Compton Acres in Dorset is one of the most beautiful English gardens. Located in the upmarket area of Canford Cliffs near Poole, it’s a fantastic place for a day out.
A gold winner in the ‘Best Small Tourist Attraction’ category at the South West Tourism Awards, it was also awarded Dorset Tourism Small Attraction of the Year’ at the Dorset Tourism Awards. Created in 1920 by Thomas William Simpson on a wild moorland site, it features over 3000 plant varieties spread over 10 acres.
Owner Bernard Merna has created a stunning haven and if you’re a fan of gardens and flower shows, you’re sure to love it here.
Visiting Compton Acres Gardens
Compton Acres is a great example of an Arts and Crafts style garden which took the idea of garden rooms and created a series of contrasting designs, resulting in five distinct gardens. Just after the entrance, the charming Roman Garden leads into an illuminated grotto popular for wedding photos.
The Italianate Gardens
There are some interesting statues in the Italianate Gardens including the Wrestlers of Herculaneum. Cast from bronze and named after the ruins of Herculaneum in Italy, they make an imposing feature.
The statue of Bacchus, Roman God of wine, is made from Carrera marble and beautifully detailed. He is depicted here in his youth whilst at the opposite end of the garden there’s a mask portraying him in his later years.
In Summertime the pond’s water lilies are a delight to behold.
The Wooded Valley
This is a shady area of mature Scots Pines interspersed with sunlit flower glades. At the time of our visit in Spring, the daffodils and narcissus were out in force, as was this wild beast ;-).
Compton Gardens is also a great place to see camellias and rhododendrons. There are also many woodland plants such as Arisaema candidissima and Impatiens omeiana.
The path curves round and up and down so we’d recommend wearing flat shoes, though it’s easily manageable. In fact, Compton Acres have thoughtfully noted both a path route and a steps and bridges route. We loved this contrast between the black grass and the white snowdrops.
There’s a lovely little waterfall cascading down through this area. You’ll find a children’s play area at the end of the Wooded Gardens.
Rock and Water Garden
It leads on to the Rock and Water Garden, one of the largest privately owned rock gardens in England. Hundreds of tonnes of limestone and sandstone were used in its construction.
There are some beautiful ornamental trees including a weeping beech and mature dwarf conifers as well as 300 types of rock plant. In Spring, there are over 2000 dwarf spring bulbs to admire.
Peeking through the bridge, you’ll spy the Solitaire statue of a dancer.
Created by former dancer and now sculptor Tom Merryfield, the arch of the feet is staggeringly lifelike.
The Heather Garden
Continuing our journey, one of our favourite areas in Compton Acres is the Heather Garden. You might well be tempted to pose with this dashing gentleman.
Originally the setting for Thomas Simpson’s cactus collection until their loss in World War II, this area was then remodelled as the heather garden. With over 100 different types of heather, it looks spectacular in early Spring, as we’re sure you’ll agree.
Having said that, many consider Winter to be the best time to visit the Heather Garden, to see plants such as Grevillea Canberra Gem.
From here you come to a Sculpture Trail which features an interesting array of African sculptures.
Round the corner there’s a fantastic view towards Brownsea Island and it’s castle from the Harbour View Café.
Compton Acres Japanese Garden
This section of Compton Acres is considered to be one of the best examples of Japanese gardens in Britain. It reflects Thomas Simpson’s passion for Japanese horticulture.
The design and construction of the tea house, summer house and pathways were supervised by Japanese craftsmen. In May, the Tea House is covered with Japanese wisteria.
The pool is filled with Japanese koi carp and the stone, bronze and copper artefacts were all imported from Japan. Most of the plants are Japanese in origin, including the Kurume Hybrid azaleas, bamboo, Japanese cherries, Hakon grass and maple trees.
Genuine stone and bronze artefacts were imported to enhance the garden.
Compton Acres Weddings
Compton Acres has been voted best wedding venue in the world for the past two years in The Wedding Industry Experts Awards and they hold 150 weddings each year. The Italian Villa built in 2005 is the dedicated events space and has access to the stunning Italianate Gardens.
These gardens were created without the help of machines and include typical Italian features such as fountains, topiary and columns. They support swags of clematis, a stunning sight from late Spring onwards.
Compton Acres Cafe and Plant Centre
Make time to visit the Cafe Tea Rooms, Plant Centre, Gift Shop and Gifted Moments store after visiting the gardens. There are some really unusual jewellery, home ware and gifts.
The cosy tea room is popular for afternoon cream teas and there’s also outside seating for when it gets warmer. You’ll also find a bakery and The Harbour View Cafe which has great views of Poole Harbour.
