Located in Chard near the Somerset/Dorset border, Forde Abbey is home to a historic house and award-winning gardens. Spanning 900 years of history, the site is a veritable time-trap and features intriguing historical artefacts and immaculately manicured gardens. 

Founded in the 12th century, Forde Abbey was once an important centre of spirituality and learning. Flourishing as a Cistercian monastery for around 400 years, it grew in status and eventually became one of the most influential, wealthy and learned institutions of its kind in the country. Though very little remains of the monks’ gardens (where seasonal produce would have been in grown in accordance with the monks’ vegetarian diet) inside the abbey, their quarters, kitchen, refectories and chapter house remain much unchanged in structure.

Once you’ve explored the house, you’ll be eager to get outside and immerse yourself in the heady floral scents of the landscaped gardens. Taking shape in the early 18th century under the stewardship of Sir Francis Gwyn, nowadays the abbey’s grounds boast the most high-powered water fountain in England (reaching a height of 160 ft), stunning gardens, an arboretum and a plant nursery.