As You Like It - Shakespeare in the Park
Location
Abbey Gardens, 22 Mustow Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1XL
Telephone
01284 758000- Next Event
- 22nd July - All day
- Following 5 Events
23/07/25 00:00
-23/07/25 00:00
24/07/25 00:00
-24/07/25 00:00
25/07/25 00:00
-25/07/25 00:00
26/07/25 00:00
-26/07/25 00:00
27/07/25 00:00
-27/07/25 00:00
About this event
The play follows the heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia and the court Jester Touchstone to the magical Forest of Arden. Rosalind and her cousin find Orlando, Rosalind’s love, in the forest. Disguised as a boy shepherd, Rosalind has Orlando woo her under the guise of curing him of his love for her but eventually Rosalind reveals she is a girl and marries Orlando during a group wedding at the end of the play.
Tuesday 22nd July, 7pm - £10
Wednesday 23rd July, 7pm - £15
Thursday 24th July, 7pm - £15
Friday 25th July, 7pm - £15
Saturday 26th July, 2pm (matinee) - £15
Saturday 27th July, 7pm - £15
Gates open one hour before performance starts for picnics, please bring a folding chair, blanket, umbrella and picnic.
Children under 16 to be accompanied by an adult.
Times: Tuesday 22 July - Saturday 26 July 2025
Tickets: Adults - £15 / £10, Under 21s - £5, Under 12s - Free
Booking: Essential - please click on Book Tickets above or ring 01359 259361
Please note your Paypal receipt is your ticket
Tickets are non refundable.
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About the Venue
The Abbey Gardens, in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, is the perfect spot for enjoying peace and quiet whilst watching the world go by. And it is FREE to visit!
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.
Internationally renowned for its colourful and attractive displays and the heritage of its backdrop make the gardens a very special place to visit and visitors come from all over the world to see it. According to VisitEngland, the Abbey Gardens and ruins in Bury St Edmunds is in the Top 20 most visited free attractions in England!
The gardens are framed by the abbey wall that runs from the 13th century Abbot's Bridge via the imposing Abbey Gate to St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
It is not hard to understand why the Abbey Gardens have won the prestigious Green Flag Award on numerous occasions, it is a stunning venue for the many and varied cultural events which take place in Bury St Edmunds.
Created in 1831 by Nathaniel Hodson, the Abbey Gardens was originally a botanic garden laid out in the same style as the Royal Botanic Gardens in Brussels. In 1936 the concentric circles were replaced by the sixty-four island beds which, together with illuminations, formed part of the Coronation celebrations for George VI in 1937.
Today, approximately 20,000 plants are bedded out in the spring for the summer display plus 12,000 plants and 20,000 bulbs in the autumn for the spring display.
Visit our Abbey Gardens Guide to find out more about this beautiful attraction in the heart of Bury St Edmunds.
Facilities:
The Shabby Shack Trading shop in the Abbey Gardens sells plants and gifts
Crazy golf - available from April to October. Charges: £1.50 per person, per game (plus £1 deposit).
Children’s play area
Wildlife feeding area - near the dovecote, past the children's play area and over the bridge. Please only feed the local wildlife near the dovecote as this will encourage them to stay close to it.
Dog Friendly
Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead.
Entry to the gardens is FREE. Opening Times. Download the West Suffolk Council Abbey Gardens Visitor Guide now.
TripAdvisor Reviews
"A visit to Abbey Gardens is more than just a trip to a park; it's an experience. It's a chance to step back in time, to connect with the past, and to appreciate the enduring beauty of nature. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Bury St Edmunds, Abbey Gardens is a must-see destination that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to something larger than yourself. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this hidden gem and discover its many treasures." - KentEngland Life
"Breathtakingly beautiful!!! All the flowers were gorgeous and colorful, and such rich history!!! Everything looks like it is straight out of a British history book - and such a quaint little shopping village!!!" - Autumn J
"We loved our afternoon exploring the gardens while visiting family in the area. The grounds were gorgeous in May. We traveled with younger kids and they loved being able to walk through the ruins and play on the playground. Great place for a relaxed afternoon or picnic. Many great photo ops as well." - cdavisq - Washington DC
