Kingston Lacy
A 17th-century Italianate mansion near Wimborne, housing paintings by Rubens and Velázquez and an ancient Egyptian obelisk. Managed by the National Trust.
Kingston Lacy lies about 16 km northwest of Bournemouth, just outside the town of Wimborne Minster. It was originally the 17th-century home of the Bankes family and was later remodelled in the style of an Italian palace. In the 19th century, the owner William Bankes travelled to Egypt and Spain and brought back a great many treasures. An obelisk from Philae in Egypt stands on the lawn in front of the house. Inside, the Spanish Room has gilded leather wall hangings, and the picture gallery holds works by Rubens, Velázquez, Titian and other masters. Its Egyptian collection is the finest of any private collection in Britain. The estate has a Japanese garden, a kitchen garden and extensive woodland walks. Managed by the National Trust, admission is around £20 (free for members). It is best reached by car.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (mansion has shorter opening hours)
Nearby sights
- Wimborne Minster
- Poole Quay
- Compton Acres
- Sandbanks Beach
- Alum Chine
- St Peter's Church, Bournemouth
- Bournemouth Lower Gardens
- Oceanarium Bournemouth