Forde Abbey House and Gardens
Chard, Somerset and Bristol
About Forde Abbey House and Gardens
Forde Abbey Historical House and Gardens is a lovely working, family estate, with a number of features that offer an enjoyable day out for all ages. The house is open between April and October (inclusive), but the gardens are open throughout the year, and entrance is free to children under 15 years of age.
There is a fantastic Children's Pack available at the house entrance and also from the shop, which is aimed at children aged between 3 and 11 years, although younger kids may need some help. The pack includes ‘A Children's Guide to the House' where everyone can be a house detective and learn more about the house and the people who lived there by answering a series of questions, plus an Activity sheet for the younger visitors to enjoy, with pictures to colour, objects to find, and games to play!
You can also have a go at Letterboxing at Forde Abbey, where you follow a trail around the garden to find the hidden boxes and stamps to mark the trail map. This is based on the famous Dartmoor letterboxes, and there is a prize draw for completed trails at the end of the season. Please make sure you put the stamps back in the boxes for the next trail finder though!
There are lots of hidden places for children to explore in the informal layout of the gardens at Forde Abbey, plus wide lawns that give plenty of opportunity for using up excess energy. And look out for the resident ducks, chickens, swans, and fish as you explore. The grounds are just as fantastic during the winter months, when the statuary and topiary are more visible, plus there are loads of snowdrops to see during the Snowdrop weekends in February of each year.
They also welcome well behaved dogs on a short lead in the tearoom and garden, but not in the house. A water bowl is provided.
Opening Times
The Gardens
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:30
The House
1st April to 30th October
Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 - 16:00
Pricing & Tickets
General Admission
House & Gardens
Adults: £13.00
Kids (5-15): £5.00
Gardens
Adults: £10.00
Kids (5-15): £5.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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