Compton Acres Gardens

These 10 acres of landscaped gardens showcase different international garden styles including Japanese, Italian, and rock gardens spread across a clifftop site overlooking Poole Harbour. Created in the 1920s, the gardens feature authentic designs with imported materials like Japanese stone lanterns and Italian marble statues. The Japanese garden is considered one of the finest examples in Europe, complete with a traditional tea house and ornamental bridges. It sits in Bournemouth's Canford Cliffs, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Bournemouth. Tickets cost £10.95 adult, £9.95 senior, £5.50 child (5-15), under 5 free and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: one of the uk's most diverse garden collections Skip if: You have limited mobility as many paths are steep and stepped, or if you're not interested in horticulture Cost: £10.95 adult, £9.95 senior, £5.50 child (5-15), under 5 free

You follow winding paths through distinctly different garden environments, from walking over wooden bridges past koi ponds in the Japanese section to climbing stepped terraces lined with Mediterranean plants in the Italian garden. Each themed area feels like stepping into a different country with authentic architectural features and plant collections.

Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access due to steep slopes and steps, mobility scooters available for loan but with restrictions

One of the UK's most diverse garden collections with authentically designed international themes and harbour views. It is not the first thing you should see in Bournemouth, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave.

Skip if: You have limited mobility as many paths are steep and stepped, or if you're not interested in horticulture

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for steep paths.
• Visit the Japanese garden first as it's the most popular.
• The cafe serves traditional afternoon tea with garden views.

Insider tip: The wooded ravine garden is often overlooked but offers the most peaceful walking experience with fewer visitors

Japanese garden offers classic photo opportunities with bridges and pagodas, golden hour lighting best for Italian terraces