What's On at Hestercombe

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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.

CWB 2 68b Portrait of C W Bampfylde by J Wootton c 1740

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 Blue - The Blue of Distance

The Blue of Distance is an exhibition by Lizzie Philps that brings together cyanotype imagery, planting histories, and reflections on landscape, perception, and cultural memory.

The Art of the Maze - Exploration, Symbolism and Landscape Design

Exploring the art, history and imagination of maze design through the work of Randoll Coate and the Hestercombe Maize Maze 2026. (Maize maze opening soon!)

A Perfect Partnership: Jekyll and Lutyens

At the beginning of the twentieth century, two exceptional talents came together to create what is now considered the finest surviving example of their long-standing partnership: the Formal Garden at Hestercombe Gardens.

Pyrland School Art & Photography Exhibition 2026

We are delighted to welcome this special exhibition showcasing the creative work of students from Pyrland School’s Art & Photography department.

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.

Kaspar: Prince of Cats

A family-friendly open-air theatre performance at Hestercombe Gardens

Around the World in 80 Days

A fast-paced open-air adventure at Hestercombe Gardens

Alice's Adventures in Hestercombe

Curiouser and curiouser… A classic story unfolds in the gardens this summer. Step into Wonderland and join Alice on a whimsical trail through Hestercombe’s historic landscape. Along the way, discover beautifully themed arts and crafts in a charming adventure for all ages.

Unusual edibles - tour & tasting (FREE event)

Step into the edible landscape at Hestercombe and discover a world of surprising flavours, resilient growing, and regenerative gardening. Join us for a relaxed, guided wander through our productive spaces, where you’ll taste your way through an array of unusual crops and gain insight into how we grow food in harmony with nature. Led by Rachel from EDGE, this informal tour is a chance to explore, ask questions, and be inspired—whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out.

Folksy Theatre presents A Midsummer Night's Dream

Love, laughter, and a little bit of lunacy — enter a world where fairies meddle, lovers quarrel, and magic runs wild! This summer, join us for a breathtaking open-air performance of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

A year of Plein-air painting at Hestercombe

Fiona Brown and Josie Chadwick present a year in paint at Hestercombe.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

A relaxed and joyful concert in the beautiful grounds of Hestercombe, Taunton's own stately home, for the very young and young at heart.

Austin Ten Drivers Club Visit

Step back in time and experience the charm of 1930s motoring at Hestercombe.

Hestercombe Haiku – An Autumn Poetry Walk

Think you can’t write poetry? You can definitely manage 17 syllables. This gentle, guided walk through Hestercombe’s formal gardens invites you to slow down, notice the details, and capture them in words.

Climate Resilient Gardening – FULL DAY COURSE

Future-proof your garden and grow more with less effort. Join us at Hestercombe for an inspiring, hands-on deep dive into climate resilient food growing—designed to help you adapt, thrive, and produce abundant crops in an ever-changing environment. Led by Rachel from EDGE, this practical one-day course will transform the way you think about soil, water, and ecosystems—giving you the tools to grow healthier plants with less work.

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The Art of Words – Writing from Hestercombe’s Collection

Step inside Hestercombe House and discover how art can unlock new ideas in your writing. In this relaxed, practical workshop, you’ll respond directly to pieces from the collection, using guided exercises to explore character, voice, and atmosphere.

Self-Sufficency Gardening

Grow more of what you eat and take control of your food supply. This practical workshop at Hestercombe will help you plan and design a productive growing space tailored to your needs—whether you're aiming for partial or full self-sufficiency. Led by Rachel from EDGE, this session focuses on turning your ideas into a realistic, achievable growing plan based on your space, time, and goals.

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Through Bampfylde’s Eyes – A Writing Walk

Hestercombe’s landscape gardens were designed as a sequence of carefully composed views - a form of storytelling through place. In this immersive writing walk, you’ll explore the gardens as intended, stopping at selected viewpoints to take in the scenery and respond through guided exercises.

Regenerative Soil Management and Compost Workshop

Healthy soil is the foundation of productive growing. Join us at Hestercombe for a practical, hands-on workshop exploring how to build rich, living soil that boosts your crops, reduces your workload, and supports long-term sustainability. Led by Rachel from EDGE, this session focuses on simple, effective methods you can apply immediately—whether you're growing at home or on a larger scale.

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Propogation Methods (including fruit propogation) Workshop

Multiply your plants, expand your garden, and grow more for less. This hands-on workshop at Hestercombe will introduce you to a wide range of propagation techniques, helping you create new plants from what you already have. Led by Rachel from EDGE, this practical session is perfect for anyone looking to reduce costs, increase plant diversity, and build a more productive growing space.

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Hestercombe Christmas Market

Join us this December for a beautifully curated Christmas Market set within the historic surroundings of Hestercombe House & Gardens.

Snowed In at Hestercombe – A Vintage Murder Mystery Workshop

Spend the day immersed in the world of classic crime, using Hestercombe House as the inspiration for your own vintage-style murder mystery. Through a series of guided, practical exercises, you’ll begin to build the foundations of a compelling whodunnit, from intriguing characters to cunning methods and motives.

What's On

2026 dates for your calendar