Holme for Gardens
Holme for Gardens
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Set within the picturesque Isle of Purbeck, award-winning Holme for Gardens is a family run treasure, with beautifully landscaped planted gardens, a well-stocked garden centre with friendly knowledgeable staff, and the light and airy Orchard café and conservatory. Plenty of landscaped terraces, pond and patios ensure there is always the perfect spot to meet friends and family for breakfast, lunch or a Dorset Cream tea. The Holme shop offers a gift for every occasion, and there is a well-stocked farm shop on site, all of which ensures your visit will be a day out to remember.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Fran39_12London, United Kingdom109 contributionsA lovely spotRecommended to visit these gardens, garden centre and cafe really glad we did. Although gardens were not at their best late October still a pleasant visit. Excellent lunch and choice on the menu. Good for shopping. Cheaper garden entrance price would encourage more people to go in the wetter weather of late Autumn as it is past its best. Will revisit in summerVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
- BertthecertPoole, United Kingdom89 contributionsSwing Easy great bandExcellent cafe and the Swing Easy band are well worth visiting for. If there was space we would’ve had a dance or three. Never had time to look round the gardens but will definitely return.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 January 2024
- Roy VLeatherhead, United Kingdom625 contributionsCharming small gardenA charming, small, garden with ponds, fish and even a henge and an amphitheatre, all attached to a garden centre. RHS members get free admission on Mondays but their handbook and the Holme web pages and signs in the garden give confused information on non-member prices (now £8 and was £6) and the weekdays when the RHS benefit is available. If this s important, check before you go. The cafe, with indoor and outdoor seating is good and, for unknown reasons, popular with cyclyists.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 March 2024
- Jayne BPoole, United Kingdom27 contributionsBeautiful GardensBeautiful Gardens always well kept and fabulous to visit, whatever the weather. Spending a couple of hours here, relaxing in nature, admiring the gardens and the stunning flower displays is always good for the soul. The staff are so friendly and helpful and finishing off the visit with a coffee by the pond is a real bonus.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 13 May 2024
- JudyWeymouth, United Kingdom9 contributionsNice garden centre, expensive for the gardensThe garden centre is a favourite with us, has nice plants, and the cafe sells decent food at reasonable prices & friendly staff. The pond adjoining it is a lovely place to sit and eat on a sunny day. However do wish it was a more reasonable price to go in the gardens, we went in in the early days when it was much cheaper but the price is prohibitive now. I wouldn’t mind paying £5 per head, but at £8 a head it’s £16 for a couple! When you consider the Walled Garden at Moreton & Kingston Maurward, are not far away & free to access, and even the Blue Pool is cheaper, it’s a shameVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 May 2024
- coffeeandcookieGloucester, United Kingdom184 contributionsStill getting bigger and betterBeautiful gardens that get bigger each trip. We come here each year and over the past several years the gardens have got bigger and better. I was sad to learn of the loss of the wild flower meadow as this area is now being planted and landscaped and we are sure in a couple of years will be as stunning as the rest of the gardens. The wild pond and surrounding slopes look as if they may be the new wild flower section and this will, we are sure, be different but beautiful. Sadly we visited a little early maybe to catch the best of the wild flowers in this bit. Can't wait to visit next year and see how things have turned out. These gardens are now probably 3 or 4 times as big as when we first visited a few years ago and at £8 per person is in our opinion is very good value. Originally found this location when looking for a cafe and it is a cafe we love to come back to. Really good coffee. There is indoor seating but the outdoor seating is set by ponds and amongst the plants and is the best spot for relaxing.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 June 2024
- Tracey and friendsBournemouth, United Kingdom17 contributionsYou must give this place a visit, just a pit stop? You will want to return, excellent management.Lovely, loads to do and see, in garden centre, beautiful, spoilt for choice, very competitive. Staff friendly, and on the ball, keeping the inside and outside eating areas clean/tidy. Great views. Easy access parking. So dog friendly, with gift shop, and different areas to choose from for refreshments. We go at least twice a year.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 7 July 2024
