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Glorious Gardens Along The Jurassic Coast

Bennetts Water Gardens, Chickerell, were established by Norman Bennett in 1959, when he began the site's transformation by growing water lilies in the disused clay pits of Chickerell Brickworks.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Water Gardens is their link with the Impressionist artist, Claude Monet. Bennett sourced his water lilies from the very same supplier who provided the plants for Monet's garden in Giverny, and the garden recently celebrated this connection by erecting a 'Replica Monet Bridge' in 1999. This bridge echoes the structure of Monet's 'Japanese Bridge' featured in his painting 'Water Lily Pond 1899', and was introduced to the garden to commemorate the centenary of this work.

Take the B3151 from Chickerell, heading west towards the village of Abbotsbury, where there are pub lunches and cream teas aplenty. Head west out of the village, and follow signs to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, a left-turn shortly after leaving Abbotsbury. The first Countess of Ilchester, who originally intended them as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle, established the gardens in 1765. Today they have developed into an expanse of 20 acres, and are full of rare and exotic plant life.

The Jurassic Coast provided the inspiration for Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens' entry to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2006, whose central motif was a larger-than-life ammonite, a fossil frequently found along the local coastline. This entry was awarded a Silver Gilt Flora Award, and came second overall by popular vote. The entry has since been recreated in Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, and all who visit can view its innovative design and eye-catching array of vegetation. Whilst there, allow time for a cup of tea and a delicious slice of cake in the Colonial tea-house.