A Dorset garden with an "emerald reflection pool" has been named among the loveliest to visit in the UK.

The Japanese tea garden at Kingston Lacy was featured alongside six others in a list from The Times.

Discussing the reasons for creating the list, the newspaper wrote: "The British-Japanese Exhibition of 1910, a joint project to introduce Brits to Japanese heritage and culture through art, design and technology, prompted Gilbert & Sullivan to write The Mikado — and many a whimsical landowner to create their own Japanese-style garden.

"Some remain today, tucked into the grounds of stately homes or as standalone curiosities, and show off east Asian foliage that comes alive in autumn.

@sonsrap10 Kingston Lacys Japanese garden in Dorset this afternoon #landscapephotography ♬ Japanese Song - Japanese Traditional Music Ensemble

"When you’re admiring the curves and trickles of a Japanese garden, remember nothing here is a coincidence: carefully designed with meaning behind every leaf and rock, they are often asymmetrical, with patches of blank space, audible water features and harmony between natural and man-made objects: a bridge or pavilion against a cascading tree."

The full list of the UK's loveliest Japanese gardens can be found on The Times website here.

What was said about the Japanese tea garden at Kingston Lacy?

The Japanese tea garden at Kingston Lacy was praised for various features such as its "emerald reflection pool" and "delicate acer maples".

The garden was the brainchild of Henrietta Bankes, the lady of the manor at Kingston Lacy.

The Times wrote: "A keen horticulturist, Bankes oversaw the installation of trembling bamboo stems, delicate acer maples, a rockery and emerald reflection pool.

@arabella_jb Kingston Lacy located in Dorset. This property was built and altered through the centuries by the Bankes family. Built to resemble a Venetian Palace this property had a beautiful Japanese garden, beautiful cattle, a collection of Egyptian artefacts, and lavish interiors! Minus the dismal day it was a lovely place to visit and if you are in the area i highly recommend a visit, the history was quite interesting. This is a @National Trust property. #kingstonlacy #nationaltrust #nationaltrustuk #daysout #daysoutwithkids #familyday #dorset #fyp #britishcountryside #countryside #british ♬ Love story orchestra - ⚜️

"The National Trust took over the estate’s care in 1982 and hosts plenty of fun events and workshops, including specialist tours by the head gardener, ending in a contemplative tea tasting among the trees.

"This one’s worth revisiting in spring too — in 2021 more than 100 Japanese cherry trees were planted to celebrate the friendship between the UK and Japan."

Visitors enjoy the National Trust site of Kingston Lacy overall, with it earning a 4.5/5 score on Tripadvisor from 2,036 reviews, with plenty of them mentioning the Japanese tea garden.

One person wrote: "I enjoyed going round all of the gardens but, in particular, it was interesting to see the Victorian "take" on a Japanese garden. I found it impressive to find a whole grove of Acers, with their delicate leaves. The visit was peaceful and relaxing."

Another posted: "One of the best National Trust houses we have seen. The house is not that grand outside but once you go in it takes your breath away. We were in the house for over an hour but could stayed in all day, so much to see and the volunteers were brilliant.

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The gardens were amazing, very well maintained and beautiful plants everywhere, the Japanese garden was outstanding."

Meanwhile, another shared: "An absolutely stunning place and a fantastic day out! There was so much to see and do and the estate is huge with a 3 mile woodland walk.

"There were lots of different gardens to explore such as the Japanese and kitchen gardens. The inside of the house is just beautiful. Great for all age groups, couldn’t recommend enough!"