The Larmer Tree Gardens near Tollard Royal in south Wiltshire, England, were created by landowner Augustus Pitt Rivers in 1880 as pleasure grounds for "public enlightenment and entertainment". They were the first private gardens opened for public enjoyment in the United Kingdom, and were free to enter.[1][2][3] The 11-acre (4.5 ha) Grade II* listed gardens are within the Rushmore Estate in Cranborne Chase, an ancient royal hunting ground and now an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.[4][5]
- ^ "The Larmer Tree Gardens". Larmer Tree Gardens. Archived from the original on 9 March 2008. Retrieved 12 September 2008.
- ^ "A remarkable history". Larmer Tree Gardens. Archived from the original on 27 March 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2008.
- ^ Keen, Mary (24 May 2003). "A stately pleasure garden". Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2008.
- ^ "Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase". Natural England. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2008.
- ^ "Welcome to Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Retrieved 17 September 2008.