Compton Acres
Compton Acres, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES
A series of themed gardens at Canford Cliffs in Poole, including Japanese, Italian and sub-tropical gardens, laid out in the 1920s and looking out towards Poole Harbour.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Compton Acres?
Compton Acres is a garden of contrasts. Instead of one style, it is a run of separate gardens, each with its own theme, so a single walk takes you from the calm of a Japanese garden to the formality of an Italian garden and on into sub-tropical planting. It sits at Canford Cliffs on the edge of Poole, and from the higher ground there are views out towards Poole Harbour, which helps tie the different areas together.
The best way to see it is to follow the route from one garden room to the next and notice how each theme is created. In the Japanese garden, look at how the planting and layout set a calm, contemplative mood. In the Italian garden, the effect comes from formality and symmetry. The sub-tropical areas show what can be grown in a mild coastal spot on the south coast of England. Take your time, because the change of scene from one area to the next is the whole point of the place.
For home gardeners, Compton Acres is a good lesson in garden rooms. Even a small plot can borrow the idea: give one area a clear style, separate it with planting or a change of level, and let each part feel like its own space. It is also a useful garden to visit if you want ideas for exotic-looking planting in a sheltered spot. The garden is an RHS Partner Garden, and the official website has the latest details on facilities, access and what is in season.
What to see
- The Japanese garden, the best known of the themed areas.
- The Italian garden, laid out in a formal style.
- The sub-tropical planting that makes use of the mild coastal climate.
- Views from the higher ground towards Poole Harbour.
- The sequence of contrasting garden rooms, each with its own style.
Compton Acres through the year
- spring
- Spring brings fresh foliage and blossom to the Japanese garden, a good time to see the structure before summer growth.
- summer
- Summer suits the Italian garden and the sub-tropical planting, which look their most dramatic in warm, bright weather.
- autumn
- Autumn colour in the Japanese garden gives a different feel, and the light over Poole Harbour softens.
- winter
- Winter is quieter, with the bones of each themed garden on show; check the official site for winter opening.
The story behind the garden
Compton Acres was created in the 1920s by Thomas William Simpson, who laid out a sequence of gardens in different international styles on a sloping site at Canford Cliffs, above Poole Harbour. The idea of travelling between styles within one garden has defined the place ever since.
The gardens later opened to the public and became a popular visitor attraction on the Dorset coast. They are recorded on Historic England's Register of Parks and Gardens and are today an RHS Partner Garden, still run as a visitor attraction with the themed gardens at its heart.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Visitors who enjoy variety and garden rooms, and anyone looking for Japanese or exotic planting ideas for a sheltered garden.
- Getting there
- Compton Acres is at Canford Cliffs in Poole, Dorset, between Poole and Bournemouth near the coast.
- Before you go
- The themed gardens are best seen one after another, so allow a couple of hours to walk through them all. Check the official Compton Acres website for current opening times and ticket prices.
Source: Compton Acres: Visit
Questions about visiting Compton Acres
What is Compton Acres known for?
It is known for its series of themed gardens, especially the Japanese and Italian gardens, along with sub-tropical planting. Walking round takes you from one style to another, with views towards Poole Harbour from the higher ground.
Who created Compton Acres?
Thomas William Simpson created the gardens in the 1920s, laying out a sequence of gardens in different international styles on the slopes at Canford Cliffs. The gardens later opened to visitors and are now on Historic England's register.
Where is Compton Acres?
Compton Acres is at Canford Cliffs in Poole, Dorset, close to the coast between Poole and Bournemouth. The postcode is BH13 7ES, which is useful for sat navs.
How long do you need at Compton Acres?
Allow around two hours, which gives enough time to walk through each of the themed gardens without rushing. Allow longer if you plan to stop for refreshments or take photographs in the Japanese garden.
Garden features
Location
Compton Acres, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES
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