The nice people at the National Trust Kingston Lacy Estate in Dorest are giving the equally nice GOC people 15 free passes to allow non NT members to visit this lavish family home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace in the Dorset countryside.  Attendees will get a special introduction to the history of the property, in particular William John Bankes who was forced into exile due to his sexuality.

Classic English garden with Fernery, herbaceous borders, formal Parterre and Kitchen Garden, surrounded by Japanese-inspired planting and colourful woodland. In 2025, they are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Japanese Garden.

There will be opportunities to visit the house, garden and parkland – a decision can be made on the day on which way round to do this.

Numbers for this event are restricted to 15 – the number of free passes that have been allocated for non NT members.  NT members are also welcome but please do not sign up in the usual way – instead please add your name in the comments box below. Please note that if you are booking a ticket for another GOC member,  if you have not already done so, you have to select them as a friend on the GOC website first.

Assistance dogs only are allowed into the cafe, house and garden.The formal garden, immediately behind the house, is also a dog-free area.

For more details about this fine property, please click here.