21/07/2026
🌸 A TOUCH OF MONET IN DORSET: Discover Bennetts Water Gardens! 🌿
🎨 You don't need to travel to Giverny, France, to step inside a Claude Monet masterpiece. Bennetts Water Gardens in Weymouth brings the world-renowned French impressionist’s vision straight to Dorset.
📷 Plant Curator, James Bennett standing in front of the iconic Monet-style Japanese bridge. The bridge was commissioned in 1999 to celebrate the centenary of Monet's famous 1899 painting, ‘The Water Lily Pond’. Even more incredible: the family actually sourced many of their original lilies from the very same French nursery that Monet used over a century ago!
Spanning 8 beautiful acres, this tranquil haven makes the perfect relaxing summer day out. Here is what you can look forward to during your visit:
* National and International Collections of Water Lilies: Wander along grass pathways to admire over 300 stunning varieties of lilies blooming across the lakes.
* Abundant Local Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for colourful dragonflies, kingfishers, and friendly resident ducks.
* Beyond the Ponds: Explore the indoor Tropical House packed with exotic plants, including a cactus garden, and don’t miss the local history museum. There’s also a plant centre if you want to create a little magic at home too.
* Café Monet & Shop: Relax after your walk at Café Monet for a homemade cream tea or lunch.
📍 Where: Bennetts Water Gardens, Chickerell, Weymouth (DT3 4AF)
🗓️ When: Open Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Saturdays - June, July and August) Sunday to Thursday in September.
🎟️ Tickets: Season tickets available, No need to book
♿ Access: Partial wheelchair access with free on-site parking available.
🐾 Please note: Only registered assistance dogs are permitted in the gardens to protect local wildlife.
Have you ever walked across the famous Monet bridge? Share your beautiful photos of the water lilies in the comments below! 👇