Forde Abbey and Gardens
Nestled in the stunning Dorset countryside, Forde Abbey is a 900 year old Abbey set within 30 acres of award-winning gardens. There’s naturalised crocus on lawns, topiary-lined vistas, herbaceous borders, bog gardens, kitchen garden, wildflower meadows, an arboretum, ponds and meandering pathways with plenty of seating to admire the views.
01460 221290
fordeabbey.co.uk
Gardens open daily throughout the year from 10.30am – 5.00pm until 31st October. House open Tuesday to Friday, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays (closed on Mondays and Saturdays). House open from 12pm, last entry 3.30pm.
Near Chard. Postcode: TA20 4LU.
At Forde Abbey and Gardens there is so much to explore and discover from beautiful gardens and ponds to the historic house, originally used as a monastery during the 12th century.
The House, that was transformed into the stately home it is today, houses a selection of medievally furnished rooms. View the intricate Mortlake tapestries, fine art and incredible treasures on display. In addition, step back in time to when monks called the house home and discover the interiors that were featured in ‘Wolf Hall’, a BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Novel.
The House is surrounded by 30 acres of award-winning gardens, including England’s tallest powered fountain, creating showstopping vistas begging to be explored. Forde Abbey and Gardens hosts a variety of different gardens from the tranquil Bog Garden to the picturesque rock garden and the arboretum.
The Kitchen Garden provides abundant fruit and vegetables to supply The House and the coffee shop onsite, while The Swirl offers a meditative walk through vibrant tulips. For a longer stroll, enter the Woodland Garden, full of winding paths, colourful flowers and statuesque trees. Guests will love the wide variety of flowers, shrubs and trees that evolve throughout the seasons, making a return visit well worth the journey.
After hours of exploration, why not visit The Abbots Table Café, where you will find a selection of delicious homemade food and drinks including lunch, cakes and cream teas. With dairy and gluten free options plus vegetarian and vegan choices, there is something to suit every visitor.
Finally, visit the gift shop to purchase a souvenir from your day out and pop into the plant nursery to choose from a diverse range of plants, perfect for your garden at home.
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Forde Abbey Head Gardener Joshua Sparkes has recorded a short interview explaining how keen gardeners can avoid the 'June Dip', a gap in flowering plants between Spring and the height…
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