Arrival information
Finding the Secret Garden
Detailed directions can be found here
What3Words for the Garden Entrance on Carey Road is ///freely.uses.robots
Our postcode is Bh20 7PG
Car Parking
There are three parking areas at the Secret Garden. As you drive down to the gardens along the track you'll take a left turn at the end into the Woodland Car Park. If this area is full, please follow the track around and into the first Overflow parking field. If this area is full, continue into the second Overflow parking field. The car parks are not gravel, they are grass. Some areas may be closed off if muddy/wet. There are cut throughs from each parking area on to the gravel track to walk down to the gardens, this is adjacent to the woodland.
If you require the use of our accessible drop-off point please call 07927 132 148 on arrival and a member of the team will direct you to the drop off point.
Dogs
Although we love dogs, we can only welcome assistance/service dogs into the gardens in their 'uniform'. This is to protect the sensitive wildlife on site. If you have arrived with your dog you will be asked to put them back in the car or visit on an alternative day. Please do not exercise your dogs on the Careys estate.
Checking In
Please be aware access to the gardens is along an undulating gravel path, adjacent to the woodland. There is a rope rail along some of the pathway but this may not be suitable for visitors with accessibility needs. Please contact us prior to booking if you need further assistance. We also suggest you read our Accessibility Guide before booking.
On arrival at the garden gates, please check in with a member of the team in Coffee Shop. You will need the name you booked your tickets with, it's helpful to have your confirmation email too but don't worry if you can't find it we should be able to look you up on our system.
Ideally, all tickets are booked in advance, however if you're unable to do this we do accept walk-ins. Please check opening hours before turning up.
If you have booked an Osprey Tour with Birds of Poole Harbour, your ticket includes access to the gardens. Please make your way to the garden entrance and the team will direct you where to go to meet the Birds of Poole Harbour team for your tour.
Facilities in the Garden
- Coffee Shop: hot drinks, cold drinks, cakes, and light refreshments
- Plant Sales
- Two accessible Eco Toilets
- First Aid
Locked in/out
If you happen to find yourself locked in/out of the gardens please send a text/call and leave a voicemail to our emergency number 07811 106 435.
Here to Help
Our team are here to help. If you need any assistance during your visit please ask a member of our friendly team, including the gardeners. We're all here to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. If you need any further information before you book, please contact us.
Careys Secret Garden is proud to be a leader in moving beyond sustainability within our community. By demonstrating that it is possible to enhance nature and create economic benefit Careys Secret Garden hopes to be an example locally to empower our community and encourage a more beneficial relationship between nature and people. From growing our plants in peat-free soil, using eco-friendly packaging, managing waste responsibly, employing sustainable facilities, and sourcing locally, we are making a positive impact on the environment in real terms. However, we hope also to inspire all generations in creating a more harmonious world. We invite our visitors and community to join us in our commitment to restoring nature and having fun whilst we do it.
Sustainable, Ethical and Responsible Business of the Year 2024/2025
At Careys Secret Garden, we are deeply committed to environmental stewardship and to move beyond sustainability into regeneration. Our goal is to create a thriving garden that not only delights our visitors but also restores and nurtures the natural world.