Forde Abbey and Gardens

Absolutely stunning house and gardens. With a 60foot fountain which was spectacular. I loved the variety of spaces. There’s a beautiful bog garden which was amazing. The formal planting is a divine splash of colour and form! The kitchen garden was impressive and the cafe was a delight too. Although it stopped serving at 2:30pm for sandwiches I still enjoyed my tea and cake ! The House was a revelation as to its history and its renovation as a family home. I was so impressed with the knowledge of the staff and their friendliness. Thank you for a truly amazing five hours!

Brilliant few hours at Forde Abbey, walking and enjoying the various gardens and the spectacular fountain twice daily I think. The House and Chapel are definitely recommended, especially the large and colourful tapestries. Definitely recommend the cafe for super staff and service, and very tasty home made sausage rolls and egg sandwiches with fresh bread and good salads.

Beautiful place gardens are lovely lots of colour when we went. Also a craft and flower show lots going on. They do have events going on all year round. Fantastic water fountain which came on while we were there what a sight.

Lovely autumn blooms in the gardens. Tea room is pleasant with delicious scones on the menu. Outdoor eating only if you have a dog with you.

Forde Abbey was a enjoyable day out in this magnificent historical house. The fountain was impressive. The gardens a joy to walk around. The house and tapestries are a must see. The staff were all extremely polite with a wealth acknowledge. 👍🏻

Wow! Been here twice. Has been altered , in as much as a new cafe has been opened. Won’t cost any money to just eat here. There is a choice of visiting the Abbey and Gardens, or just the Gardens. Well worth a visit. There is also the famous fountain, which is turned on usually at 2:30. It’s one of the highest in the Country.

I didn't know much about Forde Abbey before I arrived and was very pleasantly surprised by the beauty and interest of the place. It has buildings from the earliest days of the Abbey in the 12th century and then mainly from the 16th century, just before the dissolution and the 17th century. Highlights for me were the Great Hall, the Saloon with its amazing tapestries, the plaster ceilings and the incredible fountain in the garden. The gardens were still full of colour in mid-October. There were friendly, knowledgeable, helpful guides in some rooms and useful cards with information in all rooms. There is a cafe and a pottery on site but I didn't really have time to do them justice. I'm impressed and grateful that Forde is open in October.

What's not to love? Superb grounds. Beautifully landscaped. Ponds, fountain, quirky statuary. Wonderful selection of plants to look at, and buy. Good restaurant / tearoom. Lots to see in the house - tapestries, furniture, paintings. Good gift shop. Excellent all round.