Get ready to be wowed at Forde Abbey in Somerset.
An absolute South West treasure, Forde Abbey is ready for all to explore its stunning historic house and gardens.
A great day out for families in Somerset
With its wide open lawns and the space and freedom to explore, Forde Abbey makes for a wonderful family day out.
Watch the littles ones marvel at the willow labyrinth in the arboretum and feel yourselves get back to nature as you spot wildlife on the lake.
Picnics are welcome too! When the weather is on your side, we recommend setting up on the luscious lawns and having a home-made feast. At only £5 for a child ticket too, this makes Forde Abbey a great choice for families on a budget.
Forde Abbey is a gardener's dream
For any green-fingered folks looking for inspiration and places to visit in Somerset, Forde Abbey is definitely one for the list. Forde Abbey is a must-visit if you love to visit National Trust properties, English Heritage sites, National Garden Scheme spots,
Home to the highest powered fountain in the country, the award-winning gardens include topiary lined vistas, colourful herbaceous borders, an arboretum, a bog garden, which together with swathes of early Spring bulbs and camellias provide all year round interest. Designed to incorporate both the formal and informal aspects of garden design, the straight lines give way to meandering pathways the further you head away from the house, with plenty of benches and seating to admire the views along the way.
The history of Forde Abbey
Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of the Abbey. It was founded in the twelfth century and flourished for 400 years as a centre of religious life and learning until its dissolution in 1539.
Over the following 100 years, the Abbey passed through the hands of various absentee landlords until 1649, when it was purchased by Edmund Prideaux, Member of Parliament for Lyme Regis, a fervent supporter of the parliamentary cause. He later became Oliver Cromwell's Attorney General.
He was responsible for transforming Forde Abbey from a Monastic residence to a private home.
So what is there to see and do at Forde Abbey today?
The famous Mortlake Tapestries at Forde Abbey
The Abbey is home to the famous Mortlake Tapestries. Displayed on the walls in The Saloon are the most important works of art in the Abbey. These intricately woven works of art depict scenes from the lives of St Peter and St Paul, as described in St John's Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. Make sure to take some time to look at all the unique details shown in these stunning works of craftsmanship and art.
You may have seen Forde Abbey on TV
The stunning grade I listed former Cistercian monastery and beautifully maintained gardens make for an ideal filming location. Over the centuries, it has been sympathetically converted from its monastic origins in 1141 to its present-day use as a family home. Forde Abbey has been the backdrop to the Hollywood adaptation of Thomas Hardy's 'Far From the Madding Crowd,' starring Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen and Tom Sturridge and other period dramas like BBCs 2002 adaptation of George Elliot's novel Daniel Deronda.
Grab a bite and a souvenir before you go
Visit the Abbey Coffee Shop, serving a selection of teas, coffees, cold drinks, ice creams, cakes, cream teas and light bites. You'll find something for everyone to enjoy.
Before you go, don't forget to visit the Gift Shop, where you can browse a range of gifts from toys, books, decorative items, Forde Abbey souvenirs and condiments to take home and enjoy.
No matter the time of year or the weather, a visit to Forde Abbey will delight and amaze you. Whether you're coming alone or bringing the kids or loved ones, we're sure you'll want to return to the Abbey again and again.