Pictures of Abbey House Gardens

a Garden or Park in the town of Malmesbury, in the county of Wiltshire

Abbey House Gardens Picture Tour Hotels near Abbey House Gardens Abbey House Gardens Facts Abbey House Gardens Forum Submit pictures Nearby Towns Nearby Attractions Abbey House Gardens Map Add attraction to favourites

About Abbey House Gardens

William Stumpe, the wealthy merchant responsible for giving Malmesbury Abbey back to the town following the Dissolution was also responsible for the building of The Abbey House. He built the house around 1542 on the foundations of the old 13th-century Abbots House.

During the English Civil War the house was used as a Governors residence. At this time the property had passed by marriage into the hands of the Ivey family - a painting of 1648 entitled "Birds Eye View" shows the house and lists it as being Mr. Ivey's house.

In the early part of the 20th-century Abbey House was bought by Captain Elliot Scott McCarty. He employed Sir Harold Break to enlarge the property with the addition of a nursery wing and servants quarters in the same style as the original building. Thus the house retains a unified appearance. The McKirdy family lived at the house for over 40 years, it was sold by them in 1968 to The Deaconess Community of St. Andrew, to be used as a retreat home.

When the order vacated the house in 1990 it lay empty until the present family bought it in 1994.

Today this remarkable house is surrounded by a truly superb garden, it is a triumph that perfectly compliments the house, with one of the most glorious aspects being a Saxon Archway surrounded by hedges, trees and beautifully planted flower beds.

Much of the garden is broken down into "rooms" of these the most captivating is the Celtic Cross garden. In this flower beds flourish around an old well, with the cross being influenced by St.Martin's cross on Iona. Here, serenity looms, giving time to reflect on Christianity of long ago whilst enjoying the arrangement of traditional knot garden plants such as sweet scented lavender.

There is a lovely herb garden, beautiful herbaceous borders, box, and an ornamental pond. The garden's strong medieval feel is enhanced by varieties of apple cordon, pears, medlars, vine and many rare plants that would have been grown when the monks lived and worked at the nearby abbey.

The crowning glory of the garden must be its magnificent display of over 2,000 species of roses. These are arranged to good effect reflecting the Tudor atmosphere pervading the main house. There is much use of Topiary, and another water feature where Koi Carp can be seen.

There are many wonders in this attractive garden, Dinosaur Grove is imaginatively laid out with trees from the days when the Dinosaurs trod the earth. Mingling with these, visitors can see vibrant camellias, acers and hydrangeas.

Each season at Abbey House gardens brings its own delights and colours. It is a very special place inspired by what once stood on the landscape and is a garden that gives joy to all who visit.

Please upload your photos of Abbey House Gardens or see below for towns & villages near Abbey House Gardens and a list of other nearby attractions to visit.

Planning a visit? We have thousands of Hotels, Bed & Breakfast and Holiday Cottages to choose from at highly competetive rates when booked through the Pictures of England website. Click here for accommodation near Abbey House Gardens

Add attraction to favourites

Submit a history of Abbey House Gardens

Recommended towns & villages near Abbey House Gardens

	Malmesbury (0.2 miles, 0.4 km) The town stakes its claim to be the oldest borough in England on the fact that it was granted a charter in the year 924 by King Edward.. Information | Pictures (59) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Castle Combe (8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction SW) As recently as 2001 it was awarded the title of 'Most Picturesque Village' by British Heritage Magazine's 2001 Traveller's Choice Awards... Information | Pictures (62) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Cirencester (10.8 miles, 17.4 km, direction NE) Originally known in Roman times as Corinium Dobunorum, the town of Cirencester in those far off day's was the second largest town in England... Information | Pictures (63) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Bisley (11.5 miles, 18.4 km, direction N) The village of Bisley is all charm. It has an excellent collection of very fine buildings as well as some interesting local folklore... Information | Pictures (29) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Lacock (11.9 miles, 19.2 km, direction S) Gatherings of graceful medieval houses line the streets of Lacock.. Information | Pictures (91) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Recommended attractions near Abbey House Gardens

	Malmesbury Abbey (0.1 miles, 0.1 km) Malmesbury Abbey is built on the site of a former Saxon monastery of AD700, by the 12th-century it was an important Benedictine..... Information | Pictures (9) | Hotels
	Westonbirt Arboretum (5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction W) A magnificent arboretum which is a joy to visit at any time of year. It is run by the Forestry Commission and has a dazzling..... Information | Pictures (77) | Hotels
	Newark Park (9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction W) Former Tudor hunting lodge later converted to fashionable home... Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels
	Horton Court (10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction W) Remains of a 12th century rectory with Norman hall and early Renaissance decoration... Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels
	Lydiard House & Park (10.9 miles, 17.5 km, direction E) This beautiful country estate which was originally a Medieval deer park, is the former home of the Viscounts Bolingbroke. The..... Information | Pictures (8) | Hotels

Hotels near Abbey House Gardens

Hotels near Abbey House Gardens  Cottages near Abbey House Gardens  Bed & Breakfast near Abbey House Gardens

	Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England (0.1 miles, 0.1 km) England’s oldest hotel (from 1220) in England’s first capital offers quintessentially English service and hospitality. Experience levels of service that you would find hard to better anywhere in E... More info and book online..  Price from £115.00
	The Horse Guards Brokenborough, Wiltshire, England (1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction NW) Nestled in tranquil Brokenborough, this 18th-century Cotswolds pub boasts sleek, elegant rooms with wooden beams and wall-mounted 32-inch LED TVs.... More info and book online..  Price from £85.00
	Whatley Manor Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England (2.2 miles, 3.6 km, direction W) Nestled within 12 acres of picturesque Wiltshire countryside, this hotel with Michelin star dining room is a stylish venue where you can relax and revive. Experience the Michelin star dining room, se... More info and book online..  Price from £260.00
	The Horse And Groom Inn Charlton, Wiltshire, England (2.4 miles, 3.9 km, direction NE) In the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, this traditional country inn offers stylish and attractive accommodation; Michelin-recommended food; and peaceful, tranquil surroundings for a relaxing or roman... More info and book online..  Price from £75.00
	Old Park Farm Holiday Cottages Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England (3.2 miles, 5.2 km, direction NE) When looking for a comfortable and convenient self-catering cottage in Malmesbury, look no further than the stunning cottages at Old Park Farm Holiday Cottages. This family-run business provides a hom... More info and book online..  Price from £250.00