The Bury St Edmunds Nearly Festival 2025

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

Grounds Cafe - Abbey Gardens

Tennis Courts

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.
Please note - dogs are not allowed into the Abbey Gardens toilets for reasons of hygiene.

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