Forde Abbey
Ancient house with ecclesiastical roots now the centrepiece of a magnificent thirty-acre garden.
Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU
Facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Access statement available
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
Forde Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery dating back to the early 12th century.
It was converted into a palatial family home during the mid 17th century. The house has exquisitely ornate plaster ceilings throughout the state rooms, together with collection of tapestries woven from cartoons drawn by Raphael for the Sistine Chapel, it is a unique family house.
Throughout the 20th century the 30 acres of gardens that surround this unique house have been transformed by the present owners. The gardens are now a diverse and breathtaking landscape fit for the house that they surround, from the productive Kitchen Garden, to the Arboretum, Rock Garden, Herbaceous Borders, Bog Garden, and Woodland Garden.
There is always something of interest for the visitor whatever the time of year.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Gardens Opening Times
Main Season (1st March – 31st October)
The gardens are open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00.
Off-Season (February, November and December)
The gardens are open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00.
The Historic House
The house is open from 29th March to 30th October, Tuesdays to Fridays and Sundays, plus Bank Holiday Mondays. Opening hours are 12:00 to 15:30, with last entry at 15:30. The house is closed on Mondays and Saturdays, except for Bank Holiday Mondays.
Please note that the upstairs rooms are not accessible to wheelchair users.
Eeles Pottery Exhibition
An annual exhibition is held at Forde Abbey. Admission is free. For specific dates and opening hours, please contact the property directly.
Group Visits
House and Gardens (1st April – 31st October)
Group visits are available any day of the week except Saturdays. Visits to the house are by pre-arranged guided tour on Mondays and Tuesday to Sunday mornings. During Tuesday to Friday, Sunday and Bank Holiday afternoons, the house is open to the general public from 12:00 to 15:30, and guided tours are not available during these times.
Gardens Only (1st March – 31st October)
Group visits to the gardens are available daily from 10:30 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00.
Historic Houses members visit for free on normal open days.
Gardens only: £15
Children: £6
House and Gardens: £19
Single season ticket price: £43.50
Double season ticket price: £87
Groups and coaches are always welcome at Forde Abbey, where the house, gardens, tearoom, pottery exhibition, plant centre and gift shop provide activities enough for a full day out.
Special rates are available for groups of 10 people or more and it is also possible to arrange for one of our experienced guides to take you around the house.
The make the tours as informative and comfortable as possible they are conducted during hours when the house is not open to other visitors.
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Access statement available
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
Getting here
Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU
4 miles South East of Chard, Somerset.
Train to Crewkerne and then bus or taxi for last 7 miles.
Why our members love visiting Forde Abbey
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