Abbey House Gardens

Abbey House Gardens Description

The Abbey was completed in the 12th century and was the third most important religious centre in England after Canterbury and Winchester. The Abbot's House was built in 1260 along with a Lady Chapel and a shrine to St. Aldhelm. William Stumpe aquired the house after the Dissolution in 1539, and built the central part of the current house after 1542 using Abbot's House as its foundations.

This is a beautiful 5 acre garden right in the town centre, full of gardening ideas and there are double herbaceous borders to rival those of Monets. Here you can see possibly the largest private collection of roses in the country, plus daffodils, crocus, tulips (24,000 new tulip bulbs planted this year) and iris also specimen trees and shrubs.

If it rains there is a refreshment counter where you can shelter and also under the Belvedere there is a video to watch and regular exhibitions - 60 seats. Plus umbrellas to borrow.

Opening Times - 2012

• 21st March - 31st October: daily, 11 am - 5.30 pm
• Occasionally closes early - please check before travelling

Admission Prices - 2012

• Adult - £8.00
• Child (5-15) - £3.00
• Consessions - £7.00
• Family (2+2) - £18.00

Season Tickets:

• Adult - £35.00
• Child (5-15) - £15.00
• Concessions - £30.00
• Family - £75.00