The estate houses the largest collection of private paintings in the National Trust, curated by William John Bankes.
The property contains an Egyptian Room featuring a significant collection of artifacts brought back by William John Bankes, including stone obelisks.
Kingston Lacy was the ancestral home of the Bankes family, who previously owned Corfe Castle until its destruction during the English Civil War.
The house is famously modeled after the Contarini del Zaffo palace in Venice.
The grounds feature an original Japanese tea house that was restored to its early 20th-century appearance.
Badbury Rings, located on the estate grounds, contains remnants of an Iron Age hillfort and a Roman town.
The Cedar Walk was planted to commemorate the Duke of Wellington’s visit to the estate.
During World War II, the house served as a barracks for the British and American armies, with troops living in the main rooms.
Kingston Lacy is a grand 17th-century country estate in Dorset, modeled on an Italian Renaissance palace. Built for the Bankes family, the house showcases an extensive collection of fine art, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Titian. The surrounding estate spans over 8,500 acres of parkland, gardens, and woodland. The property contains an Egyptian collection and the largest private collection of paintings in the National Trust. Visitors can explore the Japanese Garden, which features an authentic tea house and bridge. The estate also includes ancient features like the Badbury Rings, an Iron Age hillfort. The grounds remain a working landscape with traditional farming practices visible throughout the property. The house underwent a major restoration project in the 2010s to address structural repairs and conserve the ornate interiors.
The view of the south front of the house from the center of the formal manicured lawn.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to explore the extensive woodland trails beyond the formal gardens.
Visit the second-floor library for a unique look at original family archives and period decor.
Check the estate's seasonal 'what's on' guide for guided tours of the hidden Servant's Hall and kitchen areas.
Trying to see the entire 8,500-acre estate in a single visit; focus on either the house interior or a specific trail section.
The house may operate on restricted viewing days during the winter months; always check for winter maintenance closures.
Photography is permitted in the house without flash; use of tripods is prohibited inside the rooms.
