The award-winning 14-acre Abbey Gardens is on the site of the former Benedictine Abbey, the Abbey of St Edmund, once one of the richest, largest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. People came from all over England and further afield to visit the Shrine of St Edmund and it became one of the most famous and wealthy pilgrimage locations in England, visited by royalty.
The formal beds and borders greet you as you walk through the Great 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.
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.
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!
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.
View website: https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/leisure/Parks/abbey-gardens.cfm
Address: 22 Mustow St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1XL
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