Compton Acres Opening Times
The gardens are open all year round excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Compton Acres opening hours are:
Good Friday – 31 October
10 am – 6 pm with last entry at 5 pm
1 November – Good Friday
10 am – 4 pm with last entry at 3 pm
from 10 am to 6 pm with last entry at 4 pm.
Compton Acres Visitor Information
- Free parking available for visitors
- The Cafe Tea Rooms, Plant Centre, Ticket & Gift Shop, and Gifted Moments Shop can be visited without paying the entry fee to Compton Acres
- Dogs are allowed if well behaved and held on a leash
- There are disabled toilets situated at the ticket office, the Café Tea Rooms and Harbour View Café.
Final Thoughts on Compton Acres Gardens
The garden is continually being improved and the planting of additional flowers is continually ongoing. We hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of Compton Acres and do try and visit if you can to admire it yourself.
As you can see, Compton Acres is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Are you a fan of English gardens and do you have a favourite one that you recommend?
Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset BH13 7ES
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What a beautiful destination for a day out. I can see why the Heather Garden is one of your favourite areas – love your red coat!
Thanks very much Miriam, and the heather garden was so stunning!
So pretty! I didn’t know this garden existed, I love the view of the castle.
I’d love to sit outside in the cafe and take in the view of that castle
This garden is absolutely gorgeous! I love the sculpture of the dancer!
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You can tell that it’s been done by a ballet dancer, it’s so detailed!
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a huge fan of Compton Acres! You’ve covered it beautifully and it’s wonderful to see the gardens during a different season to those I’ve visited.
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
I’m glad you enjoyed reading it, Gabrielle, it’s true that the gardens are lovely in all seasons
You’ve captured each area so beautifully Suze. I love the Japanese Gardens. Compton Acres seems to be one of the most marvellous destinations, especially the time you went. <3
St. Patty’s Day
The Japanese Gardens were one of my fave areas, so tranquil!
This garden looks absolutely amazing! Gorgeous photos!
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Thank you Valerie, the place is very photogenic! Have a good weekend
What a wonderful place and photos. I love nature and flowers so really enjoyed this one. Gemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
Me too, and can’t wait for all the Spring flowers to come out in London
Hi Suze! I’m a huge fan of gardens! I didn’t know this garden. Have a beautiful day 😉
I’m very pleased to have shared it with you, have a lovely weekend!
Wow, this looks like a magnificent place! I am sure that in reality it must be even more impressive. Yes, I would really enjoy a visit to this garden.
I can’t believe that Sunday is almost here! See you very soon!
www.luxessed.com
I think in Summertime when all the flowers are out it must be amazing. Looking forward to meeting you both on Sunday!
She certainly is! Have a lovely time at Kew, Jasiminne, sounds fantastic
Beautiful garden I love all the vibrant colours!
It’s pretty vibrant considering it’s not even Spring yet isn’t it
Such a wonderful garden, so colorful!
Happy Friday bellissima!
Kisses, Paola.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the photos Paola, enjoy your weekend!
It’s really worth a visit, Jalisa! Hope you have some beautiful gardens near you – have a lovely weekend!
Wow, what a beautiful garden! I’d love to visit some day.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I hope that you get the opportunity, Amy!
Compton Acres reminds me a lot of the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, California. They are so similar, you won’t believe it. Like Compton Acres, at Huntington you also have several areas that feature plants from around the world: like Japan, Australia, etc.
I’d love to visit California so will definitely make a note to see Huntington Cardens if I’m in the area!
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a garden as beautiful and stunning as this one. Nice!
I know, they’ve really worked wonders here! Have a great weekend
Beautiful pictures. This place looks lovely!
xo, mikéla / simplydavelyn.com
I’m glad that you enjoyed them Mikela, have a great Sunday!
These pretty gardens definitely look to be worth visiting in the U.K.! We have some beautiful gardens here in our province of British Columbia, especially in Victoria, dubbed the “City of Gardens.” The Butchart Gardens are the most well-known and, like Comptomn Acres, also have Italian and Japanese gardens, as well as a show-stopping rose garden. Your Aunt would love visiting the gardens in B.C. :-).
I didn’t know that Victoria was known as the City of Gardens, sounds like somewhere I’d love to visit too
I love Poole and Dorset. What stunning gardens, nothing beats walking around a stunning garden getting fresh air. Stunning pics. One of my favourite gardens is Hever castle Lucy x
I’m long overdue a return to Hever Castle, it’s so historic
What a beautiful garden – looks like the weather was good to you too! I plan to make themost of the Year of the English Garden
Yes I’m going to get a few more garden visits in when the weather perks up – it was sunny that day but cold!
What a stunning place to visit! I can see why it’s popular!
How beautiful! I could easily spend my days wandering through gardens. I’ve only recently discovered snow drops (not enough time spent in the UK). So pretty and so special that they only bloom for a short time.