Malmesbury: Abbey House Gardens

Malmesbury is a charming market town dating back to Saxon times. With a charter granted in 924, it claims to be the oldest borough in England
The striking half-ruined 12th-century Benedictine Abbey was originally founded in the seventh century
An 11th-century monk, Eilmer, broke his legs while attempting to fly with home-made wings from the roof - this is commemorated in a window of the church
The Abbey contains the tomb of Athelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, and the first Saxon to be recognised as the King of England
Abbey House Gardens - this privately-owned garden has been created by the present owners since 1994. The property dates back to the 12th century
Whole area was completely overgrown with dead and decaying growth, weeds and brambles, which all had to be cleared before design and planting could begin
Spring brings over 70,000 tulips, crocus, daffodils, and primrose, as well as fruit blossom; later come wisteria, laburnum and rhododendron
Summer sees 2,000 different varieties of rose come into bloom
Garden reflects the history of the Abbey, and encompasses herbaceous borders, herb, foliage and knot gardens
Water plays a significant role, with ornamental pond, raised fish tank (or ‘Stew pond’) and the river Avon running through the valley below the house
Find out more about this Malmesbury based attraction