Welcome aboard the Hestercombe Express. Enjoy a relaxing day out with the West Somerset Railway and Hestercombe - a rail travel adventure combined with the beauty of the internationally acclaimed Hestercombe Gardens.

Your journey begins on the West Somerset Railway by joining us at any WSR station, winding your way along the coast and through gentle Somerset countryside to the pretty village of Bishops Lydeard. Here, you will be met by our coach and travel in comfort the short distance to Hestercombe Gardens. Hestercombe is a unique combination of three period gardens: the Georgian landscape; Victorian terrace: and the Edwardian formal - all once abandoned and now lovingly restored. With over 40 acres of woodland walks and formal gardens, it offers peace and tranquillity, fabulous food in the Stables Restaurant and Coffee Shop with a delightful Courtyard for refreshments al fresco style. There is a well-stocked Gardens Shop and Plant Centre and the Lutyens Gallery displays work by local artists.

New for 2010 is the restored 17th century Watermill complex which showcases the historic uses of renewable energy alongside original working mill machinery. Visit the
Mill Tea Garden adjacent to the Mill Pond for tasty snacks, cream teas and wonderful cakes.

Your coach leaves Hestercombe for the return journey to Bishops Lydeard at 3.20p.m. in time for your train journey home.

Just part of the wide variety of Formal and Landscape Gardens on view at Hestercombe

Dates of Operation (Wednesday's):

• 12th, 19th, and 26th May
• 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th June
• 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th July
• 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th August
• 1st, 8th, 15th 22nd and 29th September
• 6th October

Prices for the Hestercombe Express:

You can ring us on 01643 704996 for more details or email us by clicking here or you can look at the websites below for more information:

To book tickets you can download the booking form or you can call 01643 704996 and use your credit or debit card.

Download the Booking Form

This is a bargain opportunity as the ticket price includes;

• A return trip on the WSR worth up to £14.80
• Entry to Hestercombe Gardens worth £8.90
• The connecting Bus service

Back to the Special Events Page

For more informations on the Gardens and their History

For other local attractions and places to stay