Previous Exhibitions & Events

Bluebell Walk

Enjoy a walk around our woodland at Gotton Copse - which will be awash with tens of thousands of bluebells

Climate Resilient Gardening

Saturday, March 7, 2026 · 10am - 3pm This in depth workshop details the steps toward regenerative soil, reduced irrigation & increased biodiversity, whilst boosting crops

March is Members' Month

A thank you to our members this March

Propagation for the edible garden

Easy propagation techniques for edible plants - from seed saving to budding, grafting & layering - beginners & professionals welcome

Basic Edible Horticulture

Do you want to start growing food? We start from step 1 in your food growing journey, including sowing, planting out & watering

The Great Snowdrop Garden Trail of Somerset

We are excited to team up with Shepton Snowdrops and some of the best snowdrop gardens in Somerset to create the Great Snowdrop Gardens Trail of Somerset.

The Stolen Hearts Trail

The Stolen Hearts Trail is running at Hestercombe Gardens this February half-term, 14th–22nd February. Even better… kids go FREE! A perfect family adventure awaits!

The Winter Sketchbook: Botanical Illustration at Hestercombe

Join us for a series of tutored workshops at the peaceful winter surroundings at Hestercombe Gardens, where we will learn how to capture beautiful botanical subjects through careful observation and sketching methods. Suitable for all levels.

The Winter Sketchbook: Botanical Illustration at Hestercombe

Join us for a series of tutored workshops at the peaceful winter surroundings at Hestercombe Gardens, where we will learn how to capture beautiful botanical subjects through careful observation and sketching methods. Suitable for all levels.

The Winter Sketchbook: Botanical Illustration at Hestercombe

Join us for a series of tutored workshops at the peaceful winter surroundings at Hestercombe Gardens, where we will learn how to capture beautiful botanical subjects through careful observation and sketching methods. Suitable for all levels.

Giant Book Sale

Join us for Hestercombe's Giant Book Sale. Thousands of quality second hand booksFiction • Non-fiction • Children’sVisit the book lovers paradise to discover your next best read!Free entry via the book shop.

Pay What You Can This Jan

For 2026, pay what you can in Jan (uary)

Christmas at Hestercombe

The wonder of the festive season is here…. from the quiet beauty of the gardens this winter to our wonderful Christmas children’s trail and festive craft activities in the main house, we’ve something for the whole family this Christmas at Hestercombe. KIDS GO FREE. December 6th – January 4th

GPS Embroidery - On Cultivation

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

RGB (Red) - a series of walks led by artist and writer Lizzie Philps. (3pm 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.

RGB (Red) - a series of walks led by artist and writer Lizzie Philps. (1pm walk)

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.

Syntropic Agroforestry systems

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

Agroforestry systems including Forest Gardens for food production

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.

Halloween at Hestercombe

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!

Guests go FREE in September

Without the loyal support of our members, Hestercombe would simply not exist for the benefit of the community and future generations. To recognise the contribution that members make to the restoration and care of this special place, we're running a special offers exclusively for members this September. A little thank you from Hestercombe to you.

Childrens bug trail

Kids will become mini explorers as they follow the Bug trail route around the Landscape garden. Extended by popular demand, now running until Sunday 5th October!

Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night

Robin Hood

Robin Hood

Sketching At Hestercombe Gardens

Do you want to experience the wellbeing benefits of being in nature whilst developing a new skill?Brought to you by Somerset Skills & Learning this workshop offers a great opportunity to sketch the wonderful scenery at the stunning Hestercombe Gardens. Sketching is the perfect way to experience and deepen your understanding of the natural world through your own unique, creative expression.

Sunflower Walk

Enjoy our walk to the Water Garden and pick your own sunflowers through the new meadow.

Flower Essences At Hestercombe Gardens

Curious about how nature can support your wellbeing?Discover the transformative power of flower essences in this workshop. Based in the stunning gardens of Hestercombe House, you'll learn how these natural remedies gently promote emotional and spiritual growth.

