Skip to content
Menu

Hestercombe Gardens

Magnificent Georgian landscape garden designed by artist Coplestone Warre Bampfylde, a contemporary of Gainsborough and Henry Hoare of Stourhead. Victorian terrace and shrubbery and an exquisite example of a Lutyens/Jeykll designed formal garden; C17 water garden. Enjoy 50 acres of woodland walks, temples, terraces, pergolas, lakes and cascades. A limited number of tickets have been made available for a private tour of the gardens on the evening of the 4th June. Please arrive promptly at 6pm for a glass of wine, and an introductory talk by Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade, after which there will be the opportunity to explore the gardens, accompanied by Claire. This will be a unique experience to wander the gardens in the early evening when the garden is closed to other visitors.

Owner Info

Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens

About Hestercombe Gardens

Hestercombe offers four centuries of garden design: the exquisite Georgian landscape garden designed by Coplestone Warre Bampfylde c.1750s; a Victorian Terrace and Shrubbery; and the exquisite Edwardian formal gardens designed by Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll which, together, make up fifty acres of woodland walks, temples, terraces, pergolas, lakes and cascades. In 2023 a C17th Water garden restoration will open to the public.

Hestercombe House, parts of which date back to 1280, and formerly the HQ of Somerset Fire Brigade, sits at the centre of the estate – visitors can explore Hestercombe Contemporary Art Gallery, second-hand bookshop and gift shop; plus a series of outdoor artworks within the gardens.

The recently refurbished Stables restaurant serves delicious home-made brunches, lunches, desserts and afternoon teas, with the option to sit outside in the stylish covered courtyard or indoors within the original stables blocks. Next door, Caffe + Gelato serves light bites, cakes, drinks and delicious locally made gelato. Both are free to enter.

The well-stocked Plant Centre is a treasure trove of seasonal plants and flowers. There is a play area for under 7’s plus a picnic area and a variety of family trails around the gardens. A new natural play area for all ages is now open in the Georgian Landscape Garden.

The beautifully restored 17th century watermill, Bat Room and Octagon Summerhouse adds extra interest to your visit.

Join us all year round for an enjoyable variety of events including family activities, craft and art workshops, special Christmas celebrations and late summer openings with wood-fired pizzas.

An all-access route is shown on the guide map, and visitors can also pre-book an all-terrain ‘tramper’ vehicle.

Dogs are very welcome throughout the gardens, shop, restaurant and café on a short lead, with a free treat on arrival.

Website:

https://www.hestercombe.com

Hestercombe Gardens features

Location details

Hestercombe Gardens,
Taunton,
Somerset,
TA2 8LG

Directions to Hestercombe Gardens
Follow brown daisy signs. SatNav postcode TA2 8LQ.

Hestercombe Gardens openings

This garden has now completed its National Garden Scheme openings for this year.

Accessibility

  • Gravel paths, steep slopes, steps. An all-access route is shown on the guide map, & visitors can pre-book an all-terrain tramper vehicle (5 Mar only).
  • Share this garden

Other Gardens of Potential Interest

The Studio House image
The Studio House

The garden was created from a concrete farmyard in 2016. The planting is mainly perennials but becoming more relaxed with self seeded...

Read more
Perham House image
Perham House

A characterful garden with a sunny, mixed-herbaceous walled border, treehouse and main duck-strewn lawn which connects through a willow tunnel to a...

Read more
Wick Farm image
Wick Farm

Nestled into 22 acres of land, Wick Farm is a colourful sanctuary offering curiosity and wonder. Expect tulips, alliums, a beautiful lime tree...

Read more
Wick Manor image
Wick Manor

Wick Manor provides relaxed formality with a love of structure, scent and romance. Strictly no chemicals...

Read more
Wick Gardens image
Wick Gardens

Four gardens in close proximity with structure yet informality, lovely planting and much colour Three gardens on old sites and one modern converted...

Read more
Standerwick Court image
Standerwick Court

A hidden gem near the Somerset/Wilts border. With far-reaching views over the White Horse and Cley Hill lies a stunning Queen Anne House nestled in...

Read more
New Wood House, 19 The Beacon image
New Wood House, 19 The Beacon

Building on an existing design of terraces, paths and some fine mature trees, the garden has been extensively restored over 8 yrs, replanting with...

Read more
Highclere image
Highclere

Welcome to the garden of Mum and Dad. Taken on by the next generation with help of their son and grandson. Veg garden successfully changed to raised...

Read more

Don’t miss out

Sign up to our weekly newsletter to hear more about the gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme, events and activities throughout the year

Sign up to our newsletter

FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Yes, coaches are accepted at Hestercombe Gardens. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Hestercombe Gardens. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Hestercombe Gardens, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Hestercombe Gardens are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Hestercombe Gardens seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.