Located in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, Abbey House dates back to the 1300s and today its gardens are open to the public between the beginning of April and the end of September. The supposed resting place of the first King of England, the gardens are as much filled with history as they are flowers, shrubs and trees. It’s even said that two saints were thrown down Abbey House’s well.
The product of ten years of hard work, Abbey House Gardens are bold yet subtle, colourful yet soothing. Paths weave through the myriad of gardens and plots separated by thick hedgerows. Home to a diverse range of plant species, each season brings a feast for the eye. In mid-late April, 150,000 tulips can be seen and from June onward 2,000 types of rose flower creating a breath-taking display.
Featured on many different television programmes for its rich design and famous for its ‘clothing optional’ days, the gardens are some of the most well known in the country. Open daily between 11am and 5.30pm during the summer season, the gardens welcome visitors of all ages and accept dogs on leads too. Groups are welcome, and guided tours can be arranged.
If you’d like to visit, the stunning collection of 10,000 different plants in the beautifully maintained grounds won’t fail to captivate, whether you are a keen gardener yourself or simply an admirer. Once you’ve strolled the grounds reward yourself with a treat in the Coy Carp Cafe. Here you can enjoy a spot of lunch in the sunshine and watch the gardens’ koi carp swimming about in their pond nearby.
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The Abbey House, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9AS | www.abbeyhousegardens.com | 01666 827 650