Contemporary Garden Sculpture Trail

Discover more than 40 captivating sculptures set across the gardens and woodland, as a summer Sculpture Exhibition transforms Hestercombe Gardens, from 31st May to 27th July 2025. Included with garden admission.

Kids go FREE this half term holiday!

Kids go FREE this half term holiday. Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June. Applicable for children aged 15 and under when accompanied by a paying adult.

Willow Weaving by Windrush Willow

We are thrilled to welcome back Windrush Willow to our Marquee Lawn on Sunday 20th April!

Kids go FREE this Easter

Kids go FREE this Easter. Monday 7th April to Monday 21st April. Come and enjoy the beautiful gardens as they spring into life this Easter. Applicable for children aged 15 and under. The Stables Restaurant will be open only on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Gardens, House, gift shop and plant sales are open daily.

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Hestercombe

Treat mum to the day she deserves at Hestercombe

The Portman Family

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

Secret Fairy Door Trail

Join us this February half term for our Secret Fairy Door Trail

Annual Book Sale

Hestercombe is holding a Book Sale in the Column Room inside Hestercombe House.

The Lighter Side

A photographic journey through joy at Hestercombe

Local Author C.J. Skuse: Book Signing

Join us at Hestercombe on Saturday 30th November for an exclusive book signing with celebrated local author C.J. Skuse.

Illuminate 2024

Hestercombe is proud to present Illuminate, with a dazzling new display.

Christmas Market

Visit our annual Christmas Market to find a range of beautiful, locally sourced gifts, crafts and Christmas presents

Lino print your Christmas cards

Come and get all festive creating your very own lino cut in this 3 hour workshop with Gemma Lane from Green Fox workshops.

Bampfylde Lecture: Head Gardener at Munstead Wood

Join us for our Bampfylde Winter Lecture, with guest speaker Annabel Watts, Head Gardener at Munstead Wood.

What Stories Make Worlds Conversations Event

Join us for an afternoon of conversation with artists Emma Critchley, Feral Practice with Megan Broadmeadow, Hannah Fletcher, Lydia Halcrow, Jem Southam and curator Tim Martin.

End of Season Plant Sale

Hestercombe's Plant Centre is holding its popular end of season Plant Sale, starting on Saturday 12th October, until stocks last!

Frame Basket Making Workshop with Windrush Willow

Learn the timeless craft of weaving beautiful, functional baskets.

September is Members' Month

A thank you to our members this September.

Hestercombe's Fun Dog Show

Join us for a pawfect day with your four-legged family members at our fun dog show, taking place on our beautiful Orangery Lawn.

As You Like It with Folksy Theatre

We welcome Folksy Theatre for an evening outside performance of ‘As You Like It’ by William Shakespeare.

Walking, Talking, Making with Lydia Halcrow

Join artist Lydia Halcrow for a walking, talking making workshop.

Angelica Sprocket's Pockets with Folksy Theatre

We welcome Folksy for a performance of Quentin Blake's Angelica Sprocket's Pockets

Petting Farm at Hestercombe

Get ready for a heart-warming experience as 2nd Chance Petting Farm brings a delightful array of rescue animals to visit us throughout the school holidays!

Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock AR Trail

Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock is coming to life at Hestercombe Gardens during the Summer Holidays.

What Stories Make Worlds at Hestercombe Gallery

NEW exhibition exploring landscape and environment.

Evening Garden Tour - Head Gardener Claire Greenslade

This National Garden Scheme (NGS) event will include a private evening tour of Hestercombe gardens with our Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade.

Ugly Bug Ball Trail

Can you name all of the critters in our Ugly Bug Ball Trail this May Half Term?

TEST BED - an artistic afternoon to see, hear, to walk and talk

An artistic afternoon to see, hear, to walk and talk.

Quantock Classics Car Meet

Hestercombe is welcoming Quantock Classics to the turning circle

Spring Fair

Visit our brand new Spring Fair to explore a range of locally sourced gifts, crafts, plants, food and drink and fun activities for the whole family.

