Once abandoned and now lovingly restored
Put on on your walking shoes and enjoy fifty acres of glorious gardens.Three centuries of garden history and design, once abandoned and now lovingly restored for you to explore and discover!
01823 413923
Opening Times
Hestercombe Gardens is open all year round, except Christmas Day.
The gardens are open from 10a.m. to 5.30p.m. with the last entry at 5p.m. (dusk in Winter)
The Courtyard, Stables Restaurant & Coffee Shop and Lutyens Gallery are open 10a.m. to 5.30p.m. (closing at 5p.m. in Winter)
The Gardens Shop & Plant Centre are open 11a.m. to 5.30p.m. (closing at 4.30p.m. in Winter)
The gardens are open from 10a.m. to 5.30p.m. with the last entry at 5p.m. (dusk in Winter)
The Courtyard, Stables Restaurant & Coffee Shop and Lutyens Gallery are open 10a.m. to 5.30p.m. (closing at 5p.m. in Winter)
The Gardens Shop & Plant Centre are open 11a.m. to 5.30p.m. (closing at 4.30p.m. in Winter)
Did you know the water wheel is powering the restored 1895 turbine to produce electricity?
Visit the restored Water Mill with its collection of energy sources dating from Victorian and Edwardian times. The overshot water wheel powers historical machinery in the Mill Room to crush apples, grind corn and cut timber. Demonstrations are given throughout the year.
Have you seen the latest exhibition?
Janet Jordan, Hestercombe's Gallery Manager, extends a warm welcome to the Lutyens Gallery. Janet has put together an exciting programme of exhibitions to run all throughout the year. So visit us often to enjoy the huge variety of art from many local artists.
Looking for a special gift?
The beautiful Gardens Shop and Plant centre is full of nice things for the home and garden. Wide range of gifts, books, cards, jewellery, plants, pots and a small selection garden furniture.
Plant Centre
Pop in to see Helen, our knowledgeable Plant Centre Manager. Her Plant Centre is full of healthy happy plants which are all seasonally selected by Helen.
We use the best local and seasonal ingredients
We take enormous pride in the food we serve, which is home made in the Hestercombe kitchen, using seasonal and local ingredients wherever possible. Head Chef, Kevin Davies with his professional team, change the full menu with each season and adds extra daily treats osn the Dessert and Specials blackboard.
Events & Activities
There is always something going on at Hestercombe. As if fifty acres of glorious gardens aren't enough, we create a full and varied calendar of events to interest everyone! There are children's holiday programmes, art exhibitions, garden workshops, fairs, demonstrations, theatre in the garden, lectures, butterfly trails and much much more!
How does Haircut, beauty treatment then lunch sound?
Escape the hustle and bustle of town and enjoy a relaxing indulgent experience at Gemma Waterjohns' hair salon and beauty and holistic therapies with Catherine Brown in The Lavender Rooms. Located in the historic Coach House above the Gardens Shop, the Lavender Rooms are an exciting addition to the facilities at Hestercombe.
Wildlife
As you walk the gardens it is not unusual to catch a glimpse of a flicking white tail as roe deer bound away at your approach... Hear the rustle of leaves as common lizards busily go about their daily business of bug hunting.
Children's Area
Situated right next to our picnic benches, this sunny spot is very popular for little ones under 7. Mums, Dads and Grandparents can watch their children enjoying this well-designed and safe playground with a cup of tea before a walk in the gardens.