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
Gardens
The gardens are open daily from 1st March to 31st October, from 10:30am to 5:00pm. Last entry is at 4:00pm.
House
The house is open from 29th March to 30th October on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, from 12:00pm to 3:30pm. The house is closed on Mondays and Saturdays. Last entry is at 3:30pm.
Group Visits
House and Gardens
Group visits are available from 1st April to 31st October, any day of the week except Saturdays.
- On Mondays (all day) and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday mornings, group visits to the house are by pre-arranged guided tour only.
- On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Bank Holiday afternoons, the house is open to the general public from 12:00pm to 3:30pm. No guided tours are available during these public opening hours.
Gardens Only
Group visits to the gardens are available daily from 1st March to 31st October, from 10:30am to 5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm), except on Saturdays.
Special Events
- Summer of Sweet Peas: 1st – 14th July 2026
- Biofluorescent Night Walks: 19th October
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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