Gluck’s Flowers

A new play by Brenda Callis

DECENNIUM at Hestercombe Gallery

New exhibition celebrating 10 years of Hestercombe Gallery.

Big Views of Tiny Creatures Exhibition

Join us for our free new minibeast exhibition, 'Big Views of Tiny Creatures', by David Spears in Bampfylde Hall.

The Family Tree Trail

Join us this February half term for our fun Family Tree Trail.

Landscapes of Progress?

New exhibition exploring human progress, landscape and the environment.

We Are Here: A pop-up, neurodivergent film festival

Centred around Hestercombe’s Apple Loft, this pop-up film festival presents a series of short films and excerpts made in the West Country over the past few years.

Bampfylde Series October 2023: Harris Bugg Studio

Join us for our new, seasonal Bampfylde Series of talks, with guest speakers Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg of Harris Bugg Studio

Naomi Kendall and Lisa Takahashi: Pop-Ups

As part of Somerset Open Studios, Naomi Kendall and Lisa Takahashi will bring pop-up studios and an exhibition to Hestercombe House.

Meet the Makers - Natty Deco

Meet Maggie Powell of Natty Deco, one of the local makers featured in our Gallery Shop

The Merry Wives of Windsor by Folksy Theatre

We welcome Folksy for an evening outside performance of ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ by William Shakespeare.

Kids cricket at Hestercombe

Join Somerset County Cricket Club and Somerset Cricket Foundation at Hestercombe for some fun inflatable cricket games.

The Ugly Duckling with Folksy Theatre

We welcome Folksy for a performance of ‘The Ugly Duckling’.

Family Waggle Dance Game

Join us this summer for free family waggle dance experiences

Summer Pass

New for 2023, unlimited access in the summer holidays when purchasing one visit

Susan Derges: Many Moons

New exhibition featuring works from artist Susan Derges, who is internationally renowned for quite literally inventing new ways of making pictures.

Time to Bee Friendly Trail

Join us this summer for a hive of family activities

Design for Life Conversations Event

This event brings together artists, architects and curators to discuss their work, collections and themes in the current ‘Design for Life’ exhibition, which visually explores the historical intersection of art and architecture from the past 65 years.

Father's Day Model Boating

Treat your Dad to the day he deserves at Hestercombe.

Traditional Charcoal Burn

Join our gardeners up at the Charcoal Burner's Camp to experience the old-fashioned life of a woodsman.

The Caterpillar Word Hunt

Join us this May half term for a family word hunt around Hestercombe House

Coronation Picnic

Join us for a picnic on our marquee lawn to celebrate the King's Coronation.

Our precious countryside – bad news or good?

An illustrated talk on the Somerset countryside by Dr Chris Smith

Design for Life: Art and Architecture - Part 1

New international exhibition featuring work from Le Corbusier to the present day

Free Nordic Walking with Wellsprings Leisure Centre

free when paying standard garden admission or for members

Volunteering Open Day

Join the Hestercombe team for a free afternoon of talks and tours to find out more about our volunteer opportunities

Free TT Kidz Table Tennis Taster with Wellsprings Leisure Centre

free for members or when paying standard garden admission

I Heart Nature Trail

Join us this February half term for a children's trail inspired by nature and art

Free Yoga Taster with Wellsprings Leisure Centre

free with garden admission or for members

January Pass

New for 2023, unlimited access in January when purchasing one visit

Expanding Landscapes: Painting After Land Art

showcases work by fourteen artists including Jessica Warboys, Richard Long, Onya McCausland, Nancy Holt, Hannah Brown and Turner Prize 2022 nominee Ingrid Pollard

Residence (Residue, Resonance)

Coinciding with the exhibition opening (Expanding Landscapes: Painting After Land Art), and including conversations with curators and artists

Spellbound Science with Sciencedipity

Back by popular demand, Sciencedipity will be visiting Hestercombe again for a spellbinding masterclass of potion making.

