History

Elements of the estate date as far back as the 11th century, and Hestercombe has witnessed successive contributions all through the ages. Owners and architects range from Georgian resident John Bampfylde in the mid-1700s - responsible for altering the original Tudor house to its present frame - to Sir Edwin Lutyens who, together with Gertrude Jekyll, gave life to the immaculate garden designs you and your guests can still marvel at today.

The gardens themselves showcase a diverse, fascinating series of romanticised, historically restored buildings - for example, the Tuscan Doric-style Temple Arbour that overlooks the picturesque Pear Pond. As well as the individually striking Gothic Alcove, the overlooking Orangery building still serves today as an attractive, intimate location in which to host smaller wedding ceremonies.

Facilities

With just one hire cost for Hestercombe, you can take your pick from the range of magical spaces for your special day. From intimate, outdoor ceremonies in the ornate garden Temple to the light-filled Orangery with garden views and the charming and spacious 17th-century Bampfylde Hall, you'll discover the perfect places for your dream wedding.

The range of locations means that they can cater to weddings of all sizes. So, whether you're planning an intimate celebration or inviting up to 150 of your favourite people to party with you, Hestercombe could be the perfect place to say "I do". You'll also enjoy exclusive access to your chosen locations.

The Orangery

The perfect light-filled venue for your ceremony, this beautiful, iconic hamstone building, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, offers unrivalled views across the famous gardens and beyond to the Blackdown Hills.

Civil Ceremony Capacity: 90

Bampfylde Hall

The grand Bampfylde Hall dates back to 1680. With its high ceilings and dramatic timber beams, the Bampfylde Hall is a fantastic space for your wedding breakfast and party or for your ceremony.

Civil Ceremony Capacity: 150
Wedding Breakfast: 112
Evening Reception: 150

The Great Cascade is the dramatic centrepiece of the Landscape Garden and the perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony.

The Temple

The Bride, Groom and Registrar inside the Temple, with guests on the grass in front. Perched high above the Pear Pond in the Landscape Gardens is the 18th century Temple Arbour – the ultimate romantic ‘hideaway’ for wedding ceremonies.

Civil Ceremony Capacity: 112

Catering

The fine team of specialist chefs at Hestercombe can create and serve a diverse range of mouthwatering cuisine for you and your guests. With wedding breakfasts or informal hog-roasts, evening buffets and traditional three-course dinners available, there is no substitute for the splendid catering experience available on site.

Whilst a selected menu is available to peruse and choose from, the catering staff are always open to personalised requests from the wedding party. Dedicated to fulfilling your individual idea of a dream wedding, the menu - just like the ceremony and reception options at Hestercombe - is every bit as versatile as they come.

Take a look at a sample menu.

If you would like to learn more, either visit the Hestercombe website or click the "Make An Enquiry" option listed above.