Moreton Gardens

In a curiously understated grave behind the tranquil Moreton gardens lies the elusive T.E. Lawrence, otherwise known as Lawrence of Arabia. The pleasant village of Moreton, deep in Hardy’s green and pastoral Dorset, seems as far removed from the vast barren desert landscapes that Lawrence loved so passionately as could be possible.

However, it is a beautiful location for the peaceful gardens, a mecca for artists keen to capture the natural beauty of the river garden with its Monet style bridge. This is a garden that cleverly seems much bigger than it is, winding paths travel through woodland and bog areas and out to the sunnier, lighter surroundings of the contrasting formal part of the garden. Here the visitor can enjoy the shade of the summer house, which has been constructed using reclaimed materials: oak from trees that have fallen on the estate and a floor built from Commonwealth War grave headstones.

Moreton village has much to recommend it as well, including tearooms housed in the old village school and decorated with mementos from Lawrence’s life – including what is darkly referred to as his last set of wheels, his coffin trolley. The village also boasts what is reportedly the country’s widest ford, great for paddling in the heat of the summer.

Moreton Gardens, Moreton, Dorset. DT2 8RF

Opening Times:
Gardens and Plant Centre open daily March to September 10.00am -5.00pm.