14/06/2026
If there is one month in the year that was made for visiting gardens, it is June and from Blackbird Cottage in the heart of Beaminster, five of the finest gardens in Dorset and Somerset are within easy reach.
June is the month of roses, old roses climbing ancient stone walls, rose gardens in full and glorious peak and that irreplaceable scent on a warm afternoon that makes everything feel right with the world.
Here are five gardens we love in June:
🌿 Mapperton Gardens — just 10 minutes from the cottage. One of England's finest historic gardens, with dramatic Italianate terraces, topiary and herbaceous borders at their June peak.
🌸 Parnham Park — only 5 minutes away. Stunning 140-acre estate with ancient parkland, walled garden and the Michelin Guide's own Parnham Park Restaurant for lunch afterwards.
🌺 Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens — 35 minutes. A 30-acre Grade I listed woodland valley garden with a spectacular collection of roses, rare plants and now one of the longest rope bridges in the UK.
🏛 Athelhampton House & Gardens — 35 minutes. A magnificent 15th century Tudor manor with Grade I listed formal gardens — including 12 giant yew topiary pyramids and a beautiful June rose garden.
🌹 East Lambrook Manor Gardens — 45 minutes. The quintessential English cottage garden created by celebrated plantswoman Margery Fish — at its most sublime in June when the old roses and hardy geraniums are in full flower.
We've written a full guide to all five on the blog — with opening times, admission prices, dog-friendly details and everything you need to plan the perfect garden day out from Beaminster.
🔗 Link in comments below.
📍 Blackbird Cottage, Beaminster, Dorset
