From the first snowdrops that carpet gardens and wild woodlands, to the golden autumn splendour that lights up the landscape in a spectacular free show for all, South West England is a living encyclopedia of gardens and forests: The awsome Eden (www.edenproject.com/); the magically reclaimed Lost Gardens of Heligan (www.heligan.com/flash_intro.html); the Palladian grandeur at the National Trust’s Stourhead; Westonbirt Arboretum (www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt); and the Royal Horticultural gems of Wilton and Rosemoor.
Take advantage of an exciting new link between the West Somerset Railway and Hestercombe Gardens in Taunton, and enjoy a wonderful day out experiencing steam train travel, glorious views of the Somerset landscape and the beauty of the forty acre gardens at Hestercombe. On Wednesdays throughout July, August, and the first two weeks of September, a special timetable is offered for visitors taking the train from any of the stations from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. A coach will transfer you to Hestercombe from Bishops Lydeard at 11.30am returning from the gardens at 3.15pm to meet the train for the journey home.
This will give ample time to lose yourself in the unique gardens at Hestercombe that boast three different gardens on one site - the Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian Terrace and the world famous Edwardian Formal garden - all once abandoned, now loving restored. In addition to the beautiful walks, peace and tranquillity and vivid colours to be discovered in the gardens fabulous food is offered in the Courtyard Café and the gift shop and plant centre are ad added attraction.
Book tickets for the train/garden adventure on line at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
