Abbey House Gardens

From the very first glimpse of owners Ian and Barbara Pollard, the latter resplendent in heart patterned wellies, the tiniest of hot pants, and a brightly coloured belted kaftan, the former in…well…little more than a leopard print thong, it’s obvious that this is a garden like no other.

Abbey House is a garden unrestrained by rules, fearlessly sticking two fingers up at the orthodoxy. In just ten years it has been transformed by the hard work and vision of Ian and Barbara into an exuberant Eden, with a larger collection of plants and shrubs than in many botanical gardens.

Styled as a medieval garden, it is all about abundant planting and brazen colour - as its straight talking designer Ian says ‘None of that minimalism crap here’ (less is more only applies to his dress sense). The perfect centre piece for the bustling historic market town of Malmesbury; there’s something cheeky about a garden that achieves so much.

As well as formal gardens, which complement beautifully the towering presence of the ancient ruins of Malmesbury Abbey, there is also a naturalistic river walk. The best of both worlds in one venue, the wilder areas soothing and restful, providing a perfect contrast to the energy of the structured Celtic Cross Knot, Herb and Rose gardens.

The Abbey House, Malmesbury, Wiltshire. SN16 9AS

Opening Times:
Open daily 21st March to 21st October, 11.00am to 5.30pm.