This event has ended
When a mother duck’s eggs hatch and one duckling looks different from all the rest, the other ducklings laugh and make fun of him. The awkward little bird sets off on his own and is met with hecklers, hunters, and cruel weather. Come and help him along on his journey, filled with live music, puppetry and colourful characters. Will the ugly duckling find his place in the world and discover true happiness? Bring along your picnics, folding chairs and friends and family, to enjoy this wonderful open-air, family musical!
Filled with live music and puppetry, it’s the perfect show for the whole family!
Tickets & Prices
Members
- Adult ~ £13
- Child ~ £11
- Family ticket for 4 (2 adults max) ~ £42
Non-members
- Adult ~ £15
- Child ~ £12
- Family ticket for 4 (2 adults max) ~ £48
Children aged under 2 receive free admission - no need to book a ticket. Tickets must be purchased for children aged 2 to 15.
Further information for The Ugly Duckling ticket holders
Timings: The performance is due to take place at 5.30pm on Friday 28th July on the Orangery Lawn; you are welcome to arrive from 5:00pm onwards to grab the best spots on the lawn!
Parking: When you arrive, please park in the main visitor car park, and then instead of going the usual way up to Visitor Reception, walk down to the lower drive gates (you will see these in front of the House, when you turn the corner up to the car park). Tickets will be checked here.
Booking confirmation: Please bring confirmation of your booking either as a print out, or the email on your phone; if you do not have one of these, then you may not be able to access the performance. If you did not receive your booking confirmation via email (which can sometimes happen with our antiquated ticketing system!) then pop an email or phone call to our Visitor Reception team on info@hestercombe.com or 01823 413923 and they will re-send it to you.
Members: If you have booked a discounted members ticket, please ensure that you bring your Hestercombe membership card with you, or you may be charged the difference in ticket price.
Seating & Picnics: You are very welcome to bring your own food and drink, blankets and picnic chairs to sit on; aside from umbrellas in case of rain, gazebos and parasols are not allowed.
Toilets: There is one unisex, accessible toilet available near the Orangery, in the Mill. However, upon arrival in the car park you may wish to use the toilets situated by the Visitor Reception, which will be open.
Weather: Please ensure you check the weather forecast and dress appropriately ~ including both hot, sunny weather, and colder, wet weather! Thunderstorms and downpours aside, the performance will take place regardless of weather.
For any further questions about the event, please contact us at events@hestercombe.com
Membership at Hestercombe
Join today and enjoy unlimited access to Hestercombe for a whole year
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.
Your membership includes:
- Unlimited access to Hestercombe Gardens for a year from date of joining for the Member, guests and children according to membership type
- 10% dining discount at The Stables Restaurant
- Unlimited 'bring a guest' privileges during March and September
- 20% Gift Shop Discount during November when you spend £10 or more
- Half price entry for visitors accompanied by a Member of Hestercombe (one visitor per member)
- Free children's trails available throughout the year
- Free events such as Spring Fair and Fun Dog Show
- Special members’ discounts on many of our events throughout the year
- Our 'members first approach' with members receiving 24 hours priority booking for our most popular events, such as Mother's Day, The Bampfylde Lecture, workshops and most importantly, our winter events such as the Christmas Market, Father Christmas and ILLUMINATE.
- Full colour e-newsletters and ‘What’s On’ emails to keep you up to date with news and events
- Half price entry to our partner attractions: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Forde Abbey Gardens (half price garden entry only), The Bishop’s Palace, Wells (available for full membership only), The Garden House, Dartington Trust Gardens, Exmoor Zoo and Glastonbury Abbey (half price garden entry only).
Give a Gift of Membership to friends and family and they too can enjoy all the benefits of membership.
See Membership Options
Event Location
Hestercombe GardensCheddon Fitzpaine
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 8LG