Artists Discussion: A Rose is a Rose: Digging Deeper

With artists Brendan Barry, Feral Practice, John Newling, Sophy Rickett and Marjolaine Ryley, special guest Hannah Fletcher of The Sustainable Darkroom and curators Kate Best and Tim Martin

The Sustainable Darkroom

Herbal Chemigrams: foraging to make photographic developer for chemigrams and tea infusions with The Sustainable Darkroom

From the Garden: A Beginners Guide to Eco-Printing with Marjolaine Ryley

With Marjolaine Ryley, plus Phytocentric with Feral Practice. This workshop introduces how you can make your own botanical inks, photo emulsions and use plants for contact printing to create your own eco-prints.

Much Ado About Nothing with Folksy Theatre

A comedy written by Shakespeare about misunderstandings, deception and love...

Alice in Wonderland with Folksy Theatre

A fantasy world filled with peculiar characters, where the unexpected is to be expected...

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose Events

Father's Day at Hestercombe

Treat your Dad to the day he deserves at Hestercombe

Traditional Charcoal Burn 2022

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.

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose

Five artists - Brendan Barry, Feral Practice, John Newling, Sophy Rickett and Marjolaine Ryley - present new works exploring art and sustainability in the face of the climate emergency and declining biodiversity

Terrarium Workshop

Join our terrarium workshop and learn step by step how to create your very own self sustaining ecosystem

'Things That Pass a Thousand Times': Unearthing Hestercombe's Collections

For the first time ever, Hestercombe will display never-before-seen objects from its archives, showcasing an array of items spanning across five-hundred years

National Garden Scheme Open Day

Visit Hestercombe Gardens on Tuesday 1st March and Tuesday 7th June 2022 to support the National Garden Scheme's Open Days

Changing Atmospheres: Artists' Walk and Talk

Join four of the artists showing as part of our Changing Atmospheres exhibition for a guided tour and relaxed conversation about their creative processes

February half-term at Hestercombe

Branch out at Hestercombe this half-term with our pop-up Forest School inspired activities!

Changing Atmospheres

Changing Atmospheres explores creative responses from nine unique artists on what it means to rediscover connection to natural environments and the self

The Barmy Bats Trail

Help Gertrude the bat and her flappy friends find the ingredients for their disgustingly-delicious centipede pudding!

Fungal Foray *fully booked*

*This event is fully booked* Join Michael Jordan, author and chairman of the Fungus Conservation Trust, for a fun and informative walk to discover and identify mushrooms and toadstools in the gardens.

SEDIMENT: Book Launch and Mariele Neudecker ‘In Conversation’ with Tim Martin

Celebrated artist Mariele Neudecker will discuss her practice, career and current exhibition at Hestercombe Gallery, SEDIMENT, with Artistic Director and artist Tim Martin.

Mushroom Magic Trail: Toadstool Auction

A number of beautiful hand-painted, solid wood carved toadstools are to be auctioned as part of The Mushroom Magic Trail

Punting on the Pear Pond

Join us for a unique ride on Hestercombe's beautiful Edwardian punt as we return 'Constance' to the Pear Pond

The Charcoal Creations Trail

Grab a stick of charcoal and some paper as you create wonderful charcoal drawings from textures and surfaces dotted around the gardens.

SEDIMENT

Mapping, the Arctic, the Deep Sea and lockdown drawings in an exhibition of work by Mariele Neudecker

The Tempest *fully booked*

Shakespeare’s comedy The Tempest features a major act of betrayal, ill treatment, the development of magic arts and a plot of revenge...

The Mushroom Magic Trail

Explore Rook Wood this summer, as it magically transforms into a fungal paradise filled with terrific toadstools!

Super Summer!

Make this summer’s school holiday a Super Summer at Hestercombe with a heap of fantastically fun events, all aimed at children and families.

The Story Stones Trail

On this fun family garden trail, find the words nestled within the Landscape Garden and create your own unique story book to take home!

