Do you want to visit a beautiful historic house and garden?
Hestercombe House is an 18th-century country house in Somerset, England. The gardens were designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens over the course of three centuries. From 17 March, members only are allowed to book a place to visit Hestercombe Gardens.
You can explore the walled kitchen garden filled with fruit trees, vegetables, herbs and flowers or wander through the rose garden where more than 1,000 roses bloom every summer. The glasshouses contain an extensive collection of cacti while other areas include woodland walks along streams or around ponds complete with water lilies and reeds growing on their banks. There’s also a wildflower meadow which is home to butterflies throughout spring until autumn when they migrate south for winter warmth!
What is Hestercombe House and Garden
Hestercombe House and Garden is a National Trust property located in Somerset, England. The house and garden are open to the public and feature a variety of different gardens, as well as a house that is open for tours. The property also features a gift shop and tea room. The history of the property dates back to before the Middle Ages.
The History of Hestercombe House and Garden
Hestercombe House and Garden is a Somerset stately home that has been open to the public since 1951. The house and gardens are Grades I listed, and the garden is a member of the Historic Houses Association.
The house was originally built in the 16th century by Sir John Malet, and it has been passed down through the generations since then. In 1951, it was given to the National Trust, and it was opened to the public.
The garden at Hestercombe has been developed over many years, and it features a variety of different styles, including an Italian garden, a rose garden, and a formal English garden. The project to develop the garden began in 1899 when it was laid out by Edwin Lutyens.
He used a series of different styles, including Arts and Crafts and Italian Renaissance ideas. There are also features that were originally created by Gertrude Jekyll, who lived locally at Munstead Wood. The most recent additions to the garden include a pool with a fountain, designed by Percy Cane.
The gardens are open all year round, but they are particularly impressive in springtime when the magnolias are in bloom. The formal English garden includes many different types of lavender and other shrubs, while there is also an extensive herbaceous border that changes throughout the year.
The house is open between March and October, but these dates are subject to change depending on the weather conditions each year. The house is not always open in November and December, with exceptions made in some years when special events are scheduled for this time of year.
The garden at Hestercombe also includes a modern sculpture that was created by June Andrew. The piece is called ‘Cobbler’s Bench, and it consists of five blocks, all made from Doulton brick. Hestercombe House also has a bookshop, which contains an extensive selection of titles about gardening.
The shop profits are given to the National Trust, so visitors help to support the work of the Trust with their purchases. The bookshop also offers a mail-order service, and it provides an online catalog for those who cannot visit in person.
The history of Hestercombe House and Garden has been documented by several different books over the years. One such publication is ‘Hestercombe: A History of Somerset’s Jewel’, which was written by Graham Taunton and published in 2012. source
The Grounds at Hestercombe House and Garden
The Grounds at Hestercombe House and Garden are a sight to behold. The well-manicured gardens and carefully tended grounds make for a beautiful walk on a summer day. There’s also a lot of history to be found at Hestercombe House and Garden, with buildings dating back to the 16th century. The Grounds are definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
How to get to Hestercombe House and Garden
Hestercombe is ideally located approximately 10 minutes from M5, Junction 25, and a few miles from Taunton town centre.
Directions from the M5, Junction 25
- Take the M5 to the A358 Taunton/Honiton/Yeovil/Weymouth exit.
- Follow the brown daisy signs on the A358 to Taunton (and Minehead).
- Continue to Taunton, passing Sainsbury’s and B&Q on your right.
- Continue on the A358 (Toneway) towards Taunton — Creech Castle will be on your right.
- At the roundabout, take the third exit onto the A358 (Obridge Viaduct) – a flyover road.
- At the mini-roundabout, take the first left onto A358 (Priorswood Road)
- Bear LEFT (South-West) into A3038, then RIGHT to proceed around the block and onto Cheddon Road.
- Follow Cheddon Road – don’t deviate from it – and you’ll see landmarks like the Co-Op and Costcutters, as well as Taunton Academy and Wellsprings Sports Centre, all on your left at varied intervals.
- Turn left into Lyngford Lane and go through the village of Cheddon Fitzpaine (Rowford), passing the little Primary School on your left.
- After 0.4 mile, turn left up Pitchers Hill and look for the Hestercombe Gardens sign on the right side of the road.
Public Transport Information
Taunton is the nearest train station. Taxi ranks may be found at the train station as well as in the town center near the bus and coach stations. Taunton is served by Virgin, Great Western & Wales, and West services, and National Express coaches stop at Castle Green in the town center.
