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Thanks to everyone who joined us for our second year at Forde Abbey at Chard in Somerset for a bountiful HarvestFest. Toby’s Harvest Festival is now finished for 2018, we look forward to seeing you our next festival at Powderham Castle, near Exeter to welcome in the spring!

““Our new Harvest Festival at Forde Abbey was truly inspiring thanks to the wonderful makers and growers who joined is to share their knowledge and all in the beautiful setting of Forde’s rolling lawns, abundant Walled Garden and dahlia-filled borders.”

Toby Buckland

celebrity speakers

Alys Fowler & Matt Biggs

We are delighted to welcome some fabulous speakers to Forde Abbey this autumn including the well-known Guardian writer and presenter Alys Fowler, Matt Biggs from BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, actor and gardener John Challis and Jim Buttress. Plus the Blue Peter gardener Lee Connelly is joining us on 15th and 16th September 2018, bringing his own brand of fun children’s entertainment and horticultural enlightenment! 

Learn from the best

Workshops in the Demo Tipi

Our popular Demo Tipi returns in 2018 with two-days of demos and workshops with garden and craft experts sharing their knowledge of harvest skills.

Plants crafts & food

All the Fun of the Fayre

Expect to see more than 150 exhibitors, bringing along a tempting mix of seasonal plants including roses, camellias, herbaceous perennials, herbs and heuchera, plus garden tools and sculpture, and a wide range of artisan craft and delicious locally-produced food.

Group bookings and coach information

Concessions for garden clubs

Why not make this a day out trip for your gardening club? We have great facilities, including discounted tickets on sale or return, catering, free car and coach parking and free entry for your coach driver.

How to get here

Free parking

Forde Abbey is easy to get to by car and parking is free or if you want to come by train the nearest station just five miles away. See the Plan Your Visit page for more details.

All you need to know

What to expect on the day

Most of the site is accessible for wheelchair users though there are some sloping gravel paths. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds (not the house) and we ask not to leave dogs in the car. See our FAQ page.

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