Forde Abbey and Gardens — Attraction in Thorncombe

This is an absolute gem of a house in the Somerset countryside and one of the best historic houses in the South West. The house itself started off life as Cistercian Abbey before being dissolved by King Henry during the 1500's where it was then purchased and then gradually converted into a house and there are still some features of the house that retain elements of the old Abbey such as The Cloisters and the Undercroft where the architecture is just stunning and amazing. Just a word of note photography is not allowed inside the house full stop except the Cloisters but that aspect should not put people due to the fact the rooms are stunning filled with all sorts of lovely treasures with one of note being one of the Mortlake Tapestries and also the rooms show a brilliant for visitors from the medieval feel and look as you walk in to a nice Victorian look and feel as you leave. The garden themselves are stunning with beautiful herbaceous borders where the array from the different flowers on show is spectacular and splendid with The different Dahlias on show being the particular stand out flower and the herbaceous borders are particularly excellent near to the Rock Garden and Aboretum and also near to The Large Lake at the top end of the Property along with the entrance in the Kitchen Garden. The Property boasts the highest water fountain by pump and the displays from it are exceptional and beautiful and well worth the watch. The times the water fountain goes off are 12:30hrs and 14:30hrs. The staff are very approachable, amiable and helpful providing information of where to go and a map of the site on entry and informing you of the times the water fountain goes off. There is a cafe selling refreshments at good prices and also a gift with a lovely range of souvenirs at decent prices. Overall this is a lovely relaxing day out and pleasure of a property to visit. Will definitely visit again in the future and also definitely recommend to anyone when staying or visiting the...

Took some of my scruffy boys to Forde Abbey on the bank holiday weekend. Greeted by relatively pleasant people on reception who were quite helpful. Paid to go in - three adults ( one son is older) and five children. 'Jenny' on reception in the house - was less welcoming. I wandered in with two of the boys and she was busy dealing with someone else. As we had already paid I had no idea she would be taking our tickets but Jenny soon let me know - literally shouting across the main hall - ignoring the ladies she was serving to tell me i 'needed to see her before i could go in' My husband then came in with the tickets being unaware Jenny had already scolded us. He waited his turn then handed over the tickets. Jenny then proceeded to look at us over the top of her glasses. She would have struggled to look more disdainful NOR to make more of a fuss about head counting us all and checking the tickets. Heaven forbid one of the 'free' children not have a ticket. The house was lovely and the boys enjoyed it. In one room we overheard someone ask one of the 'employees' which his favourite piece in the room was and his response 'I don't have one' caused us some mirth. The coffee shop was nice although again we were notable for being the only visitors with children - not even any teenagers were there. I fail to see why trying to educate ones children and see the history that Devon has to offer should be met with such disdain. We will visit again but this time we will go forewarned of the furrowed brows with which we may...

REVIEW GARDEN ONLY: For many years I treated my parents to weekends at the Warner Hotels and have had many great breaks at Warner Cricket St Thomas, where at every stay we would visit Forde Abbey. (Although not the subject of this review I can also give a top recommendation to the Cricket St Thomas Hotel, it's just a lovely place to stay).This means I know the Forde Abbey gardens very well, they have never disappointed over the years. This year my visit was different, I have taken up photography after a long gap (50 years) so have made several visits with my camera gear. As far as photography goes these gardens are fantastic. The abbey from the rear is beautiful, and has the bonus of being set in well-proportioned grounds, with 3 lakes and a fantastic fountain. I am not a plant expert but I have noted all the gardeners spending time with visitors giving them tips, all the staff are brilliant (they even let me put my tripod on the boarders as I am careful). The coffee shop is good and light lunches are very well priced. The gift shop is very good, you will not have any problems buying any gifts for friends. Whether for a day out with friends or family or photography these garden are very highly recommended. Again all the staff are great please pass the...