Reasons to Visit Minterne House This Summer

Minterne House and Gardens: A Garden Paradise Steeped in History, Culture & Charm

As summer bathes Dorset in warm golden light, few places are more peaceful, enchanting, or rich in English heritage than Minterne House and Gardens. You’ll find this beautiful estate in a tranquil valley, Minterne House has been home to the Churchill and Digby families since 1620. In 2025, this historic estate offers an unforgettable escape for those seeking beauty, inspiration, and connection.

From world-class ballet under the open sky to serene garden strolls, artisan cream teas, and elegant holiday stays, here are just a few reasons why Minterne House should be at the top of your summer 2025 list.

1. Discover the Magical Himalayan Gardens

Open daily with no booking required, Minterne's Himalayan gardens span 27 acres. These lush, meandering pathways lead you through exotic landscapes, rare blooms, tranquil water features, and towering trees. Whether you're visiting for a meditative solo walk, a family outing with the dog, or a romantic picnic, the gardens provide a natural sanctuary where time slows down, and nature takes centre stage.

2. Indulge at the Tea Terrace

Minterne's Tea Terrace invites you to pause and enjoy a lovingly prepared light lunch, a slice of homemade cake, or a traditional cream tea, all made on-site or with locally sourced ingredients. From delicious quiches and flatbreads to refreshing lemonade and fluffy scones, this dog-friendly terrace is the perfect place to relax after a stroll through the gardens.

3. Minterne Holiday Lets

Looking for a countryside escape? Minterne offers a selection of charming holiday accommodations, from cosy cottages to a beautifully styled pool house, each designed to make you feel at home. Just a short drive from Sherborne and the Jurassic Coast, Minterne is the perfect base to explore Dorset's most iconic attractions, rolling hills, and historic towns. With open-air swimming, tennis, and some of the best country pubs nearby, it's a quintessential English getaway.

4. Ballet at Minterne

This September, Minterne will become the stage for Ballet at Minterne, featuring breathtaking performances by dancers from The Royal Ballet and other world-renowned companies. Set against the stunning backdrop of the rolling estate, this intimate event celebrates dance, elegance, and the magic of live performance, while also raising vital funds to support the future of the performing arts.

Find out more here:  https://minterne.co.uk/whats-on/ballet/

5. Music at Minterne

Join them for an intimate evening of world-class classical music in a historic setting on Monday, September 29. End the summer on a high note with a truly special evening at Minterne. This exclusive concert, presented in collaboration with the International Musicians Seminar at Prussia Cove, will feature some of the world's most gifted string players performing powerful works by Beethoven, Grieg, and Dvorák within the elegant surroundings of Minterne House.

Find out more here: https://minterne.co.uk/whats-on/music/

6. The Dragon & Fairy Trail

From July 19 to August 31 this summer, Minterne invites you to step into an enchanted world where imagination flourishes, and magic resides around every corner. This is a fantastical adventure winding through the famous Himalayan gardens and the secret woodland beyond. Dare to walk through the thrilling (but friendly!) Dragon Alley, featuring larger-than-life willow dragons handcrafted using sustainable Dartmoor materials. Suitable for all ages, the trail includes an optional storybook colouring pack, which comes with a map, coloured pencils, and a wishing ribbon for the magical Wishing Tree at the end of the route.

Find out more here: https://minterne.co.uk/whats-on/performances-and-trails/

Minterne invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the serenity of summer.

Visit www.minterne.co.uk for more information, or follow @MinterneHouse on social media for events and inspiration.