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.

Restaurant and café, restored watermill and barn, contemporary art gallery. Four centuries of garden design.