Traditional Charcoal Burn
Join the gardeners up at the Charcoal Burner's Camp to experience the old-fashioned life of a woodsman ~ and get free marshmallows to toast.
This event has ended
Important notice
Many slots for ILLUMINATE are now booked up. However, please keep checking the website for cancellations as they will appear when you click the 'Book ILLUMINATE Tickets' link below.
We are delighted to present our very first Christmas illuminated gardens trail, ILLUMINATE.
Extending the popular colourful lights which adorn the route to Father Christmas’s grotto, ILLUMINATE will light up the entirety of Rook Wood with a beautiful multicoloured display, including its natural features and terrain, before taking you through the light-studded Yew Tunnel and onto a stunning, dynamic pixel display on the turning circle by Hestercombe House.
Bring the whole family to enjoy this lovely light experience, and finish up with a rich hot chocolate or homemade sausage roll from Caffe + Gelato, whilst watching the fire pit crackle away under the twinkling fairy lights in the glass-covered courtyard.
Late night shopping in Hestercombe’s chic gift shop and book shop will be available in Hestercombe House every evening on which ILLUMINATE is running, and is easily accessible from the end of the illuminated trail.
Important notice
Many slots for ILLUMINATE are now booked up. However, please keep checking the website for cancellations as they will appear when you click the 'Book ILLUMINATE Tickets' link below.
Limited capacity slots are available at 4.30pm, 4.50pm, 5.10pm, 5.30pm, 5.50pm, 6.10pm, 6.30pm and 6.50pm.
Advance booking is required; tickets are now on sale.
Hestercombe Members
Non-members
Children aged under 2 receive free admission - no need to book a ticket. Tickets must be purchased for children aged 2 to 15.
Join as a Hestercombe member from as little as £3.46 per month to enjoy member-only prices on events and unlimited free garden admission.
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.
Join the gardeners up at the Charcoal Burner's Camp to experience the old-fashioned life of a woodsman ~ and get free marshmallows to toast.
Join us at Hestercombe as we fly around the world in the 40 days of the summer holidays, visiting India, Australia, Egypt, America and Italy.
Described as “one of the top twenty gardens to visit in the country”, Hestercombe is always beautiful throughout the year. Join today and enjoy unlimited access, with prices from £44.50 per year.
Give a Gift of Membership to friends and family and they too can enjoy all the benefits of membership.
Visit Hestercombe and upgrade your ticket to an annual membership for just the difference in cost.