Nature in Abbey Gardens

Aviary

There is a small aviary at Abbey Gardens with a variety of birds including canaries, budgies, teal ducks, Bengalis and Zebra finches and diamond doves. There is no charge to see these beautiful birds.

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.

Central area

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.

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.