Ugly Bug Ball Trail
Can you name all of the critters in our Ugly Bug Ball Trail this May Half Term?
Due to staff shortages in our catering team (congratulations to our Head Chef who has just gone on paternity leave), over the weekends of the 11th/12th and 18th/19th May we will be serving BBQ food only from outside our Stables Restaurant, as well as cakes, sandwiches and ice cream in our cafe. A limited menu will also be available from Monday to Friday over the next two weeks. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
This event is fully booked
The natural features and views of the Landscape Garden come to life at night, with spotlights, lit trees and coloured paths drawing you up towards the Great Cascade, down past beautiful dynamic fountains in the Pear Pond and through a 'Christmas tree' grove below the Formal Garden, before finishing with a show-stopping display in front of Hestercombe House.
This stunning experience is approximately the same walking distance as the sold-out 2022 event, but even more packed with show-stopping sights and sounds to wow the entire family. Prepare to be awe-inspired at our beautiful gardens as they come to life this Christmas.
Children aged under 2 receive free admission - no need to book a ticket. Tickets must be purchased for children aged 2 to 15.
Advance booking is essential and we won't be selling tickets on arrival; tickets are now on sale and sell out quickly.
We will be selling a range of hot and cold food in Bampfylde Hall, including wild boar hot dogs, vegan hot dogs, festive turkey baps, cakes, and of course hot chocolate and mulled wine! Drop in at the beginning or end of your journey.
A special two course meal will be served at 6pm (arrive for 5.45pm), allowing you and your party to eat and then enjoy Illuminate afterwards at your leisure (last entry 8pm). Please note that the dinner tickets do not include entry to Illuminate. Purchase your dinner tickets (below) in addition to Illuminate tickets. We recommend choosing a slot for Illuminate after 7pm, but don't worry, our ticket office team will be flexible to fit your meal.
View the menu here.
Pre-booking of your table is essential as we expect to sell out.
Vegan options are available. Please email us at food@hestercombe.com with any dietary requirements you may have.
A special Christmas menu is available for group bookings in November and December. All food is prepared in-house by our talented team of chefs and can be served in a variety of beautiful settings.
We will work with you to achieve the perfect team lunch or meal with friends and family.
Email juliewhite@hestercombe.com to find out more.
Please read the following carefully before booking your tickets:
View our event cancellation and refund policy.
If you experience any difficulty with booking, or have any questions, please email Visitor Reception in the first instance at info@hestercombe.com, or call 01823 413923.
*Every ticket purchased for the opening night of Illuminate (23rd November) will receive a voucher for a free adult or child's hot chocolate, tea or coffee when you check in. This voucher can be redeemed on the 23rd November only at any of our catering outlets. The voucher has no cash value and can only be used once. Not transferrable.
Can you name all of the critters in our Ugly Bug Ball Trail this May Half Term?
Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock is coming to life at Hestercombe Gardens during the Summer Holidays.
We welcome Folksy for a performance of Quentin Blake's Angelica Sprocket's Pockets
We welcome Folksy Theatre for an evening outside performance of ‘As You Like It’ by William Shakespeare.