Summer Flower Arranging Workshop

Spend a morning flower arranging with experienced florist and flower grower Jan from Blue Shed Flowers.

Summer Late Openings

Hestercombe's gardens will be open until 8pm on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer until the end of September.

Traditional Charcoal Burn 2021

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.

Bottomless Brunch (Weekends)

Enjoy a sumptuous bottomless brunch from 10am to 11.30am every Saturday and Sunday ~ perfect for catch-ups with friends!

The Great Hestercombe Art Heist Trail

Cassie the Cat Burglar is out causing mischief, threatening to steal the artworks dotted around Hestercombe's gardens. Complete fun activities at each artwork, learning a bit about how it was made whilst tracking Cassie's footsteps.

Landscape Portrait: Now and Then

This diverse show brings works by Andy Warhol, Derek Jarman, Claudette Johnson, Susan Derges, Leon Kossoff, Patrick Caulfield, Gilbert and George and Balraj Khanna to Somerset, and for the first time to Hestercombe.

The Artist's Apprentice Trail

Join intrepid artist Coplestone Warre Bampfylde as you traverse his landscape gardens, jumping from view to view as you create a masterpiece of your own!

Pizza Night

The Hestercombe chefs will be firing up the pizza oven with a simple, delicious pizza menu on the evening of Sunday 2nd May.

Bampfylde Lecture 2021: Sir Andrew Burns

Sir Andrew Burns KCMG is the guest speaker at Hestercombe's annual Bampfylde Lecture, which this year will be live streamed for the very first time.

Takeaway Italian Night

The wood-fired pizza oven will be in action tonight, as we keep the menu simple and delicioso with pizza, pasta and arrancini.

Takeaway Burger Night

Treat yourself to a mid-January feast with a delicious range of homemade burgers – and take them away to enjoy at home.

Coplestone Warre Bampfylde: A Gentleman of Taste

To celebrate Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s life and his importance to the history of Hestercombe and the South West, we bring together the largest survey of his original artworks and objects ever seen in one place, through the exhibition ‘A Gentleman of Taste’.

Open-Up: Outdoor Exhibition

Open-Up is a series of outdoor artworks commissioned by Hestercombe Gallery in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jackdaw Line by Richard Long

Commissioned as part of Bampfylde 300, celebrated artist Richard Long’s artwork Jackdaw Line is set in Hestercombe’s magnificent Georgian Landscape Garden.

Most Admirably Improved by Art

Most Admirably Improved by Art Charlotte Hodes, Rebecca Partridge, Kelly Richardson, Fiona Hingston with Coplestone Warre Bampfylde (1720-1791)

May Half Term Trail: Coplestone and the Charcoal Creations Trail

Spring Watercolour Workshop

Soap Making Workshops

Creative Writing Workshop

Beeswax Wrap Making Workshop

February Half Term Activities

Willow Weaving Workshop: Garden Obelisk

Half Term Trail: The Artist's Apprentice

The Artist's Apprentice: Half Term Trail

Gardening Masterclass: Get Your Garden Ready For Spring

Renowned artist Ben Rivers presents Urthworks at Hestercombe Gallery

Projections: Exhibiting Artists Film Workshop

Urthworks, an Exploration

Grazing not Gazing Film Workshop

Taunton Toad Trail Auction

Family Craft Workshop: Spell Making

Family Craft Workshop: Peg Dolls

Family Craft Workshop: Make a Thaumatrope

Family Craft Workshop: Shadow Puppets

Urthworks by Ben Rivers

Renowned artist Ben Rivers presents Urthworks at Hestercombe Gallery, from 9 November 2019 to 9 February 2020

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Murder Mystery Trail: The Curious Case of Mildred Hester

Nordic Walking

Wellbeing Retreat

Penny Dreadful: Halloween Family Theatre

Restart a Heart Day 2019

Hestercombe Gallery Event: Where Function Ends Symposium

Bank Holiday Pizza

Naughty Gnomes Trail

International Garden Photographer of the Year: Images of a Green Planet

Summer Senses Trail

Where function ends: the Architecture of Sir Edwin Lutyens

To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), Hestercombe Gallery presented Where Function Ends, including new work by three artists that responds to the legacy of the man whose designs transformed the Hestercombe site.

