Contact Us
Standard Opening Times*
The Animal Park and Gardens are open daily from 10 am- 4 pm
The Estate Shop is open daily from 10am – 4pm
The Barn Café and Indoor play area are open 10am – 3pm weekdays and 10am – 4pm at weekends and during school holidays.
*We reserve the right to amend our opening hours at short notice due to adverse circumstances that may affect our operations. We put updates onto social media or contact us to check.
Coach visits – please contact us at events@kmc.ac.uk to check availability and so we know if we need to cater for your visitors.
Admission is free
To enjoy a great fun day out that is perfect for all the family, admission is now free! You can enjoy the animals including goats, ponies, pigs and ducks over and over again!
Donations are welcome.
Notice to our visitors:
Please note that from time to time there will be limited access to our gardens due to weddings and other events.
Please adhere to the signage in place if there is a wedding happening and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience.
Reduced Access
Some days we have periods of limited access to the gardens and terrace due to weddings or other events. Please adhere to any restricted access signage and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you would like to enquire about an event or have your wedding in our beautiful setting, click here Kingston Maurward Weddings
Play
We have an indoor play area, suitable for up to 8 years of age and an outdoor play area up to the age of 10 years. There are plenty of spaces to run round, or just sit quietly enjoying a view or sound of a bird singing.
We also have regular trails and activities available at a small cost.
Due to the nature of our Estate please always supervise your children to ensure they are safe and respectful.
Click here for What’s on information or call into the Estate shop of check our Social Media pages to see what is running when you plan to visit.
Wheelchair/ Pushchair Access
We are pleased to welcome visitors who use wheelchairs and pushchairs. Accessible toilets are provided and access to the cafe is possible via ramps. The garden is grade II listed; therefore certain parts are inaccessible for visitors with mobility difficulties and pushchairs. Many parts of the garden are accessible but visitors should be advised that there are gravel paths, steps and steep slopes in places. Our staff will be pleased to assist you whenever possible.
Visitors with Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must always be kept under close control.
There is no need to leave your four-legged friend in the car or at home, bring them along to enjoy the sights and smells of the gardens and animal park. Most of our animals are used to having dogs around but please remember your dog may become overwhelmed and start barking or lunging, if this is the case lead them away to let them calm down by our picnic benches, please do not let them put their noses through the fences. As a responsible owner remember to bring your poo bags to pick up after your dog and bring a towel for those muddy feet for the journey home.
Find Us
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park is clearly signposted just off the A35, three miles east of Dorchester in central Dorset. Getting here is easy and we have plenty of free on−site parking.
Parking
Cars – We have a car park adjacent to the Animal Park and Gardens entrance, additional Parking is signposted should this be full, with a bit further to walk – see map. Parking is partly on grass so can get muddy – keep your drive wheels on the gravel. (most vehicles reverse in)
Coach and Minibus – Parking is available – for further information go to group bookings.
Bicycles – We have a bike rack attached to the wall of the Estate shop.
Sat Nav: DT2 8PX
Food & Drink
The Barn Café
Open daily and serving a range of barista coffee, teas, and cold drinks to be enjoyed with warm savoury pastries (vegan options are available), fresh locally made sandwiches and a selection of sumptuous handmade cakes with vegan and gluten free choices.