Forde Abbey is one of the South West’s finest historic houses and gardens. Originally founded as a Cistercian monastery in the 12th century, it was transformed into a magnificent country house after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and today remains a privately owned family home. Visitors can explore the historic house, award-winning gardens and extensive grounds, which lie just across the Dorset border near Chard.
The house is renowned for its beautifully furnished rooms, magnificent Mortlake tapestries, historic architecture and more than 900 years of history. Outside, over 30 acres of gardens feature formal lawns, colourful borders, woodland walks, lakes, an impressive kitchen garden and a spectacular gravity-powered fountain, one of the highest in England.
Address: Forde Abbey Estate, Chard, TA20 4LU (Google map)
Website: https://www.fordeabbey.co.uk
Facilities include the Abbot’s Table Café, gift shop, plant nursery and free parking.
Forde Abbey History
Forde Abbey was founded in 1141 by Cistercian monks before relocating to its present site in the mid-12th century. For almost 400 years it flourished as one of the wealthiest monasteries in the region until it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539.
Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey passed into private ownership and was gradually transformed into an elegant country house. Although altered over the centuries, much of the medieval fabric remains, allowing visitors to walk through rooms once occupied by the monks while also enjoying grand state rooms created by later owners.
Among the highlights are the magnificent 17th-century Mortlake tapestries, woven from designs by Raphael. The original Raphael cartoons are now housed in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, making the tapestries at Forde Abbey among the finest examples of their kind in Britain
The house has also appeared on screen, including in the 2015 film adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd.
Forde Abbey Gardens
The gardens are considered among the finest in southern England. Shortlisted for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award in 2019, they continue to evolve while retaining their historic character, with sustainability playing an important role in their design and management.
Spring begins with carpets of snowdrops and crocuses, followed by daffodils, tulips, camellias and rhododendrons. During summer the herbaceous borders are at their best, while autumn brings vibrant displays of seasonal colour across the estate.
One of the garden’s most spectacular features is the gravity-powered fountain, which can send water over 160 feet (49 metres) into the air without the use of pumps. Other highlights include an arboretum, Asian woodland, prairie planting and a productive kitchen garden, ensuring there is interest throughout the seasons.
Opening Times (2026)
| Area | Opening |
|---|---|
| Gardens | Daily, 1 March – 31 October, 10:30am–5:00pm |
| House | 29 March – 30 October, 12:00pm–3:30pm (Tuesday–Friday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays) |
| Abbot’s Table Café | Daily, 10:00am–5:00pm |
| Gift Shop | Daily, 10:30am–5:00pm |
| Plant Nursery | Daily, 10:30am–5:00pm |
Last admission to the gardens: 4:00pm.
The House is closed on Mondays and Saturdays (except Bank Holiday Mondays).
Forde Abbey Tickets (2026)
Advance booking is recommended via the official Forde Abbey website at https://www.fordeabbey.co.uk/
| Ticket Type | Gardens | House & Gardens |
| Adult (16+) | £15 | £19 |
| Children (5-15) | £6 | £6 |
| Under 5s | Free | Free |
| Historic Houses Association members | Free | Free |
| RHS members (Mondays only) | Free | Fee to visit house |
Historic Houses members receive free admission. RHS members receive free garden entry on Mondays from March to October (and Wednesday to Sunday during November and December), with a separate charge to visit the House. Membership offers are not normally valid during special events.
Related Pages: Mapperton House / Bridport / West Bay Beach / Lyme Regis / Dorchester / Weymouth