Hestercombe Gardens
Free RHS Member days
January–March and October–December, daily; April–September, Monday–Tuesday, when open
About the garden
Hestercombe’s famously restored gardens showcase three centuries of garden design. The influence of Sir Edwin Lutyens is evident throughout, featuring iris-filled rills, pergolas, seating areas, gently relieved staircases and pools that reflect light on recessed apses. Gertrude Jekyll’s bold and simple planting adds vibrancy to the landscape. Together, these elements make Hestercombe a wonderful place to study symmetry, balance and proportion.
The secret landscape garden, designed by Coplestone Warre Bampfylde in the late 18th century, perfectly complements the Edwardian area. It spans 40 acres of lakes, temples, woodlands and combes that remained undiscovered for over 100 years. Additionally, Arcadia, the centerpiece of Hestercombe House, features an exciting series of exhibitions based on the estate’s intriguing history. Hestercombe also boasts a well-known second-hand bookshop, as well as a shop for plants and gifts.
Facilities
- Children’s play area
- Dogs welcome
- Parking
- Plant sales
- Refreshments
- Toilets
Key features
- Sculpture
- Wildflower meadow
- Herbaceous border
- Champion trees
- Cottage planting
- Water garden
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.