Bennetts Water Gardens in Weymouth

Eight acres of gardens holding the national and international collections of water lilies

Flowering from late spring through to autumn, the national and international collections of water lilies at Bennetts Water Gardens near Weymouth create one of the most outstanding displays of water lilies in Britain.

Grass pathways lead you through the series of ponds and lakes, surrounded by wetland plants, native trees, palms, wild plants and flowers. Bennetts Water Gardens are a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and home to an abundance of wildlife. There are scenic places to sit and relax, as well as shaded woodland walks to explore. The Tropical House contains exotic plants, including a cacti collection. There is also a family nature trail to keep the younger visitors interested.

The museum at Bennetts Water Gardens describes the local history of Chickerell village (as mentioned in the Domesday Book), Chesil Beach and the Fleet lagoon. It also contains a fascinating history of the site from the brickworks and clay pits of 1859 through to the modern-day gardens.

Many of the original water lilies planted in the gardens by the Bennett family in 1959 came from the same nursery in France that supplied Claude Monet's garden in Giverny. These same varieties that Monet painted are among the collections held at the gardens today. The Monet-style Japanese bridge was commissioned for Bennetts Water Gardens in 1999 to commemorate 100 years since Monet's painting 'Water Lily Pond 1899', and recreates the painting of a bridge over a water lily pond.

Bennetts Water Gardens near Weymouth also have a gift and plant shop, a cafe and a licensed restaurant. There is free parking on site, and partial wheelchair access (weather permitting). Dogs are not allowed.

Contact Details

Bennetts Water Gardens, B3157 Chickerell Link Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4AF
Tel: 01305 785150
Email: info@waterlily.co.uk