A local attraction: Water Lily Gardens

Bennetts Water Gardens is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and holds the National Plant Collection of Water Lilies. The garden is open to the public and is set in eight acres of grounds with ponds, lakes, grass pathways and woodland walks. Attractions include a Monet style Japanese Bridge, Gazebos, Tropical House, and Heritage Museum.

The gardens were established in 1959 by the Bennett family, who acquired much of their original stock of water lilies from the same plant nursery that supplied Monet’s beautiful garden in Giverny. If you admire Monet’s work then Bennetts Water Gardens gives you the opportunity to see many of the varieties of water lily that Monet painted.

You can also purchase a wide selection of water lilies in the onsite nursery, as well as a variety of other pond and bog plants, garden and indoor plants. The gift shop sells a range of souvenirs and postcards.

Café Monet is the garden’s licensed restaurant. You can enjoy homemade cakes, cream teas and hot and cold lunches, whilst enjoying views over the water gardens.

The Water Gardens are open from April to September: 10am to 5pm daily, closed on Saturdays.

If you’re considering visiting any of our many fine local attractions, please contact us to book accommo dation in Dorset