Make this summer’s school holiday a Super Summer at Hestercombe with a heap of fantastically fun events, all aimed at children and families.
Saturday 23rd November - due to high forecast winds predicted, the gardens and house will be closed on Saturday 23rd November. The Stables Restaurant and Gift Shop will be open as usual. Illuminate will be cancelled on Saturday 23rd November and attendees will all be notified via email.
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Make this school holiday a super one at Hestercombe, with a heap of fantastically fun and free events*, all aimed at children and families.
For our grand Super Summer finale on Wednesday 1st September, we are delighted to bring our beloved punt, Constance, back out onto the Pear Pond. Please join us throughout the day (from roughly 11am) to have a ride on the punt, which will be captained by the talented makers of the punt, the Beautiful Boat Company. Rides cost £1 per person, please bring cash.
Stay for the final late opening of the summer on Wednesday 1st September to enjoy a delicious hog roast, and entertainment from Lucy Harvey on saxophone and vocals.
From the melodic tones of travelling ‘Popera House’, The Bluebirds, who will be performing The Empress and the Nightingale, to the spidery fun of Creepy Crawlies with Exmoor Zoo and Wild Bug Hunts with Somerset Wildlife Trust, the summer holidays will be jam packed with things to do at Hestercombe!
For the first time, we’ll be joined by some feathered friends who will be visiting the gardens with Somerset Birds of Prey Centre - join us to get up close and personal with a range of cute (but deadly!) predators.
To keep fit and healthy, why not try some child-friendly yoga outside in the beautiful summer gardens? We’ll also be running not one, not two, but three garden trails - choose from the Mushroom Magic Trail, Story Stones, and Charcoal Creations! These are all perfect for burning off some energy, exploring the gardens in a new light and cultivating creative skills.
During the Mushroom Magic Trail there will also be the chance to win your very own specially painted mushroom from amongst the beautifully designed toadstools decorating Rook Wood.
Take aim… shoot! This summer we will be offering a day of Archery on the Orangery Lawn, an activity which can help develop patience, focus and self-motivation, along with being a fun challenge with family and friends to see who wins.
Also on show this summer are our beautiful model boats, which will be available to captain down on the Mill Pond on selected dates. You’ll also be able to step back into Hestercombe’s past and Meet Miss Warre, who will be strolling around the gardens in her Regency costume, taking in the Georgian garden design and regaling visitors with stories from her past.
On your visit, stop off at either of our play areas for some extra fun. Our under-7s play area is situated by the Visitor Reception, and children both young and old will enjoy building dens up in our new wild play area by the Charcoal Burner’s Camp.
Treat your little ones (and yourself of course!) with some delicious home-cooked food from the Stables restaurant, which offers a child-friendly menu with full table service. Tasty light bites, cakes, drinks and ice cream are all available from our new cafe, Caffè + Gelato.
*Requires standard garden admission (free for members)
Join as a Hestercombe member from as little as £3.46 a month to get free access to all of our Super Summer activities!
Standard gardens admission applies (Hestercombe members go free).
To visit the gardens and take part in any Super Summer activity, you no longer need to pre-book a timed admission slot online - simply purchase gardens admission on arrival!
If you have any queries about your admission, please email our Visitor Reception or call 01823 413923
| Admission type | Price |
|---|---|
Adult | £13.75 |
Child (5-15) | £6.90 |
Child (u-5) | free |
Family Saver 1 (1 adult, up to 3 children) | £21.00 |
Family Saver 2 (2 adults, up to 3 children) | £34.65 |
24th July - 20th August ~ Story Stones Trail
24th July - 5th September ~ The Mushroom Magic Trail
21st August - 12th September ~ The Charcoal Creations Trail
Throughout the summer, and into September, the gardens will be open until 8pm every Wednesday (except 22nd September). Join us after work or school to explore the grounds when we’d usually be closed, with some tasty food on offer and, on selected dates, live music. Find out more about Summer Late Openings
| Date | What's On |
|---|---|
Wednesday 1st September | Large Model Boats Display on the Mill Pond (11am - 4pm) - please note, the boats will be on display only |
Wednesday 1st September | Punting on the Pear Pond (from 11am until late) - rides cost £1 each, please bring cash |
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.
NEW exhibition exploring landscape and environment.
Chocolate making experience day, including two course lunch
Hestercombe is proud to present Illuminate, with a dazzling new display.
A unique opportunity to meet Father Christmas in a magical setting
Join us at Hestercombe on Saturday 30th November for an exclusive book signing with celebrated local author C.J. Skuse.
For 2025, pay what you can in Jan (uary)
Hestercombe is holding a Book Sale in the Column Room inside Hestercombe House.
Chocolate making experience day, including two course lunch
