Forde Abbey
From the moment you enter the award-winning Forde Abbey gardens, you are sure to be amazed by the stunning colours and spectacular vistas. Widely considered to be one of the finest gardens in the South West, this Dorset treasure never fails to impress with its fascinating history and beautiful informal and formal layouts.
It wasn’t until the early part of the 18th Century that the modern garden as we see it today began its development. Sir Francis Gwyn was responsible for creating the three connecting lower ponds using water from the Great Pond, and for laying the drives and lawns. In line with the era’s principles of design, he also incorporated lime and yew trees into the layout so that the eye would be drawn to the stunning vistas and views.
More recently, the Roper family took on the challenge of the Forde Abbey gardens, adding extra features to enhance the 19thCentury trees and 18th Century landscape. Over three generations, the family established the Rock Garden, Park Garden and Bog Garden, planting over 350,000 trees across the estate. The Roper family’s legacy is celebrated in the Centenary Fountain, which was constructed to commemorate a century of the family’s residence at the Abbey. As the country’s highest powered fountain, it reaches the impressive height of 160 feet and is a popular spot for young, and perhaps not so young, visitors who love to play in its spray.



For information on all of our current tours please click on the link:
Image credits: Eliza Ford & Forde Abbey
Hestercombe
Nearby Gardens
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
Hestercombe
Tintinhull House & Garden


