Hestercombe Gardens has been selected as one of the eight finalists for the prestigious Historic Houses ‘Garden of the Year 2025’ Award. The announcement follows a long-standing tradition of recognizing Britain’s most significant parks and gardens, an initiative that has been running since 1984 in partnership with Christie’s auction house.
The judging panel revealed the shortlist of contenders, with Hestercombe securing its place among the finalists for this year’s highly anticipated award.
A spokesperson for Historic Houses highlighted the unique appeal of Hestercombe, located near Taunton in Somerset. “Spanning 50 acres, Hestercombe Gardens is a stunning showcase of four centuries of garden design,” they said. “Thanks to the dedicated research and conservation efforts of the Hestercombe Gardens Trust, the gardens have been restored to their original splendor, blending historical precision with enduring beauty.”
John Williams, the newly appointed CEO of Hestercombe, expressed his enthusiasm upon learning of the garden’s inclusion in the competition. “We are thrilled to be named a finalist in the Historic Houses Garden of the Year competition,” Williams commented. “Our gardens are currently bursting with Spring color, and we offer visitors a fantastic day out. We hope that the community will support us in this exciting opportunity.”
Hestercombe’s social media channels also shared the news, encouraging supporters to spread the word and vote for the garden in the competition. “Please tell your friends and place a vote for Hestercombe,” the post read.
As one of the most respected awards in garden design, the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award continues to celebrate the beauty and historical significance of gardens across the UK. The winner will be announced later this year.