Are you always on the look-out for ideas to use in your garden? Do you love to find interesting flora and fauna? Do you love a walk in the outdoors? Then we’re here to tell you that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have more than enough green spaces waiting to be discovered during a fun packed mini-break!
Bournemouth’s famous Grade II listed Lower Gardens are a must visit for discovering different plants and trees. Development of the land started in the mid 1800’s, and these impressive Victorian gardens have been evolving ever since. They feature colourful and impressive seasonal planting in the main borders and many types of trees waiting to be identified on our tree trail, the gardens have interest around every corner. It’s a pleasantly flat walk too! As you approach the Pavilion Theatre, you’ll find the superb waterfall and rock gardens - home to many subtropical and alpine plants. The gardens are also home to an open-air art gallery Pine Walk, a bird aviary and many refreshment opportunities. The Lower Gardens are right in the heart of Bournemouth and as they’re free to visit, they’re great if you’re on a budget for a weekend break or on a last-minute UK staycation!
Let’s not forget you’re holidaying in a world-class seaside resort! Alum Chine’s Tropical Gardens, with their origins in the 1920’s, are a quiet wooded space with superb coastal views. Along the coast at Sandbanks, a colourful rockery runs alongside Banks Road, a view you might have seen on many a holiday postcard, just moments from the award-winning beach. When visiting Poole, Compton Acres is a must. With spectacular themed gardens, sculptures and ornamental ponds, this is a day out in itself. Pop into the Poole visitor attraction’s plant nursery before you leave and select a leafy souvenir for your outdoor space to plant at home and enjoy year after year!
Over in Christchurch, there’s plenty to discover at the Red House Museum, including their charming herb garden and south garden, which holds unexpected dinosaur surprises. Close by with panoramic views of Christchurch harbour, Hengistbury Head with its enviable coastal location, is home to a fascinating range of habitats. If you like your landscape rugged and natural you can find grassland, heath, water meadow, salt march and so much more. Each is home to a varied mix of plant life. The Visitor Centre garden is a haven for wildlife, as well as a peaceful and relaxing location. All kinds of plants, both wild and native, can be found in the garden during the year, and in the summer, the planted flower meadow comes into its own.
Venturing beyond the towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Keyneston Mill, a botanic garden dedicated to perfume and scented plants is a true delight for the senses. Home of Parterre Fragrance, Keyneston Mill is a 50-acre estate nestled in the Tarrant Valley, bordered by the River Stour. Explore the scented botanic gardens as they grow, harvest and distil unusual plants and ingredients to make luxury perfumes or choose from a range of plant-based workshops including wreath-making, drawing and aromatherapy.
Knoll Gardens is also a short journey from the main towns and is a plant paradise packed with surprises and waiting to be discovered. Grasses, and natural planting schemes to attract wildlife as well as ideas for year-round interest can all be found here.
There’s so much for the green fingered visitor in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, so why not make your next short break a botanical adventure!
Visit individual websites to check opening times and plan your visit.
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