There is something magical about this place. I can’t walk through the ruins without getting a tangible sense of the folk who walked through the Abbey in it heyday and there is still a beauty in the ‘jagged teeth’ which remain. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of actors, promoting their latest performance in the town while you are almost certain to see bridal parties who use the gardens as a setting for their photos.

The actual gardens are meticulously maintained by a team of gardeners who are always happy to talk to you about the plants they tend. For the children, there is a play area, an aviary and a bowling green with mini golf and boules to hire and ice creams at the cafe as well as open access to the ruins where barons met eight hundred years ago to discuss their grievances with King John which would lead to the signing of the Magna Carta the following year.

Feeling peckish? There is a small cafe in the grounds for light refreshments as well as The Refectory at The Cathedral which lies within the Abbey walls. Alternatively, pop into the town, just a five minute walk away, where you can buy food for an impromptu picnic from one of the indie cafes offering takeaways or a sandwich from one of the chains.

Enjoy your visit. I will probably be sitting on one of the benches, perhaps with some knitting, watching the world go by. Did I mention that it’s the perfect place for people and squirrel watching?