Edwardian Punting on the Pear Pond

Father's Day BBQ

Gardens Drawing Workshop

Tom's Wildflower Walks

Half-Term Family Craft Workshop

Summer Lates: Pizza & Music Nights

Summer Lates: Punting on the Pear Pond

Summer Lates: Fire & Feast Night

Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf - Preview Screening

Head Gardener's After Hours Tour and Supper

Somerset Day Cream Tea

Guided Bluebell Walk

Simon Faithfull: Elsewhen

The solo exhibition ‘Elsewhen’ brought together a series of works and interventions by internationally acclaimed artist Simon Faithfull that collectively act as a kind of orientation device for both the artist and the visitor to Hestercombe Gallery.

Make a Minibeast Home

Wildflower Wander Family Trail

Willow Hearts Workshop

Willow Basket Workshop

Materiality: provisional states

Featured artists: Sarah Bennett, Megan Calver and Philippa Lawrence

Gertrude Jekyll: An Artist’s Eye

Gertrude Jekyll: An Artist’s Eye presents original paintings and photography of her gardens.

Prospect Refuge Hazard 2

This exhibition presented a new and recent body of work by internationally acclaimed artist Helen Sear.

Cultivation: Points of Vantage

Featured artists: Anna Barriball; George Shaw; John Brown; John Newling; Mariele Neudecker; Mary Griffiths; Mary McIntyre; Mikhail Karikis.

Odyssean: Topographies

Discussion by Natasha Rosling, Alexander Stevenson, Alistair Grant, Simon Lee Dicker

Trish Morrissey: A Certain Slant of Light

New Exhibition from Hestercombe's Artist in Residence

Dynamics of Drifting: Tim Knowles

This exhibition was the first solo exhibition of artist Tim Knowles’s work since 2014 and the most extensive presentation of his work at the time.

A Landscape of Objects: En plein air

An exhibition of art work created through Somerset Art Works’ Projects with InspirED schools.

Buffet d’art

Buffet d’art showcased an array of work by 45 artists all of whom contributed buffet sized pieces of work to be perused on a plinth.

Regions of Light

Diverse exhibition of historic and contemporary art

Shifting Ground by Stephen Smith

This exhibition by artist Stephen Smith was accompanied by works from the Ingram Collection of Modern British Art.

Clean Heart: a Landscape Retrospective

Clean Heart: A Landscape Retrospective presents work from internationally acclaimed artist Clare Woods

Terrain: Land into Art

An exhibition that maps a series of relationships between artists and landscapes.

Wish You Were Here?

A selection of the Postcards Collection by Jeremy Cooper, featuring over 200 artists.

Simon Bayliss: Arcadia

During a summer-long artist residency at Hestercombe, artist Simon Bayliss has responded to the gardens through painting en plein air and writing poetry

Double Take: Photography and the Garden

Double Take: Photography and the Garden brought together photographs by Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) with work by leading contemporary artists Sarah Jones, Helen Sear and Mark Edwards

A Personal Passion

This exhibition focused on the personal passions of art collector Chris Ingram, and showcased important works from the twentieth century to the present day

Second Site

Second Site presented new contemporary work by five artists who responded to Hestercombe Gallery’s reclaimed spaces through exploration of Hestercombe’s history and recent re-unification between the house and gardens

Oceans by Tania Kovats

Oceans, a solo show by Tania Kovats, is the second exhibition at Hestercombe Gallery, and presents a selection of the artist’s existing work made between 1993 and 2004

Leaping the Fence

The opening exhibition at Hestercombe Gallery presents groundbreaking artists such as Tracey Emin, Mark Wallinger, Mark Quinn, Mike Nelson and Susan Philipsz among others, many of them Turner Prize winners and nominees