You may also order cabs ahead of time; the following taxi firms are all known to provide accessible services (although have no relationship with Hestercombe):
TLC Taxis: 01823 44 44 44
Taunton Taxi Services: 01823 248248
A1 Ace Taxis: 01823 332211
They are also suitable for access by large coaches, minibusses, and cars. source
Opening times at Hestercombe House and Garden
- Gardens (10:00 am – 5:00 pm, daily)- last entry 3:30pm
- The Stables (10:00 am – 5:00 pm, daily)- last orders 4.30pm
- Caffè + Gelato (10am to 5pm, open Saturday & Sunday)
- House (11:00 am – 4:00 pm)- includes Gallery, Bookshop, Shop
- Plant Centre (10:00 am – 5:00 pm)- pay for plants at the Visitor Reception or Stables source
Entry Prices for Hestercombe House and Garden
Admission prices with donation
- Adult is £13.75
- Child 5 – 15 years is £6.90
- Child Under 5 years is free
- Family Saver 1 (1 adult & up to 3 children) is £21.00
- Family Saver 2 (2 adults & up to 3 children) is £34.65
- Wheelchair User is Half Price
- All-Terrain ‘Tramper’ mobility scooter is £6.00 per two hour slot.
Admission prices without donation
- Adult is £12.50
- Child 5 – 15 years is £6.25
- Child Under 5 years is free
- Family Saver 1 (1 adult & up to 3 children) is £19.00
- Family Saver 2 (2 adults & up to 3 children) is £31.50
- Wheelchair User is Half Price
- All-Terrain ‘Tramper’ mobility scooter is £6.00 per two hour slot.
What to See and Do at Hestercombe House and Garden
1. Changing Atmospheres event
The Changing Atmospheres event at Hestercombe House and Garden is a must-see for anyone who loves art and nature. The event will feature a variety of interactive art installations that will change the way you see the garden.
It delves into the artistic reactions of nine distinct artists to the question of what it means to reestablish one’s relationship to natural environments and the self.
2. Giant Book Sale
The Giant Book Sale at Hestercombe House and Garden is the perfect opportunity to stock up on some new reading material. There will be a wide selection of books available, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.
3. Bampfylde Lecture 2022: Marcus Chilton-Jones
The Bampfylde Lecture is an annual event that features a distinguished guest speaker. This year’s lecture will be given by Marcus Chilton-Jones.
He will give a talk about the restoration of RHS Garden Bridgewater, one of Europe’s major gardening initiatives in recent years. This presentation will provide audiences with further information about the renovation of this 154-acre green space, as well as how, similar to Hestercombe, green spaces that embrace a site’s legacy benefit the lives of local people while protecting the environment for the future.
4. National Garden Scheme Open Day
The National Garden Scheme Open Day is the perfect opportunity for anyone who loves gardens to visit Hestercombe House and Garden. source
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Hestercombe House and Garden
1. Arrive early to avoid queues and to get the most out of your visit
2. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be on your feet for a long time
3. Bring water with you, as it is not available at Hestercombe House and Garden
4. Download the audio guide from iTunes or Google Play before going into the house
5. Take a break in one of the garden’s many benches – they’re perfect for sitting down and relaxing while taking in all that Hestercombe has to offer!
6. Don’t forget your camera – Hestercombe House and Garden is the perfect place for photos!
7. Enjoy your visit!
Other Places Nearby
Vivary Park: History and Attractions
If you are visiting Hestercombe House and Garden, consider taking a walk down the road to Vivary Park. This beautiful Edwardian country house was built in 1907 after the original owner fell in love with the architecture on a trip to Venice. They fell so in love with the architecture that they decided to replicate Vivary Park’s stunning Venetian Gothic details on their new house, including colorfully tiled mosaics, intricately carved stonework, and leaded windows.
Stoke Wood Alpacas: What You Need to Know
After exploring the house and gardens, take a walk down to Stoke Wood Alpacas. It’s less than a mile from Hestercombe House and offers one of the most enjoyable animal experiences in Somerset. The alpaca farm is home to dozens of rare breed alpacas who are waiting for you to come visit them. You can even feed them some of their favorite snacks if you ask nicely.
Museum of Somerset: A Fascinating Local Museum
The Museum of Somerset is close to Stoke Wood Alpacas, making this a great day trip for animal lovers. The museum offers an in-depth look at the history of Somerset, with exhibits on everything from prehistory through World War II. The museum also has an excellent collection of prehistoric, Roman, and Saxon artifacts to check out.
Silvers Pantry: Fine Dining with a View
Somerset is full of quaint cafes and restaurants that will offer you some amazing food at reasonable prices, but Silvers Pantry is something special. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in the area, and it has excellent reviews online. Make sure you book a reservation well in advance because people in Somerset absolutely love this place!
The Monkton Inn: A Locally Renowned Eatery
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat after your visit to Hestercombe House and Garden , The Monkton Inn is just a mile away. This cozy pub has one of the best beer gardens in Somerset, where you can relax after your visit to Hestercombe House and Garden. The food here is excellent too – they have dozens of quality ales on tap for ale enthusiasts, and plenty of traditional British favorites for everyone else!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a charming and informative day out, look no further than Hestercombe House and Garden. With beautiful gardens to explore and an interesting house to check out, there’s something for everyone at this attraction. Make sure you take advantage of the guided audio tour – it’s a great way to learn more about the history of the site. And don’t forget your camera – Hestercombe is perfect for photos!
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