A hidden gem in Dorset is how I’d describe Keyneston Mill.
We visited on a drizzly, breezy and showery wet day in July. But we didn’t let that put us off. The Gardens are part of the Gardener’s World Magazine discount card scheme meaning that £8.00 admitted the two of us.
Even though I Know the area, I didn’t know exactly where the Mill was situated, so I looked it up before we travelled and we didn’t need to use a Satnav. You probably will if you don’t know that part of Dorset. Basically though you turn at the crossroads opposite The True Lover’s Knot pub and keep going! Their entrance is almost opposite when you come to a T junction.
About
Keyneston Mill is 50 acre private estate. It’s a working botanic garden, part of which is open to the public.
Keyneston Mill is home to Parterre Fragrances. The key ingredients for the perfumes are grown, harvested and distilled there.
Many of the plants are unusual and carefully selected for their scent. The scent can come from the leaves, flowers, stalks or roots.
A journey through the Keyneston Mill garden areas is a journey through perfume. It’s a fascinating experience.
The first areas you come to are divided into gardens and explanation boards have been thoughtfully provided for visitors.
The Padua Garden
This is the first garden when travelling in a clockwise direction. The garden features plants from the floral perfume family. There are also plants there on trial before they grow them in quantity for harvesting.
The Fourgere Garden
The Fourgere garden (Fern) is a beautiful tranquil space with a collection of plants used for fern-like fragrances and that are commonly used. The tranquility is enhanced by the series of water tanks, creating a real garden feel.
The Parterre Garden
The Parterre garden is the name of the perfume brand. It’s a formal garden of beds and trial beds featuring various fragranced plants. The garden leads to the Aromadome where they hold perfume courses.
The Spice Garden
The Spice garden is a block planted space inspired by the artist Kandinsky and created to replicate the colours of a spice market. You will find some of the plants associated with the oriental perfume family there.
The River Meadow and Lost Orchard
We didn’t visit the river meadow or the lost orchard, but plan to return during nice weather to do so with a picnic.
The river meadow is as the name suggests a meadow of old turf that is next to the River Stour as it meanders past.
The lost orchard is best visited during the spring when the apple blossom brings the area to life. They have bees at the far corner and they produce delicious honey.
The river meadow and orchard are perfect for picnics and you can bring your own or buy the food from the cafe at the entrance.
The Perfume Crop Fields
You can view and explore the crop fields where they produce some of the plants used in their fragrances. You are even allowed to pick some flowers here as long as you don’t overdo it!
The Citrus Orchard
On the return journey towards the cafe is the citrus garden. I found it a really interesting area, showcasing a variety of different citrus plants.
The Avenue
The Avenue runs through the centre of the public area and its tree lined with young trees. Positioned along the centre of the wide grassy path are scent stop points for those who want to explore perfume further.
On our way back we explored a beautiful rose garden with other scented shrubs and plants that forms part of the Padua Garden.
The Scented Botanist Bistro Cafe
The cafe is a modern, bright space. The kitchen is within the cafe and you can watch the chef’s work as they cook up delicious delights. The food looks and smells delicious. They describe their menus as adventurous and I’d go along with that. The talented head chef uses ingredients from the gardens, the estate and that are produced locally. The result is a delicious choice of local seasonal foods, many with an adventurous twist.
The food is high quality and delicious, the one thing I will have to mention though is that the tea was expensive and actually not that nice.
As well as the indoor seating area you can enjoy tables under large gazebo’s or open to the elements on the small lawned area outside the cafe.
We went for normal admittance, but you can book in advance for tours, courses and to see the distillation process in progress. Discover about perfumes and how they are made and learn more about some iconic fragrances.
When we visited the distillery was silent and not in use, but we were able to look in to get an idea.
Shop
In a small corner of the restaurant is the perfume sales area and I admit, I fell in love with one of their fragrances called Run of the River. Opposite they have houseplants and a few gifts for sale. In an outside area you can explore and select plants to buy. Many of the plants for sale are unusual and some you will have already discovered in the garden, which makes them a great souvenir of the visit.
We bought a beautiful scented Pelegonium Candy Dazzler to replace one I had that died in the spring. They have the most divinely scented leaves and when they flower they are delicate and exquisite. We also bought a small Catharanthus because we loved its pretty pink flowers and it was only a £1!
Conclusion
Keyneston Mill is a beautiful, tranquil spot offering a unique experience. Well behaved dogs are allowed, we didn’t take ours because we knew they’d be miserable in the weather. We do plan to return again during nice weather for a picnic with the dogs. We might go in the autumm, but certainly plan to return in late spring when hopefully the apple blossom is out.
Suitable For
Anyone, Keyneston Mill is especially suited to those of us interested in fragrance, particularly botanical fragrance. However, the gardens are a nice place and will suit anyone who enjoys visiting gardens. The picnic areas increase the appeal for families and although it’s not aimed at children, I’m sure you could find enough to entertain them. Being dog friendly is a huge benefit for many people holidaying in the area too. The garden areas are relatively flat and much of it is wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Score 4/5