Explore 50 acres of stunning gardens spanning three centuries of design, plus a historic house with art collections and family-friendly activities.

Hestercombe House & Gardens offers families an immersive experience across 50 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds showcasing three centuries of garden design. Visitors can wander through the Victorian Terrace, discover diverse planting schemes, and explore the natural wildlife habitats throughout the estate. The historic Hestercombe House features art galleries and collections that provide cultural enrichment for all ages. The venue offers regular activities and programmes designed for both children and adults, making it suitable for families with young children through teenagers. The site is pushchair-friendly and dog-friendly, ensuring accessibility for families with different needs. A café operated by The Stables Hospitality Ltd provides food and refreshment options throughout the visit. With its combination of horticultural interest, heritage architecture, and family activities, Hestercombe caters to visitors seeking both educational experiences and recreational outdoor time. The venue welcomes groups and offers membership options for regular visitors.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

G

Graham Roeves

a month ago

Excellent gardens by Lutyens and Jekyll. The hard landscaping outshines the planting schemes but much to enjoy. Good cafe which handles allergens conscientiously. Coeliac options available. Nice secondhand bookshop by the Cafe courtyard.

R

RinRin

2 months ago

Beautiful house and garden. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Perfect for a nice day out!

C

Clare Blake

3 months ago

What a gem! Not sure why I haven't been before. So much to explore and plenty to keep an active child interested. Informative boards and well signed paths. Could have spent many more hours in the formal gardens, but we had dallied too long in the bluebells! Fantastic staff too! We will be back!

C

Carol Gentle

4 months ago

Beautiful big garden walks & waterfalls. Dog friendly. It wasn't our first visit and we will be back again in the summer! 🌞🌺🌸🌼🐶

V

Val Hill

5 months ago

A lovely sunny spring day with the daffodils all out. A quality lunch at the cafe (sit and order) followed by a 3 hour walk around the gardens. Not sure what to expect but it was wonderful. Paths tricky if you have mobility issues but plenty of short walks around formal gardens and lower ponds. Only time for a quick house visit but very informative an̈d simple.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026