Home > Forde Abbey and Gardens

Forde Abbey and Gardens

Enjoy England Excellence Silver Award Winner 2008 and South West Toursism Small Attraction of the Year 2006 & 2007.

Now privately owned, Forde Abbey was founded by the Cistercians in 1140 and became one of the richest and most learned monasteries in the country. The church was demolished in the dissolution, but in 1649 Sir Edmund Prideaux transformed the Abbey into a magnificent commonwealth house. Of particular note are the splendid Mortlake tapestries and ceilings from the 1650's and the crucifixion painting dated c1320. The 30 acres of world famous gardens include a walled working kitchen garden, ponds, cascades, ionic temple, rockery, bog garden, and the Centenary Fountain, the highest-powered fountain in England.

Opening Times

Garden Open 1 Jan 2009 - 31 Dec 2009

Day	Opening Times
Monday	10:00 - 18:30
Tuesday	10:00 - 18:30
Wednesday	10:00 - 18:30
Thursday	10:00 - 18:30
Friday	10:00 - 18:30
Saturday	10:00 - 18:30
Sunday	10:00 - 18:30
Bank Holiday	10:00 - 18:30

* The House is now closed to the public and will re-open on 1st April 2009. The House is open Tuesday-Friday, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays between April-October. Last admission to the Gardens is at 4:30pm and closes at 6:30pm.

Tickets Information

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff*
Adult	from £4.00

Road Directions

Nearest major road is A30. Follow brown tourist signs from A30 Chard to Crewkerne or A358 Chard to Axminster.

Public Transport Directions

No suitable public transport.

Facilities

Provider Preferences

In countryside
No Smoking Attraction

Accessibility

Guide Dogs Permitted
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Ramp/Level Access
Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Parking & Transport

On site parking
Parking (free)

Catering

On-Site café/restaurant - Cafeteria style, South Undercroft seats 150 max. Open 22 Mar- 31 Oct, daily, from 1100. Light lunches, teas and cream teas.
Picnic Site