Discover
the gardens

The Abbey is set within the remains of the formal and semi-formal gardens which were once the pride and joy of the Tate and Bouverie families.

There’s a large walled garden, superb specimen trees in the understated arboretum, the hidden remains of a splendid water garden and the south lawn which stretches out to the ha-ha which separates the lawn from the 500 acres of the wider parkland and the golf course beyond.

There’s so much to see from the colourful flowers to the ancient trees and mature shrubs carefully tended by the gardener, grounds maintenance teams and of course our many volunteers.

The gardens are the ideal space for all our visitors to eat, relax or play …

The Orangery café and Billiard Room overlook the south lawn with fine views out across the parkland and golf course beyond. You can sit and enjoy the views outside the café too. Ice creams, takeaway drinks and snacks are all available, which makes the café an ideal place to re-fuel before carrying on your adventure.

The open spaces of the south lawn and the fabulous trees and trails through the outer gardens and water garden are the ideal spaces for children to run, play and explore.

You can book a garden tour with one of our knowledgeable guides.

Alternatively, our visitor welcome centre has suggested routes and a map.

The outer gardens are open 7 days a week all year round, free of charge. The walled garden is open every day (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day with seasonal variations in opening times).

Occasionally, there may be functions and events taking place in the walled garden or south lawn where areas may be temporarily closed to the public. Please check our website and social media feed for the latest news.

The formal walled garden offers visitors the chance to relax and enjoy a real pop of colour. The garden is parked with reminders of the Abbey’s long and varied history from the small herb garden tended by local community volunteers, through to the modern sculptures from nationally renowned artists.

The allotment beds and greenhouses, tended by volunteers and community groups, provide organically grown produce for use by the chefs in the Orangery café. Over the year there’ll be plants for sale in our shop and garden carts and for display in our Abbey rooms.