- Coastal257183698281 contributionA jurassic hills gem in the Dorset countryside.We were given a tip that this establishment might be worth a visit. We were not disappointed. The place is beautifully laid out. Spacious seating areas, friendly staff, and the breakfast was faultless. Made even more interesting by the family of chirpy sparrows bobbing around the patio hoovering up crumbs. The pond is also abundant with life, which you can feed with fish food purchased on site. The whole atmosphere was so peaceful and the shops sold everything from bird seed to charcuterie not to mention every type of plant you can imagine. We didn't get to walk the gardens that time but we are going back very soon. AVisited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 August 2024
- wowfactorMarnhull, United Kingdom411 contributionsOne of the nicest gardens I have visitedI have visited a lot of gardens and this was by far one of the best in how well it was kept and in the quality of the plants and planting, particularly given that it is late summer when often gardens are past their best. It is beautifully laid out with wavy borders and points of interest. There is a quirky Holme Henge and an amphitheatre where it must be beautiful to see a performance in the evening. The whole garden is 15 acres and there are a couple of different length walks suggested on the map. It cost £8 for entry and whilst initially I thought this was a bit expensive, I can see how much time and effort has gone into this garden. It was far superior to a lot of more famous gardens I have seen. It’s dog friendly too which is always a bonus and the cafe and shop are also worth a visit. We had a nice lunch sat overlooking the pond and there were lots things I would have loved to have bought,but managed to confine myself to a plant and some gardening gloves! The lady in the cafe said that the garden was at its peak in May/June so we’ll definitely be back then!Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
250 reviews
Excellent
167
Very good
49
Average
16
Poor
12
Terrible
6
John G
83 contributions
Jul 2021
I was invited to an evening Soiree by some friends and what a joy it turned out to be, my thinking was country amateur and how wrong could I have been.
Emma Aldir sang a dozen or so songs and introduced the "Top Notes Theatre" Choir, Peter Warbis and Chelsea Robson.
The selection of songs and the way they were put together told a tale of love found and lost, a familiar tale to us all.
The show was beautifully produced and Emma's singing was exceptional as were her co-stars and the youth choir.
The setting was in a grass amphitheatre which was an incredible venue for an event of this nature.
All in all a wonderful evening and I look forward to many more.
Emma Aldir sang a dozen or so songs and introduced the "Top Notes Theatre" Choir, Peter Warbis and Chelsea Robson.
The selection of songs and the way they were put together told a tale of love found and lost, a familiar tale to us all.
The show was beautifully produced and Emma's singing was exceptional as were her co-stars and the youth choir.
The setting was in a grass amphitheatre which was an incredible venue for an event of this nature.
All in all a wonderful evening and I look forward to many more.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UkPj
UK347 contributions
Jul 2021
Brilliant, spent an unexpected 4.5hrs looking around the Garden Centre, the wonderful gardens (which at £5 entry is great value), the beautiful Cafe and its setting, and the Farm Shop. A lot of work has been put in to making this a whole experience, don't allow just an hour or 2, it is not somewhere to be rushed. We will be back.
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HrhFlossie
103 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
Shop and plant selection very lovely.
Rather a long and confuding queue for the café. Was shouted at by a strange lady for 'queue jumping' when all I was trying to do was find the end of the queue.
The staff could be more vigilant as this lady was not even staff but acting like it.
Very off- putting.
Rather a long and confuding queue for the café. Was shouted at by a strange lady for 'queue jumping' when all I was trying to do was find the end of the queue.
The staff could be more vigilant as this lady was not even staff but acting like it.
Very off- putting.
Written 19 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nitere
Poole, UK150 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
I love seeing these beautiful gardens improve every year, and there's always new areas to explore. The garden centre is excellent and they give really good advice on choosing plants for difficult spots. The cafe is really popular with locals from miles around, and the farm shop is full of goodies!
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JLESLIE2013
Poole, UK7 contributions
Jul 2021
Over the years I have visited many times and as each year passes significant improvements and developments are being made. To appreciate what is now on offer and especially for a first time visitor allow several hours to wander around the excellent garden centre, shop and beautiful gardens. Today, my daughter and I sat by the large pond and enjoyed a delicious cream tea. The owners must be proud at what they have achieved here.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie G
Dorset, UK152 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
We went to Holme (The Orchard Tea Rooms) for what is usually our every now and again treat and met up with another friend who had not been before.
We envisaged spending a good hour or so pondering over what is usually very nice food and coffee.
