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.
Opening Times and Visitor Information for Forde Abbey and Gardens
Forde Abbey and Gardens offers a variety of attractions and events for visitors. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times, admission prices, and other relevant information for planning your visit.
General Opening Times
- Gardens: Open daily from 1st March to 31st October, 10:30am to 5:00pm (last entry at 4:00pm).
- House: Open from 29th March to 30th October, 12:00pm to 3:30pm. Open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Bank Holiday Mondays. Closed on Mondays and Saturdays.
- Abbot's Table Café: Open from 1st March to 31st October, 10:00am to 5:00pm.
- Forde Abbey Nursery: Open from 1st March to 31st October, 10:30am to 5:00pm.
- Gift Shop: Open from 1st March to 31st October, 10:30am to 5:00pm.
Admission Prices
- Gardens: £15.00 for adults, £6.00 for children (5-15 years), £12.50 for groups (minimum 15 people).
- House and Gardens: £19.00 for adults, £6.00 for children (5-15 years), £15.00 for groups (minimum 15 people).
- Membership: Various options available, including single (£43.50), double (£87.00), family (£100.00), and child (£10.00).
Special Events
Forde Abbey hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, plant fairs, and seasonal displays. Notable upcoming events include:
- Crocus Display: March 5th.
- Easter Trail: March 28th - April 9th, 2026.
- Tulip Extravaganza: April 11th.
- Forde Abbey Concert - Trio Bohémo of Prague: May 21st.
Accessibility
Forde Abbey strives to be accessible to all visitors. The gardens, gift shop, café, and other facilities are wheelchair accessible, though some areas may present challenges. Assistance and information are available on-site.
Additional Information
- Dogs are welcome in the gardens on a short lead, but only assistance dogs are allowed in the house and café.
- Free parking is available for cars and coaches.
- Group visits are welcome, with special rates and guided tours available by prior arrangement.
For further details, please refer to the specific sections above or contact Forde Abbey directly.
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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