For Families

We have added a number of features recently to make a day out at Forde Abbey even more enjoyable for all ages. A Children’s Pack is available from the shop and at the house entrance. This is aimed at children aged 3 to 11 although younger children may need some help. Please click here to find out more.

For Disabled Visitors

We have tried to make Forde Abbey as accessible as possible for people with disabilities given the obvious restraints of a listed house and garden. Admission is free for those in wheelchairs.

House
For visitors with impaired vision the information cards in each room of the House are also available in a large print version from the steward in the Great Hall as you enter the house. If you would like to explore the house using touch please ask the steward at the front desk for the ‘white handkerchief’. This will identify you to each of the room stewards and they will then allow you to touch all of the exhibits and the furniture.

Unfortunately, the upstairs rooms in the house are not suitable for people in wheelchairs. However, visitors are able to view these rooms on the computerised slide show set up in the Great Hall. This shows many of the features in the rooms upstairs with descriptions and is completely automated. We do not charge entry for people in wheelchairs.

If you are able to negotiate the shallow stairs to the upper floor there are easily identifiable chairs throughout the house that you may use to rest on at any time. These chairs are the same in each of the rooms and the room stewards will be able to point you in the right direction if you are in any doubt.

Garden
Much of the garden is accessible to people in wheelchairs, although the Bog Garden may present some difficulties. On arrival, the most suitable paths for wheelchair users will be indicated to you. There is a wheelchair available for visitors. It is best to book the use of this in advance from the Gift Shop (01460 221699).

There are loo facilities for the disabled.

For more detailed information on accessibility at Forde Abbey please read our Access Statement.

Download Here.

To read this you will need Adobe Acrobat reader. To download this free please click here.

For Overseas Visitors

The information cards in each room in the House are also available in the following languages and may be collected from the desk in the Great Hall.

French - Français
German - Deutsch
Italian - Italiano
Dutch - Nederlands
Spanish - Español

For Dog Owners

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Forde Abbey on a short lead and the gardens make a favourite walking spot for many of our visitors. Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners into the Tearoom and there is always a bowl of water for thirsty dogs at the Tearoom door.

Unfortunately we cannot allow dogs into the house.

Please remember that dogs should not be left in cars for long periods, particularly in hot weather.