Forde Abbey House & Gardens, Chard, Somerset
If you like historic houses and beautiful gardens then visit Forde Abbey House & Gardens you must. This former Cistercian Monastery was built in the 12th century and miraculously it didn’t suffer the same fate as most abbeys during the Dissolution; instead, it was handed over to the Crown and several centuries later, it still stands, so well preserved that were the monks likely to return the chances are they would recognise parts of it easily. Walk in their footsteps along the cloisters, pause for a moment of quiet reflection in the chapel, and see the internationally famous 17th century Mortlake tapestries in the Great Hall.
The 30 acre gardens are a dream, so well laid out and lovingly maintained, not just by the gardening team but also by members of the same family who have lived at the abbey for three generations. The gardens are not just strikingly beautiful – they have appeal for all ages; children love running about on the lawn and through the willow labyrinth in the arboretum. You’ll hear their shrieks of delight as they try to dodge the spray of the 60ft Centenary Fountain.
At the top of the gardens it’s lovely to just sit in the beech hut overlooking the lake, watching the ducks dabble and moorhens scoot about; over the Japanese bridge there’s a bog garden where meandering paths lead you round and about – it’s all rather magical so you don’t feel the need to hurry. At the back of the house there are fabulous herbaceous borders, brimming with blooms and colour; in the walled kitchen garden you can see the veg that’s grown and put to good use in the tea room. Make sure you stop there for a cream tea or one of their delicious homemade biscuits before you go home.
Open: House: Mar-Oct Tues-Fri, Sun & Bank Holiday Mondays 12.00-4.00pm
Garden: All year, every day 10.00am-4.00pm
T: 01460 220231 All information correct at the time of writing