South West England | Dorset | Walking and Guided Tours | Bennetts Water Gardens & Lakeside Cafe

The 8 acres of gardens here hold National & International Collections of Water Lilies, flowering from late spring through to autumn, creating one of the most outstanding displays of water lilies in Britain with a Monet style Japanese Bridge as the centrepiece.

Grass pathways lead you through the series of ponds and lakes surrounded by wetland plants, native trees, palms, wil plants and nflowers. The gardens are a 'Site of Nature Conservation Interest' and home to abundant wildlife. There are scenic places to sit and unwind and shaded woodland walks to explore. The Tropical House contains exotic plants including a cacti collection and a Family Nature Trail keeps young visitors interested. The Museum contains local history of Chickerell village (mentioned in the Domesday Book), Chesil Beach & Fleet lagoon, plus the fascinating history of this site from the Brickworks & Clay Pits of 1859 through to the gardens of today.

Our licensed restaurant, with views over the water gardens, is a great place to meet for lunch whether you are visiting the gardens or just stopping by to browse in the shop.