We only got as far as having coffee and a tea cake because the doors to the lake area and the door leading down into the cafe, were both left open causing an awful draft and very windy. We did ask a young man if the door to the lake could be closed which would have helped, but was told that because of the times (Covid) the doors had to be left open for ventilation. I could understand if the place was really rather small but it is a large area and I'm sure just to have that door closed, leaving the middle door open would've been sufficient. So unfortunately what we were hoping to show off to our friend, our lovely cafe that we enjoy so much, was a very brief visit today.
We went to find another warmer place.
We envisaged spending a good hour or so pondering over what is usually very nice food and coffee.
We only got as far as having coffee and a tea cake because the doors to the lake area and the door leading down into the cafe, were both left open causing an awful draft and very windy. We did ask a young man if the door to the lake could be closed which would have helped, but was told that because of the times (Covid) the doors had to be left open for ventilation. I could understand if the place was really rather small but it is a large area and I'm sure just to have that door closed, leaving the middle door open would've been sufficient. So unfortunately what we were hoping to show off to our friend, our lovely cafe that we enjoy so much, was a very brief visit today.
We went to find another warmer place.
Written 1 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
coffeeandcookie
Gloucester, UK184 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Beautiful gardens that get bigger each trip. We come here each year and over the past several years the gardens have got bigger and better. I was sad to learn of the loss of the wild flower meadow as this area is now being planted and landscaped and we are sure in a couple of years will be as stunning as the rest of the gardens. The wild pond and surrounding slopes look as if they may be the new wild flower section and this will, we are sure, be different but beautiful. Sadly we visited a little early maybe to catch the best of the wild flowers in this bit. Can't wait to visit next year and see how things have turned out. These gardens are now probably 3 or 4 times as big as when we first visited a few years ago and at £8 per person is in our opinion is very good value. Originally found this location when looking for a cafe and it is a cafe we love to come back to. Really good coffee. There is indoor seating but the outdoor seating is set by ponds and amongst the plants and is the best spot for relaxing.
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorset Rose
Dorset, UK11 contributions
Feb 2023
My daughters and I are regular visitors, we always have a lovely time looking at the beautiful gardens and the shops.
Above all we love visiting the cafe which serves excellent quality food- we particularly recommend the jacket potatoes.
We highly recommend this place, it really is lovely.
Above all we love visiting the cafe which serves excellent quality food- we particularly recommend the jacket potatoes.
We highly recommend this place, it really is lovely.
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer51369677958
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
My first visit to Holme for Gardens, near Wareham - and I will return! So much to see and enjoy in the 15 acres of formal and informal garden design, and wildflower areas. Well positioned seating invites you to take a rest and admire the trees, colourful long borders, and artistic planting from different viewpoints. Excellent value at £6 entry for adults.
The cream tea in the cafe was tasty and affordable, and the servers were all pleasant and helpful. The gardens were a riot of colour in mid August and a joyful place to visit (I’m an amateur photographer and my pics don’t do it justice).
The cream tea in the cafe was tasty and affordable, and the servers were all pleasant and helpful. The gardens were a riot of colour in mid August and a joyful place to visit (I’m an amateur photographer and my pics don’t do it justice).
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynharrogate
London, UK39 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
Thank you to all at Holme for Gardens. Since March 2020 they have continued to provide a great experience to their customers.
*The COVID procedures being adhered to making a visit feel comfortable .
*The wonderful farm shop, with a wide range of produce.
*The garden centre, helping to keep the garden at home well stocked and looking good .
*The beautiful gardens to walk in and reflect in .
*Delightful staff
All the above have helped me and many others to feel lifted in in these difficult times.
Looking forward to my next visit .
*The COVID procedures being adhered to making a visit feel comfortable .
*The wonderful farm shop, with a wide range of produce.
*The garden centre, helping to keep the garden at home well stocked and looking good .
*The beautiful gardens to walk in and reflect in .
*Delightful staff
All the above have helped me and many others to feel lifted in in these difficult times.
Looking forward to my next visit .
Written 15 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, just wondered if we could bring our dog 🐶 thanks
Written 15 April 2018
Dogs are allowed I’m not sure if they are allowed in the cafe but there is out door seating and a small undercover seating area to.
Written 10 July 2018
Does Holme Gardens have a customer card for regular customers ? Ie a loyalty card
Written 26 August 2017
Yes we do, please ask a member of staff to sign you up on your next visit. The benefits are great, up to 10% off plants (privileged plus only), 'what's on' emails with offers & vouchers, plus twice a year points payout, when you can spend the points you have accrued (5p in every pound).
Written 27 August 2017
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