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A 17th-century house, designed by Sir Roger Pratt for Sir Ralph Bankes to replace his ruined family seat at Corfe Castle. Altered by Sir Charles Barry in the 19th century, 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. The house and garden are set in a wooded park with attractive waymarked walks and a fine herd of Red Devon cattle.

The surrounding estate is crossed by many paths (leaflet available from shop) and dominated by the Iron Age hill-fort of Badbury Rings. The botanically rich rings are managed by grazing and dogs are not permitted.

In August 1981 Henry John Ralph Bankes died and left his family estates of Kingston Lacy and Corfe Castle to the National Trust. The bequeath included the Bankes family archive, a fine collection of documents.

Point-to-point races are held in February, March and April and on these days a charge is made for car-parking.

Opening Times - 2010:

House:
13th March - 31st October: Wednesday - Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm

Garden/park/shop/restaurant:
5th February - 7th March: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10.30 am - 4 pm
13th March - 31st October: daily, 10.30 am - 6 pm
1st November - 23rd December: daily, 10.30 am - 4 pm
Last admission to house 1 hour before closing

Admission by timed ticket to house may operate on Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays. Open Bank Holiday Mondays. Last admission 4 pm. Special snowdrop days in January/February.

Standard Admission Prices - 2010:

Adult - £12 (£10.50)
Child - £6 (£5.25)
Family - £30 (£26.25)
Groups: £8

Park & Garden only:
Adult - £6 (£5.25)
Child - £3 (£2.70)
Family - £15 (£13)

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.