The Borough Gardens in Dorchester provide a great outdoor space to relax and enjoy the sun. There is always something to do and it is not far from the town centre.

They were re-opened in 2007 by local resident and Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellows after a £1.4 million renovation project, the majority of the investment coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

There are toilets and a refreshments kiosk on site that sells a variety of snacks and drinks at good prices. Of course you can always take a picnic as there is plenty of space to sit down.

For the kids there is a large play area with baby and toddler swings, two different types of slides, multi play structure and seesaw. There is also a tennis court and an outdoor fitness centre if you wanted to get really active.

Occasionally there are also events in the gardens which are still centred on or around the bandstand, built as a commemoration to Queen Victoria.

It has also been awarded Green Heritage Site Accreditation in recognition of achieving the required standard in the management and interpretation of a site with local historic importance.

The gardens are open from dawn to dusk everyday and the kiosk is open every day throughout summer and at weekends in winter.