Abbey Gardens
Whether you're a history lover or simply want a picnic in a park, the Abbey Gardens provides a beautiful backdrop in which to enjoy. Dogs are allowed but only on a lead.
Visit the What's On West Suffolk website to find out information on events.
Seasonal opening times
These opening times are for the Abbeygate only. It takes staff up to half an hour to close all the other gates prior to the Abbeygate closure. There are swing boards and fixed signs giving details of each gate closure time.
| Summer - 1 April to 31 August | Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 8pm Sundays and bank holidays 9am to 8pm |
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| Late Summer - September | Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 7pm Sundays and bank holidays 9am to 7pm |
| Mid-season - October and March | Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 6pm Sundays and bank holidays 9am to 6pm |
| Winter - 1 November to the last day in February | Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 5pm Sundays and bank holidays 9am to 5pm |
Cost
Free to enjoy
Address
Mustow Street
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 1XL
What3words for the main entrance is ///snow.complies.mills
Map
About the Abbey Gardens
The Abbey Gardens is made up of different areas, a brief description of each can be found below. The ruins of an 11th century Benedictine monastery also lay within the gardens, the St Edmundsbury Chronicle gives more information on the history of this interesting site.
Appleby Rose Garden
Originally an orchard, this is now a beautiful and established rose garden with over 400 rose bushes. The rose garden is named after John Appleby, an American serviceman who served with the 487th Bomb Group in Lavenham. A donation of royalties from his book 'Suffolk Summer' saw the rose garden come to life. A bench made from the wing of an American 'Flying Fortress Bomber' and a memorial stone pays tribute to the many US servicemen and women stationed in Suffolk. For dedications available in the Rose Garden, please see dedications below.
Central area
The formal beds and borders greet you as you walk through the Abbey Gate. With benches along the perimeter, this is the perfect spot for enjoying a few moments' peace and quiet whilst watching the world go by.
Children's play area
A well-equipped play area and treehouse nestle within a willow maze, there is lots for the adventurous (and not so) to do. There is also a sand and water area so don't forget your bucket and spade!
Pilgrims herb garden
The garden features many traditional medicinal plants believed to cure most ills and also ward off evil spirits. It was inspired by a now famous manuscript written at the Abbey in the 13th century which is housed in the Bodleian Library in Oxford.
Sensory garden
Designed with the visually impaired in mind, this garden is full of fragrant and tactile plants for everyone to enjoy.
The Riverside
The River Lark runs along the eastern side of the Abbey Gardens. The abbey historically used the river as a power supply and trading route.
The water garden
Tranquil and calming, the water garden is a relaxing place to enjoy some shade on sunny summer days.
Wildlife feeding area
There is a special wildlife feeding area within the Abbey Gardens. It is near the dovecote, past the children's play area and over the bridge. The dovecote was designed to home the pigeons so that visitors walking under the Great Gate didn't receive any unwanted gifts! Please only feed the local wildlife near the dovecote as this will encourage them to stay close to it.
Activities
Aviary
There is a small aviary with a variety of birds. There is no charge to see the birds.
Tennis courts
Two courts are available to book for a one hour session from 8am Monday to Saturday and from 9am on Sundays and bank holidays. Latest booking times for the courts vary depending on when the gardens themselves are due to close.
In the event of the Eastgate Street gate being locked, exit the tennis courts via the Mindon Close gate.
Charges
£5.75 per court, per hour.
To book and pay use Clubspark.
Facilities
- Banner hire for advertising
- Refreshment kiosk
- Shabby Shack Trading shop selling plants and gifts, see their Facebook page for more details. Phone 07850 088743, email Shabbyshacktrading@gmail.com
- Toilets – opening hours Monday to Saturday 8am to 6.30pm and Sunday 8.30am to 6.30pm. Attendant present every day from midday.
The refreshment kiosk is managed by Grounds Café. Opening hours are as follows:
| 1 February to 30 September | Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays 9.30am to 5.30pm |
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| 1 October to 31 January | Monday to Sunday 10am to 4pm Please call the kiosk on 01284 653788 to check for opening times as they may change due to weather conditions. |
Dedications
Benches dedicated to a loved one are available to purchase at The Abbey Gardens. There is also an option to purchase metal plaques mounted in the rose bed and metal leaves to be placed on the dedication tree both of which are within the rose garden in the Abbey Gardens.
All dedication options are subject to availability and are offered for a 10-year period in the first instance, starting from the date of installation and include a plaque for your dedication.
Dedications are ordered and installed twice a year, in spring and autumn. Please contact the Parks service be emailing parks@westsuffolk.gov.uk to be added to the waiting list. For prices visit the Parks and open spaces fees and charges page.
Events and group visits
To host an event or hire our parks for a group visit, please visit West Suffolk Parks, outdoor spaces and venues for more details.
Abbey Gardens friends
Visit the Abbey Gardens Friends website for more information.