Kingston Lacy

Home of the Bankes family for over 300 years, having replaced the ruined family seat at Corfe Castle, this 17th-century house was radically altered in the 19th century by Sir Charles Barry. The house contains the outstanding collection of paintings and other works of art accumulated by William Bankes. It is famous for its dramatic Spanish Room, with walls hung in magnificent gilded leather, and collection of Egyptian artefacts. The house and garden are set in a wooded park with waymarked walks and a fine herd of North Devon cattle. The surrounding working estate of over 3,200 hectares (8,000 acres), with its rich diversity of flora and fauna, is crossed by many paths (leaflet available from reception) and dominated by the Iron Age hill-fort of Badbury Rings. The botanically rich Rings are managed by grazing and dogs are not permitted

Name and credits for images of Kingston Lacy Estate

Reference: 140156

Description of image – Lady Walk at Kingston Lacy, with snowdrops crowding the banks at either side of the path through the woodland.

Credit for photograph: Richard Pink

Name and credits for images of Kingston Lacy Estate

Reference: 140138

Description of image – The East side of Kingston Lacy with the parterre or "Dutch Garden" laid out in front. Golden yews are clipped into balls and the beds are planted with red begonias.

Credit for photograph: Richard Pink

Copyright: ©NTPL/Richard Pink

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