For Groups
Groups and coaches are always welcome at Forde Abbey, where the house, gardens, coffee shop, pottery exhibition, plant centre and gift shop provide activities enough for a full day out. Special rates are available for groups of 10 people or more and it is also possible to arrange for one of our experienced guides to take you around the house. (Please note we are unable to have groups on Saturdays).
For A Group Visit, please complete the Group Booking Form before confirming the date with your group.
House and Gardens
It is possible for groups to visit Forde Abbey and gardens any day of the week, except Saturdays, between 1st April and 31st October. Please allow about 1 hour to see the house and between 1 and 3 hours to see the gardens. Because of the stairs, the house is not suitable for people in wheelchairs.
For groups of children please contact the Forde Abbey office, telephone 01460 220231.
On Monday, all day, and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday mornings the Group Visits to the house are by pre-arranged guided tour only. The group rate for House and Gardens is £15.00 per person and an additional charge of £100 for a private tour of the house. Please note, there is a minimum of 15 people per group to qualify for the group rate.
On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Bank Holiday afternoons, the house is open to the general public from 12.00 to 3.30pm. There are no guided tours during the hours the house is open to the public.
Gardens
Gardens: Open from 1st of March – 31st of October, the group rate is £12.50 per person for gardens only, and a minimum of 15 people per group to qualify for group rate.
From the 1st of March – 31st of October, the gardens are open daily from 10.30am – 5.00pm (last entry at 4).
Our Coffee Shop in the 12th Century Undercroft will be open from 1st of March – 31st of October, 10.45 am to 4.45 pm
There is unlimited parking for both buses and cars.
The gardens, coffee shop, gift shop, plant centre and loos are suitable for disabled people.
School Groups
School Groups are welcome at Forde Abbey where a visit can be tailored to your individual requirements. Cost of entry is £5.00 per person. Please contact us at: info@fordeabbey.co.uk to find out more about bringing a school group to Forde Abbey.
Accessibility
The gardens, gift shop, coffee shop, plant centre, pottery exhibition and loos are all accessible for those with a disability. There is also a computer presentation about the house in the Great Hall on the ground floor for those who cannot manage the stairs.
For Coach Drivers
Although the roads leading to Forde Abbey are narrow in places they are passable, even for large coaches. For 64-seater coaches, please come in through the Exit gate to the right of the main gate (being aware that this is normally a one-way system). To find out how to get here please click here. There is unlimited parking for coaches and cars and the coffee shop seats up to 120 people.
2023 Group Rates
For Groups Of 10+
House and Gardens: £13.00 per person, Guided Tour of House and Gardens (optional) : £100 for a private tour of the house (for up to 60 people, and to be arranged with the office in advance of the visit). Gardens Only: £10.50 per person.
Please note that no other offers may be used when the Group Rate applies.
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