the Rope Bridge has quickly become one of the must-see features at Abbotsbury. Spanning 36 metres across the largest pond, it’s another new way to experience the gardens, offering a different vantage point over the surrounding planting and water, with giant foliage and moisture-loving plants creating a rich, immersive atmosphere.