Forde Abbey & the Press

Forde Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery and has been a private home since 1649. It is now the home of Julian and Alice Kennard with their children Ben, Sam & Marcia. They took over from Alice's parents, Mr and Mrs Mark Roper in 2009. The Roper family have lived here and worked the 1600 acre surrounding estate since 1905.

The house and gardens have been formally open to the public since the 1950s. The gardens are now open daily throughout the year with the house open five afternoons a week during the warmer months. During 2010 the house is open from the 30th March until the 31st October on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.

Forde Abbey is also a registered venue for Civil Ceremonies and is a popular location for wedding receptions. Other business interests concerning the house and gardens include music recording in the Great Hall and filming.

Recent Press Releases
All press releases are free of copyright and information from them may be used in publications. However, we would be grateful if you could let us know should you use them.

Increasing Consumer Choice at Forde Abbey June 2009
Carpets of Crocus February 2009
Snowdrops and spring at Forde Abbey January 2009
Our new transatlantic visitor! May 2008
Forde Abbey's Silver Success! April 2008
Enjoy England Finalists! April 2008
Forde Abbey Wins Gold Again! October 2007
Strawberry Fields Forever May 2007
Making Music November 2006
South West Tourism Small Visitor Attraction of the Year October 2006
Forde Abbey Summer Fair June 2006
VAQAS Award May 2006

Press Contact
If you would like more information on any of these stories or would like to request photographs please contact Hannah Galvin by email or on 01460 220231 during office hours.