The Lighter Side
A photographic journey through joy at Hestercombe
Join us this May half term for a family word hunt around Hestercombe House
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This May half term enjoy a fun and informative hunt around historic Hestercombe House for all of the family.
Follow our friendly caterpillar around the historic rooms and galleries of Hestercombe House, piecing together clues and delving into some of Hestercombe's rich history to solve a puzzle. Claim your free prize at the end of the hunt in our fantastic second hand bookshop.
This trail has elements to suit young children, but also enough sleuthing to keep primary school age and even 'big kids' busy.
Please note that Hestercombe House will close at 5pm daily.
The Caterpillar Word Hunt is free, included once you have paid standard garden admission (Hestercombe members go free).
Admission tickets are available via the Hestercombe website.

Described as “one of the top twenty gardens to visit in the country”, Hestercombe is always beautiful throughout the year. Join today and enjoy great value: unlimited access to Hestercombe with prices from £4.21 per month.
Give a Gift of Membership to friends and family and they too can enjoy all the benefits of membership.
A photographic journey through joy at Hestercombe

Explore the fascinating history of the Portman family and their Hestercombe estate.

This spooky season, Hestercombe has a whole host of fantastically frightful activities to keep mini witches and wizards magically occupied - best of all this October half-term (Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2rd November), children go free!

This course is for you if you would like to incorporate trees within your growing area, or would like to understand better the benefits of trees within your plot.

This course is for you if you want to super charge your agroforestry system to produce more and quicker!

The first in a series of exhibitions, walks and writings at Hestercombe in 2025-26 by artist and writer Lizzie Philps.

Sunday 9th November, 1pm : Free with Garden entry. Join artist and writer Lizzie Philps on a tour of the gardens to coincide with the season of fading light. Expect to use all your senses on this gently participatory walk.

Sunday 9th November, 3pm : Free with Garden entry. Join artist and writer Lizzie Philps on a tour of the gardens to coincide with the season of fading light. Expect to use all your senses on this gently participatory walk.
