Somerset: Forde Abbey House and Gardens, Private Guided Walking Visit of Somerton and a return to Kingsdon Ladies!
For this summer’s excursion we will travel to Forde Abbey House and Gardens. Then to Somerton, the old County town of Wessex; Kingsdon Church and Village and the Kingsdon ladies for our cream tea!
We will arrive at Forde Abbey for 10.30am where we will be given a private one hour guided tour of the House. Founded by the Cistercian Order over 800 years ago, it has been a private residence since 1539. We visit the State rooms, with their stunning Mortlake tapestries, the Great Hall, Cloisters, Monks Dormitory, and the Chapel. It is rare to see so much of a medieval monastery preserved as an integral part of a private dwelling.
It has been home to 19th Century philosophers and politicians, was implicated in the Monmouth Rebellion, and more recently, the backdrop to the film re-make of Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far From the Madding Crowd.’
Following the tour of the House we have free time exploring the Abbey Gardens: The highest powered fountain in the country is a highlight for many, in 30 acres of award-winning gardens which include topiary-lined vistas, herbaceous borders, a giant-sized labyrinth in the arboretum, to give year-round interest. Don’t miss the Walled kitchen garden! We can also visit the Plant Nursery, and nearby gift-shop. Refreshments are available at Forde Abbey, or you are welcome to bring a picnic!
In the afternoon, the coach will continue to Somerton where we will enjoy a one hour guided walking tour around the town (less than ½ mile). Somerton is an historic town once owned by Saxon kings. Later a Roman centre, and then became the capital of Wessex. In the 13th Century it was made the County Town of Somerset. We will visit the old market place, the lovely Butter Cross, the 13thC Church, and view some of the almshouses, and note-worthy residences of the 17th/18thC.
Afterwards we drive just 3 miles to enjoy a fabulous cream tea prepared by Kingsdon ladies in aid of the church roof. Those who wish, may disembark for the short guided visit to the church, and a 5 minute walk viewing the old school (now community centre) and the unspoilt village. Then time to enjoy our tea!
This tour will be escorted by Handel Bennett and Stephen Pemberton.
Tour includes:
Coach, entrance fees, guided tours, Somerset Cream Tea, Driver’s gratuity. Cost £27.50.
Booking Form: Please download and send to Mr. Stephen Pemberton, 7 Glenisla Terrace, Sidmouth, EX10 8BP. Tel. 07810 496566.
Bookings: Will be confirmed from April 22 and remain open until filled.
Payment: Please make cheques payable to “SID VALE ASSOCIATION CIO.”
Envelope: Please enclose s.a.e. postage paid, to receive tickets.
Limitation: Tickets cannot be ‘reserved’. Refunds depend on re-sale of the tickets.
