Layers of Time: The Gardens of Hestercombe

Hestercombe is more than a garden — it is a landscape shaped by visionaries, caretakers and changing ideas across four centuries. This exhibition explores that story, from its early formal beginnings to the sweeping eighteenth-century landscape, the artistry of the Edwardian terraces, and the remarkable restoration that has brought them back to life. Through images and interpretation, discover how each generation has left its mark on this Somerset estate — creating a place where history, design and nature exist in layers, still unfolding today.

Arcadian Visions: The art of Coplestone Warre Bampfylde

Discover the world of Coplestone Warre Bampfylde — artist, traveller and garden designer. Born at Hestercombe in 1720, Bampfylde found lifelong inspiration in the landscapes around him. His paintings range from grand, classical scenes to lively views of Britain’s coasts and countryside, capturing both real places and imagined worlds. This exhibition brings together his remarkable work, inviting visitors of all ages to explore the beauty of landscape through eighteenth-century eyes.

March is Members' Month

A thank you to our members this March

Shared Light

Shared Light is a photographic exhibition celebrating the creative partnership between Hestercombe and Reflect, and the beauty of sharing place, perspective and possibility.

RGB: Green

The second in a series of exhibitions, walks and writings at Hestercombe by artist and writer Lizzie Philps.

Easter Fun at Hestercombe – Bunny Trail & Crafts!

Join us at Hestercombe from 28 March to 12 April for a delightful Easter Bunny Trail and Crafts adventure the whole family will love.

Jackson’s : Plein Air Day

We’re delighted to partner with Jackson’s for a special Plein Air Day on 10th April, for a creative day of outdoor art-making in the grounds of Hestercombe Gardens. Whether you're a seasoned painter or picking up a sketchbook for the first time, this relaxed plein air event is open to all artists and art-lovers of all ages and skill levels.

Kitchen Garden Design

You already have a space for growing food, and you would like help designing it!

Organic Pest & Disease Management

A chance to learn how to manage your food crops without the use of chemicals, pesticides etc

The Spring Sketchbook: Botanical Illustration at Hestercombe

Artist and illustrator, Katherine O'Shea, is returning to Hestercombe by popular demand! Learn how to capture beautiful botanical subjects through careful observation at the emerging Spring gardens at Hestercombe Gardens.

The Spring Sketchbook: Botanical Illustration at Hestercombe

Artist and illustrator, Katherine O'Shea, is returning to Hestercombe by popular demand! Learn how to capture beautiful botanical subjects through careful observation at the emerging Spring gardens at Hestercombe Gardens.

Self-Sufficiency planning

This course is a one day deep dive into planning for Self-sufficiency with regard to growing fruit, veg, herbs, eggs & mushrooms. Suitable for anyone who would like to become as self-sufficient with food growing as possible. What that means to you will vary - from growing your year's worth of potatoes, to salad available year round, to not having to buy anything from the shops, how you define self-sufficiency is up to you, and we can help you get there.

Polytunnel / Greenhouse Design

Indoor growing year round made simple with our crops suggestions and design ideas

The Spring Sketchbook: Botanical Illustration at Hestercombe

Artist and illustrator, Katherine O'Shea, is returning to Hestercombe by popular demand! Learn how to capture beautiful botanical subjects through careful observation at the emerging Spring gardens at Hestercombe Gardens.

The Spring Sketchbook: Botanical Illustration at Hestercombe

Artist and illustrator, Katherine O'Shea, is returning to Hestercombe by popular demand! Learn how to capture beautiful botanical subjects through careful observation at the emerging Spring gardens at Hestercombe Gardens.

The Reduced Opera Company - CARMEN

Join The Bluebirds and Reduced Opera Company in this boldly reimagined Carmen. Sung in English, the drama unfolds inside a vast cloth factory; this is the world of the life-affirming Carmen - a charismatic and seductive textile worker, looking for life beyond the drudgery of the factory floor; there's Jose, the lonely security guard drawn into her rebellious underworld; and the celebrity fashion designer Escamillo of Toro Textiles, with his youthful bravado and iconic bull-ring style. Re-told with a cast of six singers, puppetry and accompanied by piano and flamenco guitar, this re-telling of the classic tale is reworked with new dynamic relevance.

Building Confidence Through The Arts - Sketching at Hestercombe Gardens

We’re delighted to collaborate with Somerset Skills & Learning to offer this inspiring sketching course set in the beautiful surroundings of Hestercombe Gardens. Designed to build confidence and nurture creativity, this course invites you to explore nature through sketching while supporting your wellbeing. Join us to develop a new skill and capture the beauty of the landscape in your own unique way.